Debra Bruch --------------------- Associate Professor of Theatre -- Michigan Technological University
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Dr. Debra Bruch
Associate Professor of Theatre
Office: 209E Walker
Office Phone: 487-3281

Story Development for Role-Playing Games
Summer Syllabus

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:

To have students examine and understand the creative process for creating role-playing games for the video and computer industry, with an emphasis on story development.

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Week 1 Orientation
 

PLOT:  FIRST STAGE
            Player and Environment – Time and Location
 

PLOT:  FIRST STAGE
         The Beginning and Ending – Player and Situation
 

In-class Group Work on Plot:  First Stage
Week 2

THE WORLD OF THE GAME
         Maps – Where Things Happen
 

THE WORLD OF THE GAME
         Gamewide Events  – Outside the Basic Plot
 

THE WORLD OF THE GAME
         Items, NPCs, etc. Relating to Gamewide Events
 

In-class Group Work on The World of the Game
Week 3

NO CLASS – Memorial Day
 

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
         Player's Main Challenges and Obstacles
 

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
         Player's Stages of Development
 

In-class Group Work on Player's Stages of Development
Week 4

PLOT:  SECOND STAGE
         Basic Plot Structure – Main Events
 

PLOT:  SECOND STAGE
         Basic Plot Structure – NPCs
 

PLOT:  SECOND STAGE
         Basic Plot Events
 

In-class Group Work on Plot:  Second Stage
Week 5

PLOT: SPECIFICS
         Specific Plot Events
 

PLOT: SPECIFICS
         Specific Plot Events
 

PLOT: SPECIFICS
         Specific Plot Events
 

In-class Group Work on Plot:  Specifics
Week 6

PLAYER ATTRIBUTES & ITEM PROFICIENCY
         Player Statistics
 

PLAYER ATTRIBUTES & ITEM PROFICIENCY
         Items Relating to Plot
 

PLAYER ATTRIBUTES & ITEM PROFICIENCY
         Crafting
 

In-class Group Work on Player Attributes & Item Proficiency
Week 7

In-class Group Work on Project Presentation
 

In-class Group Work on Project Presentation
 

Due:  Group #1 Project Presentation
 

Due:  Group #2 Project Presentation
 

NO FINAL EXAM

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GRADING:

Project Presentations ------- 30 points possible

Each group will give a presentation to the class of a role-playing game.  Class time will be devoted to these presentations.  Students will be in groups. I will look for an in-depth understanding and completeness of each category.  Visual aides are required for the presentation.  The presentation will not be less than 30 minutes nor more than 45 minutes in length.  The presentation will be in the following order:

1.  Plot:  First Stage
2.  The World of the Game
3.  Player Development
4.  Plot:  Second Stage
5.  Plot:  Specifics
6.  Player Attributes and Item Proficiency

Evaluation of Project Presentation

 

Attendance ------- 20 points possible

To learn effectively, you must attend class.  Attendance begins from the time I take roll and ends at the end of the class period.  I will deduct the number of unexcused absences from 20.  Excused absences require documentation.

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FINAL GRADE:

  • 46 to 50 = A
  • 44 to 45 = AB
  • 41 to 43 = B
  • 39 to 40 = BC
  • 36 to 38 = C
  • 34 to 35 = CD
  • 30 to 33 = D
  • 0 to 29 = F

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MTU complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA). If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for equal access to education or services at MTU, please call Dr. Gloria Melton, Associate Dean of Students (2212). For other concerns about discrimination, you may contact your advisor, department head, or the Affirmative Action Office (3310).