2019 Narrative games workshop
December 7th and 8th, 2019
Supported by Film Victoria, during this two-day, hands-on workshop a group of 10-15 participants will have a chance to workshop an original idea for a branching narrative game.
We will work with Twine as well as other methodologies to look at what ingredients make a branching narrative compelling, how to develop a sense of player agency without creating an infinite series of choices and what structures/tools you can employ as your game develops.
Who are the instructors?
The workshop will be run by games professionals with extensive experience in creating and releasing narrative games. 2019 instructors include Mark Morrison (Call of Cthulhu), Ben Scerri (Cubicle 7 Ent), Alexander Swords (Dead Static Drive, Totem Teller), Ben McKenzie (Table of Tales) and Jess Paulin (Hipster Whale).
What will we be doing in the workshop?
Over two days, we’re going to do a deep dive into writing narrative games through small group and individual exercises. Prior to the workshop, participants will be given a brief for a text-based narrative game concept. You’ll have a week to come up with an idea and a few story elements that can be further developed over the course of the weekend. So by the end of the workshop, you will have created a basic Twine game that you can either continue to work on, or use as a guide for developing something else. Participants will also work in small groups to pitch an idea for a mobile game that will then be examined through the lens of marketing and release.
Who are we looking for?
Anyone who has not yet worked professionally as a writer in the games industry. You could be working in theatre, visual arts, film, TV or other narrative mediums or be someone working in another aspect of the games industry who is interested in learning about narrative development and interactive storytelling. You just can't have professional credits as a writer in a narrative game.
What do I need to submit?
Just some information about yourself, why you’re interested in writing for games and a brief overview of the branching narrative idea you’re going to workshop. If selected, you will be given a little homework to shape that idea in preparation for the workshop.
Help! I’m interested in writing for games but I don’t know anything about branching narrative or Twine.
Never fear. We’re not expecting you to be an expert. Just get familiar with the idea of branching narrative before you submit your application. Below is a helpful YouTube video which can serve as an introduction. And play around a little on twinery.org to get the hang of things. It’s free and easy to use.
Non-refundable application fee: $25
Participant fee: $165
Deadline for applications: November 18th, Midnight
Thanks to our principAL partner, Film Victoria, for making this workshop possible.
Check out our terms and conditions here.
If you have questions, take a look at our handy FAQs or email us.
Sound interesting? Well…