Beginning Storytelling via Games - Student

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Beginning Storytelling via Games: Storyboard Project

What You’ll Learn In this lesson, you’ll take your first steps into story-based game design by creating a complete storyboard with branching paths. You’ll learn how to think through choices and consequences while building a logical and creative story structure.

What to Expect

  • Duration: 2 days
  • Activities: Writing scripts, building flowcharts, designing multiple storyboards

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get Inspired

    • Start with a “Video of the Day” or game-themed image. Write a short story about what might be just outside the frame.

  2. Plan Your Game Story

    • Begin thinking about a story-based game idea.
    • Create a script that includes multiple decisions or path breaks for your character.
    • Think about the different paths your story could take and how it might end depending on the choices made.

  3. Build a Flowchart

    • Draw a flowchart to show how the story branches.

    • Your chart must include:

      • 1 main decision point (branch)
      • At least 4 branches from that point
      • At least 2 outcomes (limbs) per branch = 8 limbs minimum

  4. Storyboard Each Path

    • For each of your 8 final limbs, create a storyboard panel.
    • Use drawings, captions, and action notes to show what happens.
    • Be sure your storyboards clearly show different outcomes depending on choices.

  5. Script and Storyboard Pairing

    • Write a short script to match each storyboard.
    • Make sure your script helps explain the logic of the flowchart and the actions in the panels.

  6. Review and Revise

    • Trade storyboards with a partner.
    • Give feedback on clarity, creativity, and logical flow.
    • Make any needed improvements.

Why This Matters Designing a storyboard for a branching story teaches you how writers and game designers build narrative logic and player agency into their stories. It also helps you strengthen your creative and critical thinking skills.

Outcome: What You Will Create

  • A flowchart with at least 4 branches and 8 limbs
  • A script that explains the paths
  • At least 9 total storyboard panels (1 main, 4 branches, 4+ limbs)
  • Peer-reviewed and improved versions of your work

Bonus Exploration

  • Think about your favorite video game. How many possible endings does it have? What kind of choices change the story?