Narrative Foundations for Immersive Media and Video Games

Developed in partnership with multi-award-winning XR writer and designer Rob Morgan, and the founding funder UK Research and Innovation ('UKRI') under the 'StoryFutures Academy' project led by the National Film and Television School ('NFTS'), the course blends hands-on creative practice with cutting-edge case studies. It is an intensive and practice-led experience, designed for learners who want to develop future-ready creative skills and stay ahead of industry trends. This course explores the art and science of designing interactive narratives specifically for immersive media and video games. Participants will learn about the various types of player choices and their impact on agency, as well as analyse existing interactive narratives to understand branching design. The course will guide learners through the process of designing and prototyping a simple branching narrative, while also defining the differences between location-specific and location-agnostic storytelling. In addition, students will evaluate how the environment shapes narrative and design guided walks with strong narrative concepts. The course will cover immersive qualities unique to VR and games, spatial storytelling principles, and the critique of player self-consciousness in immersive media. During the course participants will be developing a complete immersive narrative concept or prototype, integrating user-centered storytelling principles, and communicate their design clearly for a creative portfolio. By the end of the course the participants will be able to 1. Design, and prototype branching interactive narratives for immersive media and video games. 2. Explain location-based storytelling techniques to create audience-aware experiences. 3. Apply spatial storytelling concepts from VR to enhance immersion and emotional engagement. 4. Produce and present a portfolio-ready immersive narrative concept integrating branching, location, or VR techniques.