Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to analyze and understand the elements of storytelling in video games, and apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the narrative structure and character development.

Materials and Prep

• A computer or gaming console
• A video game of the student's choice
• Paper and pen/pencil

No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Choose a video game that the student enjoys playing or is interested in exploring. It can be any genre or style.

   Have the student play the game for at least 30 minutes, paying close attention to the storyline, characters, and dialogue.

2. After playing, ask the student to write a short summary of the game's plot. This should include the main conflict, the protagonist, and any key events or twists.

   Encourage the student to think critically about the narrative structure and character development. Are there any character arcs or growth? How does the story engage the player?

3. Discuss the student's summary and analysis. Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking. For example:

   • "What elements of storytelling did you notice in the game?"
   • "How did the game use dialogue to develop the characters?"
   • "Were there any unexpected plot twists or surprises? How did they impact your experience?"

4. Challenge the student to create their own short story or narrative concept for a video game. They can use the elements they learned from analyzing the game as inspiration.

   Have the student write a brief outline or description of their game idea, including the main characters, setting, and central conflict.

5. Optional: If the student is interested, they can create a storyboard or visual representation of a key scene from their game idea.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• "Video games are a form of interactive storytelling, where players can actively participate in the narrative."
• "Analyzing the elements of storytelling in video games can help us understand how narratives are constructed and engage with the audience."
• "Character development is an important aspect of storytelling in video games, just like in books or movies. It helps us connect with the characters and become invested in their journey."
• "Plot twists and surprises in video games can create excitement and keep players engaged. They often serve to advance the story or introduce new challenges."
• "Creating our own stories for video games allows us to exercise our creativity and apply what we've learned about storytelling."