Games Narrative - BA (Hons)

Arts University Bournemouth

The BA (Hons) Games Narrative is designed to produce graduates with the creative and technical skills to craft immersive, compelling, and interactive stories for the gaming industry. This course strikes a balance between narrative innovation, creative expression, and the technical know-how required to integrate storytelling within game mechanics. It focuses on developing expertise in narrative design, player agency, and the role of storytelling in gameplay, fostering graduates who understand how narrative can elevate the player experience. Aspiring narrative designers, scriptwriters, and storytellers in the gaming world would find this course highly relevant, as it equips them with skills that are both innovative and industry-relevant. Applicants will have the opportunity to blend their passion for storytelling with technical knowledge, working on projects that develop real-world skills. This course offers a space to engage with meaningful narratives-those that provoke thought, evoke emotions, and even inspire social change-giving students a unique edge in the industry. The opportunity to collaborate with students from Games Art and Design and Business of Games also ensures a well-rounded perspective, making graduates more versatile and competitive in the industry. Throughout the course, students will explore various narrative genres and techniques, mastering character development, world-building, and thematic exploration. They will explore "Meaningful Games" in the early part of the program, learning to develop stories with a key message that resonates beyond entertainment. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration, with projects designed to work closely with game designers, artists, and developers. Modules include "Storytelling Through Games," "Gender/Identity and Values," and final projects that showcase their narrative designs across different platforms. By the conclusion of the program, students will be able to: - Craft innovative narrative content aligned with current gaming industry trends. - Collaborate with industry professionals in creating immersive gaming experiences. - Evaluate the role and impact of narrative within games, critically assessing player engagement. - Build a comprehensive portfolio that showcases adaptability in narrative design across genres and platforms. Graduates will be ready for roles like narrative designer, scriptwriter, AI Games Prompter, or transmedia storyteller, with opportunities across gaming and broader creative industries. Students will benefit from access to state-of-the-art game development suites, storytelling and collaborative spaces that foster creativity and innovation. These resources will allow students to experiment with the latest interactive media tools and emerging technologies such as AI, ensuring they stay at the cutting edge of narrative design for games.

 The BA (Hons) Games Narrative course offers natural complementarity with the BA Games Art and Design course, sharing certain units like "Storytelling Through Games," "Gender/Identity and Values," and "Launchpad" units. These units will be tailored to fit the narrative focus while allowing for collaborative projects between the two disciplines.