Playing the Narrative

Catalog description

This course explores the world of video game narratives as a unique and evolving form of storytelling. Through critical analysis and hands-on gameplay, students will examine the narrative structures, themes, and techniques employed in video games. By deeply engaging with a selection of narrative-driven games (and related movies) including classics like Bioshock, The Last of Us, and other titles, students will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between literature and interactive media. A focus will be on transmedia principles, specifically how story elements are delivered differently through games compared to traditional media like movies and TV shows. Students in this course will also gain an understand of how video game narrative structure relates to effective Human-Machine Communication (HMC) from a technical standpoint. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3