New Interdisciplinary Microcredential Programme Teaches Video Game Narrative Design

The Institute of Cultural Research, in collaboration with the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Tartu, is launching a new microcredential programme “Video Game Narratives” aimed at anyone interested in understanding and creating compelling stories for video games and other interactive media.

Video games have become one of the most influential forms of storytelling today. Estonia’s internationally acclaimed video game Disco Elysium has demonstrated that a well-crafted narrative, memorable characters, and a richly developed world can resonate with millions of players around the globe. But how do you create a story that makes players care? How do you design characters and worlds that stay with them long after the game is over?

The new microcredential programme offers participants the opportunity to analyse video game narratives in depth and learn how to create engaging narrative experiences of their own. The programme explores how text, visuals, sound, and gameplay mechanics can be integrated into a coherent whole to create meaningful and emotionally impactful player experiences.

Throughout the programme, students will gain knowledge of narrative structure, interactive storytelling, and game design principles. The curriculum provides skills that can be applied not only in video game development but also in other fields involving interactive and digital narratives.

The programme is taught by experienced academics and industry professionals with backgrounds in both higher education and the international games industry. The programme director is Agnes Neier. Among the instructors is Märten Rattasepp, a BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning narrative designer whose professional experience includes work at Placeholder Gameworks, ZA/UM, and Obsidian Entertainment. The programme also features teaching by Mark Muhhini, whose online courses have been highly popular among both university students and lifelong learners. In addition, several other experts contribute to the programme, ensuring that it remains both academically rigorous and practice-oriented.

The microcredential programme is designed for aspiring game developers as well as for creative professionals, developers, and designers who wish to deepen their knowledge of narrative design.

If you are interested in storytelling, game design, and the creation of interactive worlds, Video Game Narratives offers an opportunity to develop expertise in a rapidly growing field with global relevance.

We welcome everyone who wants to learn how to create stories that truly resonate with players.

Find the study info and registration here