computer games - story writing theory - story types
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.TRANSCRIPT
Story DevelopmentComputer Games
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Story DevelopmentComputer Games
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7 is a magic number!
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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
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7 Basic Needs in a Storyline!
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A hero
The person through whose eyes we see the story unfold, set against a larger background.
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The heroes character flaw
A weakness or defence mechanism that hinders him/ her in such a way that renders them incomplete.
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Enabling circumstances
The surroundings the hero is in at the beginning of the story, which allow the hero to maintain his/ her character flaw.
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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.
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The hero’s ally
The person who spends the most time with the hero and who helps the hero overcome his/ her character flaw.
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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.
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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.
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ChristopherBookerThe Seven Basic Plots - 2005
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Overcoming the monsterDefeating some force which threatens
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The questIn search of something
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The journey and returnThe act of travelling to achieve
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ComedyThe role of humour to create story
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TragedyTurmoil to create a story
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RebirthSecond chance to change actions
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Rags to RichesA significant change in fortunes
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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.