Got a writing background and are interested in incorporating games into your work?
Pulled from our collection of classes and workshops, this course explores the art of storytelling in interactive media. From political narratives to noir-inspired tales, students will learn how to craft compelling stories that engage players and convey meaningful messages.
The course covers a range of topics including interactive fiction, generative storytelling, and the intersection of journalism and games. Students will examine how narrative can shape player experience, challenge societal norms, and create immersive worlds. By the end of this course, participants will have a strong foundation in narrative design for games and interactive art.
A mix of talks and workshops, we hope you find this an engaging first step in translating your work as writing, poetry, non-fiction, journalism into engaging interactive experiences.
Modules:
Explore how interactive fiction can be used to address political issues and create social impact. Led by Dhruv Jani of Studio Oleomingus, this workshop examines language, protest, bodies, and empathy in games. Jani, whose work has been featured at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and MoMA, will guide participants through creating a storytelling prototype for analog or digital games.
Learn how to blend noir aesthetics with cosmic themes in game narratives. Evan Anthony and Jeremy Abel, founders of Feral Cat Den and creators of the acclaimed game Genesis Noir, will discuss their journey from concept to release. This talk explores their unique approach to game design, drawing inspiration from film noir, jazz, and cosmology.
Discover techniques to challenge player expectations and create surprising narratives. Leo Castañeda, a Colombian-American artist featured in exhibitions at HeK Basel and the Bass Museum, shares insights from his game-based art projects. Learn how to integrate gaming mechanics into fine art practices to create thought-provoking experiences.
Understand how narrative and user experience intersect in horror games and VR. Dino Ignacio, former UX Director for the Dead Space series and Design Lead at Facebook Reality Labs, discusses the evolution of storytelling techniques from traditional horror games to immersive VR experiences.
Gain insights into maintaining a long-term creative practice in game development. Nicole He, an independent game developer working on projects for the National Film Board of Canada and Devolver Digital, shares strategies for sustaining creativity and navigating the challenges of long-term projects.
Explore how Minecraft can be used to create interactive journalistic experiences. Tobias Natterer (DDB Berlin) and James Delaney (Blockworks UK) present The Uncensored Library, a collaboration with Reporters Without Borders. Learn how they used Minecraft to create a digital safe haven for press freedom.
Learn how to use gaming avatars to foster community and stimulate discussion. Kara Güt, recipient of the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award, demonstrates how to leverage platforms like VRChat for artistic expression and community building.
Discover how AI can enhance world-building and narrative creation in games. Pearlyn Lii, an alumna of NEW INC (supported by The New Museum) and selectee of the Art+Code track in partnership with Rhizome, guides participants through incorporating AI into the creative process while maintaining a unique style.
Understand how games can be used to address issues of digital censorship. Xiaowei Wang and Qianqian Ye, creators of The Future of Memory project (recipient of the Mozilla Creative Media Award), discuss using games to challenge algorithmic content moderation and explore digital rights.
Examine how narrative design can challenge gender stereotypes in gaming. Dr. Shira Chess, Associate Professor of Media Studies at the University of Georgia and author of Play Like a Feminist, explores how to create games that transcend gender boundaries while advocating for equality.
Additional Information
- We do not offer refunds and exchanges
- We do offer educational scholarships based on need. Please email info@gameplayarts.org for more information.
Got a writing background and are interested in incorporating games into your work?
Pulled from our collection of classes and workshops, this course explores the art of storytelling in interactive media. From political narratives to noir-inspired tales, students will learn how to craft compelling stories that engage players and convey meaningful messages.
The course covers a range of topics including interactive fiction, generative storytelling, and the intersection of journalism and games. Students will examine how narrative can shape player experience, challenge societal norms, and create immersive worlds. By the end of this course, participants will have a strong foundation in narrative design for games and interactive art.
A mix of talks and workshops, we hope you find this an engaging first step in translating your work as writing, poetry, non-fiction, journalism into engaging interactive experiences.
Modules:
Explore how interactive fiction can be used to address political issues and create social impact. Led by Dhruv Jani of Studio Oleomingus, this workshop examines language, protest, bodies, and empathy in games. Jani, whose work has been featured at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and MoMA, will guide participants through creating a storytelling prototype for analog or digital games.
Learn how to blend noir aesthetics with cosmic themes in game narratives. Evan Anthony and Jeremy Abel, founders of Feral Cat Den and creators of the acclaimed game Genesis Noir, will discuss their journey from concept to release. This talk explores their unique approach to game design, drawing inspiration from film noir, jazz, and cosmology.
Discover techniques to challenge player expectations and create surprising narratives. Leo Castañeda, a Colombian-American artist featured in exhibitions at HeK Basel and the Bass Museum, shares insights from his game-based art projects. Learn how to integrate gaming mechanics into fine art practices to create thought-provoking experiences.
Understand how narrative and user experience intersect in horror games and VR. Dino Ignacio, former UX Director for the Dead Space series and Design Lead at Facebook Reality Labs, discusses the evolution of storytelling techniques from traditional horror games to immersive VR experiences.
Gain insights into maintaining a long-term creative practice in game development. Nicole He, an independent game developer working on projects for the National Film Board of Canada and Devolver Digital, shares strategies for sustaining creativity and navigating the challenges of long-term projects.
Explore how Minecraft can be used to create interactive journalistic experiences. Tobias Natterer (DDB Berlin) and James Delaney (Blockworks UK) present The Uncensored Library, a collaboration with Reporters Without Borders. Learn how they used Minecraft to create a digital safe haven for press freedom.
Learn how to use gaming avatars to foster community and stimulate discussion. Kara Güt, recipient of the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award, demonstrates how to leverage platforms like VRChat for artistic expression and community building.
Discover how AI can enhance world-building and narrative creation in games. Pearlyn Lii, an alumna of NEW INC (supported by The New Museum) and selectee of the Art+Code track in partnership with Rhizome, guides participants through incorporating AI into the creative process while maintaining a unique style.
Understand how games can be used to address issues of digital censorship. Xiaowei Wang and Qianqian Ye, creators of The Future of Memory project (recipient of the Mozilla Creative Media Award), discuss using games to challenge algorithmic content moderation and explore digital rights.
Examine how narrative design can challenge gender stereotypes in gaming. Dr. Shira Chess, Associate Professor of Media Studies at the University of Georgia and author of Play Like a Feminist, explores how to create games that transcend gender boundaries while advocating for equality.
Additional Information
- We do not offer refunds and exchanges
- We do offer educational scholarships based on need. Please email info@gameplayarts.org for more information.
Our Approach
Game-Making Practice
It's for everyone! We believe that game design and thinking is not limited to "the video game industry." It's a creative point of view that any discipline can use.
LEARN FROM Doing
Our workshops are focused on activities with a majority of time spent on making things.
this is only the start
You'll grow from here. We hope that this is a stepping stone for you to permanently work with the material of games.