20
Story Development Computer Games Research Report//Story Production//Dialogue// Eval

Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

This material has been produced to be used on the BTEC Level 3 Games Development Extended Diploma (formerly National Diploma) course delivery. This resource can be adapted and amended for other relevant courses.

Citation preview

Page 1: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

Page 2: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

7 is a magic number!

Page 3: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

Creativity in storytelling is hard!

It is a commonly held view that in film and literature that there are only 7 main plots that stories follow.

The seven basic plots are.

1.wo(man) vs nature2.wo(man) vs man3.wo(man) vs the environment4.wo(man) vs machines/ technology5.wo(man) vs the supernatural6.wo(man) vs self7.wo(man) vs god/religion

Jessamyn West

Page 4: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

7 Basic Needs in a Storyline!

Page 5: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

A hero

The person through whose eyes we see the story unfold, set against a larger background.

Page 6: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

The heroes character flaw

A weakness or defence mechanism that hinders him/ her in such a way that renders them incomplete.

Page 7: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

Enabling circumstances

The surroundings the hero is in at the beginning of the story, which allow the hero to maintain his/ her character flaw.

Page 8: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

An opponent

Someone who opposes the hero in getting or doing what he/ she wants. Not always a villain. For example in a romantic comedy, the opponent could be the man or woman whom the hero seeks romance with. The opponent is the person who instigates the life changing event.

Page 9: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

The hero’s ally

The person who spends the most time with the hero and who helps the hero overcome his/ her character flaw.

Page 10: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

The life changing event

A challenge threat or opportunity usually instigated by the opponent, which focuses the hero to respond in some way that’s related to the hero’s flaws.

Page 11: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

Jeopardy

The high stakes that the hero must risk to overcome his/ her flaw. These are dramatic events that lend excitement and challenge to the quest.

Page 12: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

ChristopherBookerThe Seven Basic Plots - 2005

Page 13: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

Overcoming the monsterDefeating some force which threatens

Page 14: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

The questIn search of something

Page 15: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

The journey and returnThe act of travelling to achieve

Page 16: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

ComedyThe role of humour to create story

Page 17: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

TragedyTurmoil to create a story

Page 18: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

RebirthSecond chance to change actions

Page 19: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

Rags to RichesA significant change in fortunes

Page 20: Computer Games - Story Writing Theory - Story Types

Story DevelopmentComputer Games

Rese

arc

h R

eport

//Sto

ry P

roduct

ion//

Dia

logue//

Evalu

ati

on

Narrative evaluation

•Write a 500 word game review focusing on Narrative.

•Think of a game you have played recently that follows one of the story lines defined by Booker. •How does the games designer use the storyline to immerse the player into the game play.

•You must also consider the weaknesses of the story too.