| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-04-01 | - |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
This 11-week program, led by industry veteran Jonathan Callan, teaches the art of writing interactive stories and branching narratives for video games. Through lectures, discussions, and workshops, students explore various formats and concepts, gaining the skills to create engaging and immersive gaming experiences. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in crafting interactive stories.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Objective: To learn to write interactive stories and branching narratives that bring our favorite video games to life.
- Content:
- Writing for games requires an understanding of structure that goes beyond linear storytelling.
- Writers are expected to hold many possible worlds--with multiple branching story points--in their heads.
- The course explores the nature of interactive story by working in multiple different formats (choose your own adventure, virtual novels, the Telltale style, etc.)
Teaching:
- Methods: The course is taught through lectures, discussions, and workshops.
UCLA Extension
Overview:
UCLA Extension is a renowned continuing education institution affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It offers a wide range of courses, certificates, and specializations designed for professional development, career advancement, and personal enrichment.
Services Offered:
UCLA Extension provides a comprehensive suite of services for its students, including:
Courses:
Hundreds of open-enrollment courses are available in various fields of study, delivered online, in-person, or in a hybrid format.Certificates:
Students can earn certificates in specialized areas, demonstrating their expertise and enhancing their career prospects.Specializations:
Short series of courses designed to quickly equip students with in-demand skills and knowledge in focused areas.Student Services:
UCLA Extension offers comprehensive support services, including enrollment assistance, financial aid, scholarships, transcripts, career services, and international student support.Corporate Education:
Custom programs and corporate training solutions are available to meet the professional development needs of organizations.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
UCLA Affiliation:
Students benefit from the prestige and reputation of UCLA, a world-class research university.Industry Experts:
Courses are taught by experienced professionals and industry leaders, providing practical and relevant knowledge.Flexible Learning:
UCLA Extension offers a variety of learning formats, including online, in-person, and hybrid options, catering to diverse schedules and preferences.Career Advancement:
Certificates and specializations can enhance career prospects and open doors to new opportunities.Personal Enrichment:
Courses and programs cater to personal interests and provide opportunities for lifelong learning.Academic Programs:
UCLA Extension offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields, including:
Accounting & Finance
Architecture & Interior Design
Business & Management
Communications
Design & Arts
Digital Technology
Education
Engineering
Entertainment
Environmental Studies & Public Policy
Health Care & Counseling
Humanities & Social Sciences
Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
Legal Programs
Real Estate
Sciences & Math
Writing
Other:
UCLA Extension is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring the quality and rigor of its programs.
Outline:
- Objective: To learn to write interactive stories and branching narratives that bring our favorite video games to life.
- Content:
- Writing for games requires an understanding of structure that goes beyond linear storytelling.
- Writers are expected to hold many possible worlds--with multiple branching story points--in their heads.
- The course explores the nature of interactive story by working in multiple different formats (choose your own adventure, virtual novels, the Telltale style, etc.)
Teaching:
- Methods: The course is taught through lectures, discussions, and workshops.
