CWVG Video Game Certificate Bundle

Time limit: 365 days

Writing for Video Games Certificate

About the Course

Writing for video games is a new frontier. A place where writers and game developers are learning, innovating and pioneering bold new approaches to telling stories.

In this six course Professional Certificate Program, you’ll learn the tools and techniques of writing for video games in a comprehensive program designed by successful, working game writers and UBC teachers. We’ll teach you the fundamentals of creating game narrative and characters, show you the unique ways that game writing differs from other forms of writing, and dive into the storytelling and worldbuilding skills that you need to work in this exciting industry. Along the way you’ll hear from a wide range of industry experts (from Ubisoft, Relic Entertainment, BioWare, Electronic Arts and more) who discuss the challenges and rewards of the job. At the end of the certificate, you’ll have a portfolio of work suitable for applying for a broad range of game writing positions that will help you excel in the industry.

What You'll Learn

The crucial differences between traditional storytelling and writing for video games
The writer and narrative designer’s role in the game development process
How to develop characters and write scenes that serve both the narrative and the production of a game
How to work with art directors, programmers and level designers to create interactive narratives
How to develop an application portfolio and excel at industry-standard writing tests

Format

These courses are 100% online, self-paced, and not for credit. You'll have the chance to discuss the assignments with your fellow students and will have the opportunity to attend drop-in virtual office hours to ask questions to the instructor.

Estimated Length:  A total of 6 courses, five week each - self paced

Instructors:  Ray Clark

Genre: Fiction

Audience: Open to anyone in the world - no university registration required, no experience required.

Prerequisite: None

Syllabus

About the Instructors

Ray Clark is an independent game developer and a graduate of Creative Writing BFA and MFA programs at the University of British Columbia. They work primarily in story-driven video games, as well as in board game development, and their work is published on Steam and itch.io.

Questions?

You can contact us at: crwr.noncredit@ubc.ca

Some frequent questions:

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! We offer 30% off if you sign up for all courses as a bundle. That’s $819 in savings! (regular price $2,730). All prices in Canadian dollars.

Do I need to have experience as a video games writer?

No, This Certificate is accessible to anyone, no experience is required.

I don’t know if I want to commit to the Certificate. Can I just take the first course and go from there?

Absolutely! You can take the courses one by one, or just one course. Keep in mind though that to obtain the certificate, you need to take all six courses. Courses 1-5 are a pre-requisite to take Course 6. This last course includes a portfolio that needs to be submitted for grading and the certificate will be issued after successfully completing this assignment. Simply completing the coursework does not meet all the requirements for certification.

How long will I have access to the course materials?

You will have access to each course for 365 days from the time you start. We also provide downloadable transcripts of all videos and you're free to save these for future reference.

What is your refund policy?

We do not offer refunds due to the nature of this course (self-paced and asynchronous).