Creating Interactive Stories. The Creative Process Illustrated by Visual Novels in Games

The gaming industry actively works with the concept of interactivity. Its main features, which are absent in cinema or literature, are the player's participation in creating the plot and the possibility of choices, as well as the experience gained from unique gameplay.

You have before you a book that will explain what interactive literature is and introduce you to the complete and detailed process of its development using visual novels in games as an example. You will acquire foundational knowledge about the basics of screenwriting and narrative design, which can be applied not only in the gaming industry but also in other fields where interactivity and non-linear approaches are needed.

Find out how to create captivating interactive stories!

- What is a hero's bible, why is it needed, and how to develop it?
- What settings exist, and which one is better to choose?
- How to build a conflict that will keep the audience on edge?
- What screenwriting tools can be used in games?
- How to properly draft specifications for artists and composers?
- What programs and platforms do screenwriters work with?

Natalia Andrianova is a lecturer of the visual novels course at "Narratorika" and game screenwriting at "Netology," and has been the head of the narrative department in game studios for many years. She is the author of the books "How to Create Stories. Basics of Game Screenwriting and Narrative Design in 12 Steps" and "How Games Are Made. Fundamentals of Development for Aspiring Game Developers."

"Interactive stories are a very popular format. However, there are disgracefully few guides on how to create them. The book you're holding is a detailed and useful textbook that has been sorely lacking in the video game development industry. It is highly recommended for reading by all aspiring and continuing game screenwriters and narrative designers." - Maria Kochakova, founder and director of the school of narrative design and screenwriting "Narratorika"