Experiment by writing in different interactive genres and formats
Master the fundamental concepts of writing for video games where players have choices that affect outcomes
Embrace the vocabulary of interactive fiction and begin building a portfolio of work
About this course:
Writing for games requires an understanding of structure that goes beyond linear storytelling. From the early days of tabletop gaming to more recent hits like Mass Effect and Fallout, writers are expected to hold many possible worlds--with multiple branching story points--in their heads. And to ultimately translate those concepts into actionable materials. In this course, you explore the nature of interactive story by working in multiple different formats (choose your own adventure, virtual novels, the Telltale style, etc.) and writing games that exemplify the fundamental concepts of branching narrative. The course goal is to develop a vocabulary for interactive fiction and to write a game in the format of your choosing that can be used as a calling card for future work.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from July 28, 2025 to October 05, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Jan 10, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Jan 17, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Jan 24, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Jan 31, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 7, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 14, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 21, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 28, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Mar 7, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Mar 14, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
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