Interactive storytelling

The course focuses on the four partakers of interactive storytelling: the platform, the designer, the interactor, and the storyworld. When constructing a platform, the problem is to select an appropriate approach from tightly controlled to emergent storytelling. On this platform, the designer is then responsible for creating the content (e.g. characters, props, scenes and events) for the storyworld, which is then experienced and influenced by the interactor. The structure and relationships between these partakers is explained from a theoretical perspective as well as using existing interactive storytelling systems as examples.

Course content:

• Background on interactive storytelling.
• Structure of interactive storytelling platforms.
• The role of the designer.
• Interactor’s immersion, agency and transformation.
• The elements of the storyworld.
• Perspectives into the future of interactive storytelling.

By the end of the course the student

• is familiar with concepts of interactive storytelling
• knows the state-of-the-art of current research work and practical applications
• can decide a suitable approach for application design based on its narrative requirements
• has developed a critical eye on digital narratives

Completion methods: Essay, project work and an exam. The exam is not required if the student chooses to do a project work and write an essay. Exam is possible to take in UTU’s exam system. Lectures are available online.

You can find the course platform here.

You can get a digital badge after completing this course.