Latest Articles

Narrative Analysis: Limitations

In theory, writers are only limited by their imaginations, but in practice, they’re limited by time, money, and other constraints.

Narrative Analysis:
Remakes

Remakes can breathe new life into old franchises, reintroducing them to the next generation of fans.

StoryScan: Goldeneye 007 and Adaptations

Creative use of the source material makes Goldeneye (N64) a stand-out among cinematic adaptations.

About Cutscene University

At Cutscene University, our goal is to teach the essentials of storytelling by using the vibrant, engaging stories from both classic and modern video games. Visit our Narrative Analysis section to learn the fundamentals of story, and our StoryScan section to read about strengths and weaknesses in popular game stories.

Updates Every Monday.

Learn More

Recommended Reading

Narrative Analysis 101:
The Basics

Learn the fundamentals of storytelling: structure, character, setting, and themes.
Resident Evil 4: Opening

Narrative Analysis 201:
Next Steps

Go beyond the basics with topics like exposition, pacing, and stakes. 

StoryScan: Critical Hits, Weak Points, and Versus

Study the highs and lows of popular video game stories. 

Storytelling has a shape. It dominates the way all stories are told and can be traced back not just to the Renaissance, but to the very beginnings of the recorded word. It’s a structure that we absorb avidly whether in art-house or airport form and it’s a shape that may be – though we must be careful – a universal archetype.

John Yorke

Producer and Script Editor