Become anInteractive Storyteller

Here every story holds infinite possibilities! As an Interactive Storyteller, you wield the power to transport audiences to magical worlds, spark their imagination, and evoke emotions. 

Your stories don’t just unfold; they come alive, inviting participation and engagement like never before. 

If you’re passionate about storytelling and crave the excitement of interactive experiences, this career is your playground of possibilities.

• Blend creativity with emerging digital technology.
• Develop immersive stories for games, apps, and VR.
• Shape how people experience digital worlds.
• Collaborate with artists, designers, and tech experts.

As an Interactive Storyteller, you’re a master weaver of tales across various mediums. You blend traditional storytelling elements with new technology to create interactive narratives for games, virtual reality experiences, interactive websites, and more. 

Whether you’re designing compelling characters for video games, scripting interactive narratives for educational experiences, or designing augmented reality installations that blur the lines between fiction and reality, every project is a chance to transport audiences to realms beyond their imagination.

Interactive Storytellers are versatile professionals who find their niche in diverse industries where storytelling is paramount. 

From entertainment to education, they infuse interactive elements into narratives, leaving a mark in every sector.

Gaming Industry

Create captivating storylines and characters for video games, engaging players in immersive experiences.

Education Sector

Develop interactive learning modules and educational games to make learning fun and engaging for students.

Marketing and Advertising

Craft interactive campaigns and branded content to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Film and Animation

Bring stories to life through interactive films, augmented reality experiences, and interactive storytelling installations.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Design interactive exhibits and installations to enhance visitor engagement and learning experiences.

Technology and Innovation

Explore emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling platforms to push the boundaries of storytelling.

As an Interactive Storyteller, you need a blend of creative skills, technical skills, and a passion for storytelling.

• Creativity
• Storytelling
• Digital Literacy
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability

A solid foundation in STEAM subjects lays the groundwork for a successful career in Interactive Storytelling, providing essential knowledge and skills to excel in this field.

English/Literature

Enhances storytelling techniques and narrative structure.

Digital Media

Explores various digital platforms and tools for storytelling.

Art and Design

Fosters creativity and visual storytelling skills.

Computer Science

Provides technical knowledge for game development and interactive design.

Psychology

Understanding human behaviour and emotions to create impactful narratives.

Communication Studies

Honest communication and presentation skills for effective storytelling.

From creating alternate realities in virtual worlds to designing interactive story driven games, Interactive Storytellers have careers where every day brings new challenges and opportunities for creativity.

Design immersive narrative experiences
Create interactive stories where players or users shape the outcome, making each experience unique and personalised.

Write scripts for video games or VR worlds
Develop complex storylines that draw users into digital worlds, combining traditional storytelling with the latest technology.

Collaborate with game designers and developers
Work closely with a team of developers and artists to ensure that the narrative blends seamlessly with gameplay and visuals.

Experiment with AI storytelling
Explore the use of AI in creating adaptive storylines that respond to the user’s choices in real-time.

Build interactive web experiences
Create engaging, story driven content for websites, apps, or digital platforms, ensuring that users are part of the story.

Plan transmedia storytelling campaigns
Develop narratives that span multiple platforms, combining video, social media, and live events to create a cohesive story experience.

Australia has its own share of talented individuals who have made significant contributions in interactive storytelling. Here are several notable Australian interactive storytellers:

Leena van Deventer
An industry leader in games and interactive narrative, Leena combines creativity with technical skill, inspiring new ways of telling stories through digital media.

Sally Coleman
Known for her work in transmedia storytelling, Sally has created engaging, multi-platform experiences that bring narratives to life across TV, games, and online platforms.

Danielle Girard
A creative visionary in virtual reality and interactive media, Danielle blends storytelling with new technologies, allowing users to experience her stories in immersive ways.

Meg O’Connell
Meg is a renowned storyteller who integrates traditional and digital forms of media, crafting compelling experiences that captivate audiences across multiple platforms.

Tim Schafer

Born in Melbourne, Tim Schafer is a renowned game designer and founder of Double Fine Productions. He is best known for his work on classic adventure games like “Grim Fandango” and “Monkey Island.” Schafer’s innovative storytelling and quirky characters have earned him a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim, cementing his status as one of the industry’s most influential figures.

Siobhan Reddy

As the studio director of Media Molecule, Siobhan Reddy has played a pivotal role in the development of innovative and creative games like “LittleBigPlanet” and “Dreams.” Hailing from Australia, Reddy’s visionary leadership and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive gaming community have made her a prominent figure in the industry.

Josh Holmes

An accomplished game designer and creative director, Josh Holmes has made significant contributions through his work on popular game franchises like “Halo” and “Gears of War.” With a background in computer science and a passion for storytelling, Holmes has helped shape some of the most memorable gaming experiences of recent years, earning him recognition as one of Australia’s leading figures in interactive storytelling.

Beyond skills, certain personality traits define successful Interactive Storytellers, shaping their approach to storytelling and collaboration.

