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Nobody needs formal training to get started, but I founded this workshop because MFA-style courses were invaluable in my own development, and I wanted to pass on what I had learned. The community, structure, advice, and commitment I made to myself all propelled me forward—experiences that ultimately benefited my career precisely because they weren't about careers; they were about passion and honing my craft.
Over several years, I've refined this model for game writing, always holding fast to one core ambition: don't wait for a "perfect time" to create—such a thing does not and will not exist. If you want to be a writer, be a writer. And with workshops like this one? You don't have to do it alone.
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Dr. Greg Buchanan is a bestselling novelist, Game Writer, and Senior Narrative Design for BAFTA-award winning games (NO MAN’S SKY)
- Writer of the BAFTA-Winning Video Game NO MAN’S SKY - over 10 million copies sold, with a 30 hour long branching text story introduced post-launch.
- Worked on major franchises such as DARK SOULS, UNTIL DAWN, THE DARK PICTURES, METRO & more.
- Voice Director for DIVINITY: ORIGINAL SIN 2.
- Bestselling Author of SIXTEEN HORSES (TV adaptation announced from Gaumont, the studio behind HANNIBAL & NARCOS) & CONSUMED.
- PhD in identification and ethics across novels and video games, teaching classes in literary theory and lecturing at King’s College London.
- Taught almost 100 students over three years since the workshop’s inception.
- Started his career with an early version of the BAFTA-longlisted text game AMERICAN ELECTION — using the exact same tools as this very workshop.
Finish the workshop with:
- Tangible proof of your abilities and creativity that goes beyond fragments in a document—setting you apart in a competitive industry and giving you the basis for your first (or next) indie release.
- At least 30 minutes+ gameplay with a polished 8 minute demo presented to a senior industry guest at our showcase
- Graduation Certificate with LinkedIn Integration for those who meet criteria of quality and diligence
- Free Lifetime access to my archive of Substack articles
WRITING INTERACTIVE ACADEMY: GAME WRITING WORKSHOP & COURSES
Branching Narrative & Video Game Writing Skills Development
The Game Writing Workshop
Welcome — this workshop is designed to guide you through creating your own interactive fiction game, whether you are an aspiring or professional creator looking for a space to grow your skills and focus on a new project.
We use free, text-based tools like Twine and Ink that let you focus on what really matters: story and experience.
- Small Cohort (capped at ~8–12 participants) for in-depth feedback
- No Pre-Recorded Videos—all sessions are live and discussion-based
- Immediate Start: sign up early to begin planning and interactive writing exercises before the main sessions even begin
- MFA-style Feedback every week; no generic templates or filler
- End-of-Course Showcase featuring a senior industry guest, where you’ll present a polished demo
The workshop’s standard fee is £1,500GBP+VAT, though alternatives are available on request.
Aspiring + Pro Writers Selective Admission Group Video Discussion Bespoke Teacher Feedback Showcase Lifetime Premium Substack Access LinkedIn-integrated Graduation Certificate (dependent on achieving course objectives)
Alumni 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
“This is the sort of structure that interactive narrative is crying out for. Access to honest, gentle, professional feedback in a medium where it can be hard to find is a blessing.”
— Thomas Davies (Whispers in the West)
Who Is This For?
Aspiring Writers & Narrative Designers
Think you need complex coding, 3D graphics, or a massive budget to create a “real” game? You don’t. We’ll use free, accessible tools like Twine and Ink. If you’re motivated to write, this workshop helps you produce an actual playable script—proving to yourself (and others) that you are a game writer.
Professionals & Experienced Creators
Do you already write or design narrative for indie or AAA titles? Perhaps you want to explore new branches of interactive storytelling freed from corporate constraints. Our close-knit sessions and peer critiques will challenge you to experiment with deeper choices, advanced branching structures, and unconventional approaches.
Everyone in Between
We’re selective—because we want folks who truly care about storytelling—but we’re also welcoming. If you’re ready to learn and committed to finishing a playable game, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
"There's no substitute for other people reading & critiquing your work. Doing so in the safe & encouraging space that Greg provides has been genuinely career-changing.”
— Kate Gray (Moonstone Island, Winding Worlds)
“Greg’s guidance & the support of fellow students make this an invaluable experience for anyone interested in writing for interactive mediums.”
— Nathan Vokal (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Infinity Ward)
"Greg moved heaven and earth for me to keep working when I could and to give me the space to do what I needed to do. I'm going to publish a game this year: that is down to this course and what it has taught me.”
- Alastair Stuart (The Magnus Archives VA; Doctor Who TTRPG; Game Developer)
"I really think that without this course it wouldn't have turned out as good as it did. The group feedback and dialogue exercises helped me streamline my work and create a range of dialogue options that were fun and interesting for the player to explore."
- Jillian Nerat (Narrative Designer and Storyboard Artist, BFA Game Design)
"The one-on-one support from Greg was a really helpful and unique offering that I found even more personal and helpful than most of my college-level workshops. In the end, I created a prototype for a game that I was really happy with, and I loved getting feedback from industry professionals.”
- Luna Raydue (Gamedev, Voice Actor, Twitch Streamer, MFA Stony Brook)
(If the Waiting List form is not displayed above, visit: https://toolbox.writinginteractive.com/gamewritingworkshop-apply)