Games, interactive media concentration helps students connect with love of storytelling

June 23, 2026 - 12:03

A growing number of students are finding that a minor in games and interactive media offers more than just technical skills -- it deepens their connection to the art of storytelling. The program, which attracts creative professionals drawn to the gaming industry, focuses on narrative design, player engagement, and the fusion of technology with traditional storycraft.

Unlike a full major, the minor allows students from diverse fields -- from English to computer science -- to explore how stories unfold in interactive spaces. Instructors emphasize that games are not just about winning or losing; they are about choices, consequences, and emotional arcs. Students learn to build worlds where the audience participates in the narrative, making the experience personal and memorable.

One student described the minor as a way to "fall back in love with writing." Instead of writing linear plots, they craft branching dialogues and environmental clues that let players discover the story at their own pace. The coursework includes prototyping, character development, and studying classic games as literature.

Faculty note that the program fills a gap in traditional education, where storytelling is often taught as a passive medium. By blending game mechanics with narrative theory, students gain a fresh perspective on how to hold an audience's attention. For many, the minor becomes a bridge between creative passion and a viable career path in a booming industry.