Video Games: Creative and Critical Writing

In recent years the gaming industry has been transformed by the addition of auteur-driven indie games to those of AAA studios with Hollywood budgets, as well as by the diversity of technology on which games can be played. We will study examples of successful imagined worlds (Zelda: Breath of the Wild), powerful storytelling (The Last of Us), literary games (Kentucky Route Zero), indie games (Braid), micro-Indies (Problem Attic) and classic adventure games (Monkey Island), amongst others.

We will explore the possibilities of play, world-building, narrative, character-design, game mechanics, and game dynamics. Technical understanding of the medium will provide us with an array of opportunities for writing and imagining video games: composing narratives and shooting-scripts; creating avatars; developing fictional worlds. We will introduce you to some game development software, though this module is not designed as a coding course. It is ideal for students looking beyond the surface of video games, wanting to engage with thoughtful critique of an emerging industry. We will reflect on the social implications of game design, taking into account discourses around gender, race and sexuality.

A guest lecture will be offered by an industry expert.

Target group

This course is ideal for students looking beyond the surface of video games, wanting to engage with thoughtful critique of an emerging industry.

Course aim

- Understand and experiment with common practices of creative writing across multiple computer/video game genres

- Reflect critically on the social implications of game design, taking into account discourses around gender, race, and sexuality

- Communicate the results of critical reflection in a collegial group discussion

- Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems when relating the creative aspect of game design to critical reflection on the social aspects of games

Credits info

15 EC
All our modules have been formally approved for 15 Sussex credits; equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3-4 US credits. This means that your study at Sussex over the summer can count towards your degree.

Sussex modules are accepted for transfer credit towards degrees at most colleges and universities. But policies and degree requirements vary, so you should obtain approval for transfer of module credit before you apply.

Please consult with your study abroad advisor before choosing your modules to ensure you are able to transfer any credit you need.

Fee info

GBP 2: The full cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session will be £2,760. If you wish to study for both sessions then you can do so.

This is made up of:

Tuition fees of £1,820 per session include:

- All teaching and assessment for one module of study. Where field trips or course excursions are required then the cost of this is included in the tuition fee, however travel costs may be required
- A minimum of 150 study hours, with a minimum of 40 hours class/teaching contact hours
- Modules formally approved for 15 Sussex credits, equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3 – 4 US credits
- A transcript of studies upon successful completion of the module (including meeting all attendance and assessment requirements).


The accommodation and campus programme fee of £940 per session include:

- Your own bedroom in on-campus East Slope student village. These are a mixture of en-suite flats and standard flats with shared facilities
- Bedding pack of duvet and duvet cover, sheet, towel, pillow and pillowcase
- Programme of free campus social events and activities throughout each session. Excursions and social programme trips will be provided on Fridays and weekends.

Scholarships

If you are applying from one of our partner institutions, you will be entitled to a reduction in tuition fees. Please contact your study abroad office or summer@sussex.ac.uk for more information.