Author:
John Whitfield
Subject:
Computer Science, Graphic Arts, Literature
Material Type:
Activity/Lab, Game, Lesson
Level:
Upper Primary, Middle School, High School, Community College / Lower Division, College / Upper Division
Tags:
  • BCPL
  • Bcpl-art
  • Bcpl-computers
  • Bcpl-training
  • Game
  • Game Design
  • Interactive-story
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution
    Language:
    English

    Create an Interactive Story Game (Using Google Slides)

    Create an Interactive Story Game (Using Google Slides)

    Overview

    This document details a simple way for anyone to create an interactive digital adventure game with zero programming. This activity can be done as an individual or with a team. Use a cloud-based PowerPoint program to get started (Google slides recommended).  

    Introduction

    This resource teaches you how to create an interactive adventure game with zero programming via Google Slides. It can be a collaborative activity or completed solo. You can find more details beside the ones provided in this resource here

     

     

    Plan the Story

    Determine the setting(s), character(s), and problem(s) in your story. Make a list of them to refer to when building your game. If your designing this game with someone else, then use a cloud shared document (like Google docs). Another name for this phase is “Story Brainstorming.”   

    Choose one character and problem to focus on, this is your games plot.  

    Tips 

    • Try to have at least 10 settings, 10 characters, and 10 problems 

    • The key to brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible. There are no bad ideas at this stage 

    • Sift through your ideas and identify the ones you think will be the most and least fun for the player.   

    Create the slides

    Open a PowerPoint program and make a title slide for your game. Then make a beginning slide that details your stories scenario. Underneath that description, add three choices your player can make by placing text boxes. Link each of those choices to a separate slide that progresses your story forward.  

    To link a text box in Google Slides, select over the entire text box and press Ctrl+K (or click the link chain at the top of the browser). Then click “Slides in this presentation” > select whatever slide you’d like to link the choice too. You’ll need to pre-make the slide you want a choice to link to before linking it.  

    Tips 

    • Create interesting choices for the player to pursue 

    • Remember this game can’t remember player choices; plan your story route accordingly 

    • Use intriguing pictures along with your text descriptions to paint the scene for your player 

    • Keep track of what you name each slide, this will help you with the linking process 

     

      

    Rinse & Repeat

    Repeat this process until you’ve completed your game; you can add two choices to the next slide instead of three (this streamlines the design process).  Whenever the player reaches a dead end in your game (due to failure, dying, completion), link them back to beginning of the game, or to a check point. 

    Tips 

    • Always write in the second person (you, your, yours)  

    • Always include the choice in the title.  

    • Test your links frequently in Presentation Mode