WORKSHOP WITH ALEXANDER SWORDS: An Introduction To Narrative Design

Narrative Design is the process of understanding story as a system. This understanding allows storytellers to better connect to both play and interactivity, for games, XR and live choice-driven experiences. It also gives a look “under the hood” at how story functions on a meta and micro structural level, which can help linear storytelling move away from rigid conventions.

This practical workshop will introduce three validated processes of narrative design that can be used across a wide range of media.

• The high concept formula can be used to break down any story into its important elements, regardless of source media.
• Narrative design patterns are a way of understanding how the story unfolds over time, detailing the dramatic relationships between the different elements.
• Designing valuable choices requires its own process. Not all choices are created equal, and while choices can be created for aesthetic reasons, their story value to the audience should still be understood.

These result in clear and simple diagrams that can be used to clarify ideas, facilitate discussion and communicate to stakeholders.

Participants will work on their own laptops using the online collaboration tool, Miro – now a standard for the industry – and take a new idea from inspiration to a short choice-driven narrative design.

Alexander Swords works in writing, narrative design, and narrative direction for video games, XR and live interactive experiences. The workshop is based on the Forest Paths Method which is now used by studios and educators to develop and teach narrative design around the world.

Who is it for: Anyone 17+, any skill level.

When: Wednesday 3rd April, 10am – 4pm
Where: Yoobee College of Creative Innovation - Auckland City Road Campus
Level 4/3 City Road, Grafton, Auckland 1010
Please get in touch with us if you require special assistance with the venue.

Cost: General Admission $125 (incl. GST+BF) via Humanitix.

What to bring: Laptop (not provided), water bottle and lunch. Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. 1hr lunch break – countdown and cafes within walking distance.

Parking: Allow adequate time to find a public park; using public transport is recommended.

Alexander Swords is a writer, narrative designer and director in video games and interactive experiences. He’s also the creator of the Forest Paths Method for Narrative Design, a player-first approach to understanding story in an approachable and collaborative way, used internationally by developers and educators. Advising government, arts organisations, and educators, he’s an advocate for diverse stories and their writers, and is currently teaching at the National Institute for the Dramatic Arts (NIDA), a resident practitioner at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and on the Interactive and AI Committees for the Australian Writers’ Guild.

Script to Screen thanks Yoobee College of Creative Innovation for providing the venue on their city campus.

ARTIST: BEN KERSLAKE

IMAGE: TOTEM TELLER (GAME)