• Creative
• Curious
• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Empathetic
• Imaginative

A university degree is a great way to gain both technical skills and creative insights, preparing you for a multi-faceted career in interactive storytelling. Here are some relevant degrees:

Bachelor of Creative Writing (Interactive Media Focus)
This degree combines traditional writing with digital media skills, allowing students to explore storytelling in interactive formats. Curtin University offers a program that emphasises digital storytelling techniques, helping students write for games, apps, and online platforms.

Bachelor of Game Design
Focusing on the design and development of video games, this degree allows students to work on narrative driven projects. Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers a detailed game design course that helps students blend storytelling with gameplay mechanics.

Bachelor of Screen Arts
Students learn about screenwriting, film, and TV production while also exploring interactive and digital storytelling techniques. Murdoch University offers a course that integrates traditional screen arts with new media, preparing students to tell stories in multiple formats.

• Bachelor of Creative Writing
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Interactive Media)
• Bachelor of Computer Science (Game Development)
• Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media)
• Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts)
• Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media)
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Interactive Technologies and Games Design)

Being an Interactive Storyteller is about more than just writing stories. It’s a blend of creativity and technology. Combining different areas of study can give you a unique edge. 

For example, pairing a Creative Writing degree with a minor in Computer Science can help you craft compelling narratives and also understand the tech that brings them to life.

Interdisciplinary studies allow you to mix and match your interests. Imagine studying Digital Media alongside Psychology – this combo can help you create characters that feel real and stories that connect on a deeper level with your audience.

 Combining fields like Art and Programming can turn you into a versatile storyteller who can both design beautiful visuals and code interactive elements.

Beyond traditional degrees, you can enhance your skills with courses in subjects like User Experience (UX) Design, Virtual Reality, or even Marketing. These can be short courses or certificates that complement your main degree, making you a well rounded Interactive Storyteller ready for any challenge.

When you study to become an Interactive Storyteller, you’ll combine creativity and technology developing engaging narratives that captivate audiences and keep them coming back for more. 

Your courses will cover storytelling techniques, character development, and world building. You’ll also get hands-on experience with the latest tools and software used in game design, animation, and interactive media.

But that’s not all! You’ll also learn about the technical side of things, like coding basics, user interface design, and the principles of game mechanics. By the time you finish your studies, you’ll have a toolkit full of skills to create amazing interactive experiences.

Getting real experience is key to becoming a successful Interactive Storyteller. 

Look for internships or part-time jobs with game development studios, animation companies, or digital media firms. These positions will give you hands-on experience and a chance to work on actual projects.

Don’t forget about school projects and personal projects, too. Creating your own games or interactive stories can be a great way to build your portfolio and show off your skills to potential employers. 

You can also participate in game jams, where you team up with others to create a game in a short amount of time. It’s a fun way to learn and meet people who share your passion.

Not everyone follows the traditional university path, and that’s okay! Here are two main alternative pathways to becoming an Interactive Storyteller:

Vocational Training and Certifications

For students looking for hands-on learning, vocational courses offer practical skills that can be applied directly in the industry.

• Certificate IV in Digital Media Technologies
  This certificate focuses on digital storytelling and multimedia, teaching students the technical skills needed to create interactive content.
• Diploma of Interactive Media
  A diploma that blends graphic design, animation, and interactive technologies, helping students develop content for games, websites, and virtual platforms.

Micro-Learning and Online Courses

For flexible learning, students can explore short online courses that focus on specific aspects of interactive storytelling.

• Interactive Storytelling with AI
  An online course that teaches students how to use AI to create adaptive and dynamic narratives.
• Game Narrative Design
  This course covers the basics of writing for video games, including how to create branching storylines and character development.

On-the-Job Experience or Training

Many companies offer apprenticeships or trainee positions where you can learn on the job. This pathway allows you to gain practical experience while working alongside experienced professionals. It’s a great way to build your skills and make connections in the industry.

Australia

Across the vast landscapes of Australia, Interactive Storytellers are making their mark in industries ranging from film and television to education and technology. Australia has a thriving digital media scene, with many opportunities for interactive storytellers to work on innovative projects. Companies like Defiant Development specialise in creating narrative-driven video games, providing storytellers with a platform to explore interactive storytelling in games.

National Demand for Creative Tech
Across Australia, industries like film, advertising, and gaming are looking for new ways to engage audiences through interactive stories. Companies like Media Molecule are at the forefront of this movement, offering creative professionals the chance to craft multi-platform stories that captivate users.

Global Interactive Storytelling Careers
Beyond Australia’s shores, the world is your oyster! Globally, interactive storytelling is booming, with companies around the world seeking talented writers and designers. Studios such as Telltale Games and Quantic Dream are leading the way in creating story-driven video games, providing opportunities for storytellers to work on groundbreaking projects with international reach.

Whether you dream of working for international game development studios, collaborating with creative teams on Hollywood blockbusters, or innovative storytelling ventures, the global stage awaits your storytelling prowess.