Narrative Design at UTC

Explore the New Minor in Narrative Design – Writing for Video Games

Welcome to an exciting new chapter in storytelling! The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga now offers a cutting-edge minor in Narrative Design – Writing for Video Games, blending creativity, technology, and the art of immersive storytelling to prepare you for a career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Why Narrative Design?

Did you know the global video game industry is valued at over $159 billion, with 2.7 billion players worldwide? As gaming continues to expand, so does the demand for skilled writers and narrative designers who can craft compelling characters, dynamic plots, and unforgettable interactive experiences. UTC’s new minor in Narrative Design prepares you to be part of this thriving field.

Program Highlights

Real-World Skills

From day one, you'll learn the tools and techniques used by professional game writers and designers. Develop industry-standard skills that make you career-ready.
 

Hands-On Courses 

• ENGL 2550: Read, Write, Respawn – Analyze, critique, and create video game stories while diving into literary and rhetorical theories.
• ENGL 2260: Introduction to Creative Writing – Hone your craft as a writer by exploring key storytelling techniques across genres, from fiction and poetry to creative nonfiction. This foundational course builds the narrative skills critical for crafting compelling video game stories.
• ENGL 3440: Shakespeare—Because writing for video games is really just twenty-first century dramaturgy, and who better to learn those skills from then the Bard himself! 
• ENGL 4560: Narrative Design – Collaborate in a team-based game studio environment to create original, interactive narratives.
• Electives: 6 hours from any of the English 3000-4000 offerings or Screenwriting in Comms

Innovative Learning

Collaborate across disciplines, blending creative writing with technology in a program designed to ignite your imagination and expand your career options. Learn to build task-specific AI tools to aid you in coding tasks, interact with team members using industry-standard tools like GitHub, and get mentorship from industry professionals.

Career Opportunities

With the Narrative Design minor, you'll be prepared for roles such as:

• Narrative Designer
• Video Game Writer
• Corporate Training Developer
• Interactive Storyteller
• Content Developer

UTC is committed to helping you turn your passion for storytelling into a fulfilling career. The gaming industry is waiting for your voice.

How to Get Started

Declare your minor today! For more information about the program or to discuss how this fits into your academic plan, contact: Dr. Sarah Einstein, Professor of English and Program Coordinator