Once Upon a Pixel examines the increasing sophistication of storytelling and worldbuilding in modern video games. Drawing on some of gaming’s most popular titles, including Red Dead Redemption 2, The Last of Us, Horizon Zero Dawn, and the long-running Metal Gear Solid series, it is a pioneering exploration into narrative in games from the perspective of the creative writer. With interviews and insights from across the industry, it provides a complete account of how Triple-A, independent, and even virtual reality games are changing the way we tell stories.

• A fresh perspective on video games as a whole new form of creative writing.
• Interviews with a range of leading industry figures, from critics to creators.
• Professional analysis of modern video game script excerpts.
• Insights into emerging technologies and the future of interactive storytelling.

Once Upon a Pixel examines the increasing sophistication of storytelling and worldbuilding in modern video games. Drawing on some of gaming’s most popular titles, including Red Dead Redemption 2, The Last of Us, Horizon Zero Dawn, and the long-running Metal Gear Solid series, it is a pioneering exploration into narrative in games from the perspective of the creative writer. With interviews and insights from across the industry, it provides a complete account of how Triple-A, independent, and even virtual reality games are changing the way we tell stories.

• A fresh perspective on video games as a whole new form of creative writing.
• Interviews with a range of leading industry figures, from critics to creators.
• Professional analysis of modern video game script excerpts.
• Insights into emerging technologies and the future of interactive storytelling.