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TCID 393 Writing in Interactive Environments

In this course, students will learn the unique style of writing and storytelling used in an interactive environment. In this production-focused course, students will produce a video game (or slice of a video game), interactive story, or interactive website prototype by the end of the course. Students will focus on creating a continuity of experience across a system, writing compelling prompts, writing and thinking in decision trees, and anticipating audience input. Students will conduct usability testing/playtesting and revision of their constructed environments. No programming knowledge is assumed.

Prerequisites

Special information

Prerequisites: WRIT 131 AND WRIT 231 or Writing requirement fulfilled.
2 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 15, 2022 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of writing in decision trees for user interaction.
  • Students will be able to analyze user expectations and goals and develop appropriate prompts.
  • Students will be able to craft prompts, dialogue, options, exposition, and/or descriptions that are consistent across the constructed environment.
  • Students will be able to apply theories of assessment and critique for interactive environments.
  • Students will be able to improve their constructed environments through iterative design and user feedback.
  • Students will be able to apply structural, cultural, aesthetic, ethical, and practical elements that go into effective interactive writing.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Fall 2026

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Writing in Interactive Environments Layne, Alexandra Marie Books for TCID-393-50 Fall 2026 Course details for TCID-393-50 Fall 2026