Narrative in Mechanics: Telling Stories Through Gameplay

Description

This creative course explores how to connect mechanics and narrative to deliver emotionally resonant gameplay. Topics include symbolic mechanics, metaphors in interaction, and emergent storytelling. Learners review games that blur the line between play and narrative. Activities include mechanic-to-story analysis and design journaling. PDF handouts and flowcharts guide the process of integrating theme into systems. Ideal for those who want to build meaning beyond plot and cutscenes. A rare look at expressive systems in modern game design. Includes a case study series on metaphorical gameplay.

Digital Course

12 days

Narrative mechanics, metaphors, symbolic game design

Writers and designers aiming to merge gameplay and narrative