The Definitive Game Narrative Guide

1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-1-041-03691-3
Verlag: CRC Press

Buch, Englisch, 320 Seiten, Format (B × H): 157 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 619 g

The Definitive Game Narrative Guide is the ultimate start and end point for storytelling in video games. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned game developer, this book offers an in-depth, comprehensive look at the entire narrative process.

Written by two industry veterans with experience across some of the biggest AAA franchises, this guide covers the basics to the advanced, including the "why" for each topic as much as the "how."

This book explores the nuances of world building, character development, interactive storytelling, and the technical challenges unique to game narrative. With real-world examples, practical insights, and expert advice, it provides a look into how game stories come together, from the smallest indie project to massive AAA teams.

The Definitive Game Narrative Guide is more than a how-to book, as it also serves as an industry insider’s perspective on what makes game storytelling truly great. It discusses techniques to navigate the creative workplace, working as a creative, and most importantly, collaborating with other creatives and disciplines, such as art and design.

An essential tool for anyone looking to level up their understanding of game narrative. This book will help you bring unforgettable stories to life in an interactive form.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development and Professional Reference

Autoren/Hrsg.

Kindregan, Brian

Lasrado, Diandra Anne

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Programmierung | Softwareentwicklung Spiele-Programmierung, Rendering, Animation
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Informatik Virtuelle Realität, Erweiterte Realität

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Skip This Introduction, Section 1: Storytelling, Chapter 1: The Basics, Chapter 2: Narrative Concepts, Chapter 3: Ideas, Chapter 4: Basic Structure, Section 2: Game Storytelling, Chapter 5: Storytelling That is Unique to Games, Chapter 6: Interactive Structure, Chapter 7: World Building, Section 3: Characters, Chapter 8: Where to Start, Chapter 9: Characters from the Outside, Chapter 10: Characters in a Story, Section 4: Dialogue & Voice Over, Chapter 11: Writing Dialogue for VO, Chapter 12: Barks, Chapter 13: Conversations, Chapter 14: Voice Over Sessions, Section 5: Cutscenes, Chapter 15: Before You Write the Cutscene, Chapter 16: Writing the Cutscene, Section 6: Intellectual Property, Chapter 17: Now You’re Thinking with IP, Chapter 18: Creating a New IP, Chapter 19: Developing an Existing IP, Section 7: Game Narrative Professional, Chapter 20: Being a Professional, Chapter 21: Navigating the Creative Workplace, Chapter 22: Addenda

Über Autor(innen)

Brian Kindregan is a veteran of BioWare, Blizzard, Epic Games, Ubisoft, NetEase, and Tencent. Brian has been a creative director, a narrative director, a lead writer, and a senior writer. In a previous life, he was a storyboard artist and animator in the film business and directed two seasons of a CG television series. He’s also taught at a number of universities and lectured on game narrative at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. You can find him on Substack at @briankindregan.

Diandra Anne Lasrado is a veteran of BioWare, Blizzard, Riot Games, Carbine, Activision, Aniplex, and more. Diandra has been a lead narrative designer, senior narrative designer, and senior editor. She’s worked on World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Wildstar, Diablo, and more. She has mentored a number of young developers and lectured at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. You can find her on BlueSky at @mesaanasedai and Substack at @mesaanasedai.