A 4 week game writing class focused entirely on crafting the most meaningful unit of any narrative game, demo, or portfolio sample: the scene.
Led by: Dr. Greg Buchanan, game writer for BAFTA-winning titles, TTRPG writer, and bestselling novelist (incl. No Man's Sky, Metro Exodus, The Dark Pictures, Dark Souls: Eyes of Death, Sixteen Horses, and more).
WHY FOCUS INTENSELY ON SCENES:
Read the full essay: Yes, You Can Get Better at Writing ↗
It's the most direct way to practice core interactive mechanics – choice, consequence, pacing, character voice – in manageable chunks. Build confidence and tangible skills in a supportive environment.
This is a unique opportunity for deep practice and refinement. Sharpen your control over narrative dynamics, experiment with different scene types, and generate fresh ideas through improvisational group work – freed to try something new.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
- Control pacing and tension effectively within a single scene.
- Design meaningful choices with immediate, impactful consequences.
- Write sharp, interactive dialogue that reveals character and drives action.
- Structure scenes for maximum player engagement and narrative function.
- Utilize environmental details efficiently within a scene's scope.
- Rapidly prototype and iterate on scene ideas through improvisation and focused exercises.
- ÂŁ375 GBP + VAT
- Discount available for previous Writing Interactive students
- Graduation Status (Game Lab 101), including a LinkedIn-integrated certificate
- An in-depth feedback report for improving your final project and developing future directions
Alumni of my courses have worked for:
Rockstar Games, Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty, Cloud Imperium’s Star Citizen, Raw Fury, The Lord of the Rings, PUBG Corporation & more, with writing across TTRPGs, TV, film & bestselling novels
- Sundays 6-9PM (UK Time)
- April 27 // May: 4, 11, 18
Weekly 3-hour live interactive workshops – not pre-recorded lectures. All sessions are live and discussion-based, inspired by a brand-new mix of writers rooms, game jams & improv methodology.
- Free premium access to the Substack archive for one year
- Access to the private 101 Discord channel and role in the Writing Interactive community
- If accepted to join the larger 12 week+ Interactive Narrative MFA-style workshop, you will be eligible for a 10% discount.
Towards the end, you will independently craft your own scene: a fully playable, five-minute game using a custom tool created for this course — no code required. Perfect as a standalone creative project, portfolio piece, demo, and/or the start of a larger game.