GSD 409 Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations

Introduction to the narrative design process for the authoring of text-based digital games and simulations. You will become proficient in Inform 7, a programming language and design system for parser-based interactive fiction (IF). By the end of the semester you will have developed a game or literary work of IF and made a substantive contribution to a collaborative project. No prior programming knowledge is required for students to be successful in the course. Students will be expected to bring a laptop to class. Please note that this course teaches design and programming techniques for “parser-based” interactive fiction, and does not cover Twine, or other hyper-text based interactive narrative systems.

Undergraduate Credit: 3 hours
Graduate Credit: 4 hours

Note: Same as CW 463 1U Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations. Credit is not given for GSD 409and INFO 490 JP, JPU or JPG "Design & Prog Text Based Games" sections.

Course Department: Game Studies and Design

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Updated: March 20, 2026

Informatics Programs
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Champaign, IL 61820
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