Latest Articles

Narrative Analysis: Prequels

A good prequel adds depth to the original material while telling a compelling stand-alone story.

StoryScan: BioShock Infinite and Exposition

Bioshock Infinite avoids the dreaded ‘info-dump’ by concealing crucial exposition deep inside its setting.

Narrative Analysis: Sequels

Sequels are supposed to be low-risk and high-reward, but they still have to capture the elements that made the originals great.

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.

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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