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    Writing for Video Games: UBC School of Creative Writing Mini School
    In-person Program

    Writing for Video Games: UBC School of Creative Writing Mini School

    by UBC Future Global Leaders

    UBC's creative writing mini school explores how game stories work through textual analysis, character development and the creation of an interactive text adventure.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Writing for Video Games at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school; completed grade 10 or equivalent

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Cost

    $2,110 CAD; $2,855 CAD

    Duration

    2 weeks; 45 class hours

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Creative WritingTechnology
    Accommodation: Optional single room; shared bathrooms
    Meals: Weekday lunch; full board with residence
    Certificate / Outcome: Letter of Completion
    Campus experience: Recreation card and afternoon activities
    Tutors / faculty: Christal Rose Hazelton, MFA
    Sessions / cadence: 10 weekdays, 4.5 hours daily
    Main deliverable / output: Interactive text adventure

    Writing for Video Games summary

    Learn how writing shapes video games, from the function of different texts to the construction of characters and worlds.

    The practical focus is creating an interactive text adventure while developing critical writing and textual analysis skills.

    The strongest fit is a student who enjoys storytelling and wants to explore how it works in interactive media.

    What is Writing for Video Games: UBC School of Creative Writing Mini School?

    Writing for Video Games: UBC School of Creative Writing Mini School is a practical creative writing course offered through UBC Extended Learning as part of Future Global Leaders. It connects critical writing and textual analysis with the stories, instructions and other texts that make a game world understandable.

    Students analyze games, develop characters and worlds, and create an interactive text adventure. Morning and afternoon classes take place on the UBC Vancouver campus, with instruction from writer and game developer Christal Rose Hazelton.

    Why Succeed highlights Writing for Video Games

    • The interactive text adventure gives students a concrete way to turn narrative ideas into practical writing.

    • The course treats game writing as more than dialogue, connecting it with design, art and programming.

    • Christal Rose Hazelton brings game-development experience that includes Apex Legends, Hogwarts Legacy and LEGO Brawls.

    • Textual analysis and varied writing forms make the learning useful beyond game storytelling.

    Who is Writing for Video Games for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy creative writing, characters and imagined worlds and want to test their interest in interactive storytelling.

    Not ideal if

    Your main goal is coding instruction or digital art production, because the course centers on writing and textual analysis.

    Is Writing for Video Games worth it?

    This mini school is worth considering if you want to explore game storytelling through substantial writing practice. The combination of textual analysis, character development and an interactive project provides a useful test of whether you enjoy writing for this medium.

    Its value depends on wanting a focused introduction rather than comprehensive training across every aspect of game development. University experience and a Letter of Completion can support reflection on your interests, but attending does not provide a direct admissions pathway.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $2,110 CAD; $2,855 CAD; includes 45 hours of mini school classes., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card., Weekday afternoon student life activities., Residence add-on: furnished single room and daily full board., Residence add-on: airport pickup and drop-off within designated times., Residence add-on: evening and weekend activities., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students..

    Accommodation

    Optional single room; shared bathrooms

    Meals

    Weekday lunch; full board with residence

    Provider details

    Review the UBC Future Global Leaders provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; 45 class hours; UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Writing for Video Games need?

    Effort level

    Intensive introductory study.

    Best started

    Allow several weeks before a future session for registration and travel planning, longer if you need a visa or accessibility arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Making characters and worlds work within an interactive text.

    Typical preparation

    • Bring a personal laptop and complete the student's Campus-wide Login setup.

    • As optional preparation, note how a familiar game uses dialogue, descriptions and instructions.

    • Discuss commuter or residence arrangements with your parent or guardian.

    • Plan to complete the information package within 48 hours of registration.

    Useful if

    You want to strengthen writing, critical thinking and teamwork.

    What do students do on Writing for Video Games?

    You examine how text contributes to video game experiences and use those insights to develop your own interactive writing. The work combines analysis with character creation, worldbuilding and an interactive text adventure.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Identify different types of game texts and explain their functions.

    2. 2

      Practice descriptive, narrative, expository, instructional and persuasive writing.

    3. 3

      Develop compelling characters and worlds.

    4. 4

      Create and write an interactive text adventure.

    5. 5

      Explore learning pathways and career opportunities connected with the subject.

    Writing for Video Games dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Programme dates

    20-31 July 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • High school students ages 15-18.

    • Completed grade 10 or equivalent.

    • Canadian and international students may participate.

    • Programming, digital arts and gaming experience are not required.

    • A personal laptop is required.

    • Recommended academic standing: 78%, 3.5 GPA, B average or IB 5.

    • Recommended English benchmark: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or equivalent.

    • No transcripts or proof of English are required.

    How much does Writing for Video Games cost?

    Mini school fee

    $2,110 CAD — Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

    Funding or discounts

    • International mini school fee: $2,855 CAD — International students.
    • Optional residence package: $2,650 CAD — Added to the mini school fee.
    • 2026 registration deposit: $500 CAD — A payment toward the fee under the 2026 payment arrangements.
    • UBC President Bursary: Needs-based support — For eligible grade 11 students in British Columbia.

    What's included

    45 hours of mini school classes., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card., Weekday afternoon student life activities., Residence add-on: furnished single room and daily full board., Residence add-on: airport pickup and drop-off within designated times., Residence add-on: evening and weekend activities., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students.

    How to apply to Writing for Video Games

    1. 1

      Review eligibility and the separate commuter and residence refund policies.

    2. 2

      Select the mini school session and relevant options in UBC's course cart.

    3. 3

      Have a parent or guardian create or sign into a Family Account.

    4. 4

      Add the student using a primary email address different from the parent's.

    5. 5

      Assign the student to the course and complete checkout.

    6. 6

      Select New Application and submit the information package within 48 hours.

    7. 7

      Follow the student's emails to set up their account and Campus-wide Login.

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    What does Writing for Video Games cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Game text analysis

    Analyze different types of video game texts and the functions they serve.

    Writing forms

    Practice descriptive, narrative, expository, instructional and persuasive writing.

    Characters and worlds

    Develop compelling characters and worlds for interactive storytelling.

    Interactive text adventure

    Create and write a text adventure that puts your narrative skills into practice.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Writing for Video Games?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning classes

    Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 noon: three hours of mini school classes.

    Afternoon classes

    Monday-Friday, 1:30-3 pm: 1.5 hours of mini school classes.

    Campus activities

    The sample schedule lists activities, study time and free time from 3:30-5 pm.

    Residence activities

    Residence students have evening activities, study time and free time from 7:30-9 pm.

    Who teaches on Writing for Video Games?

    The listed instructor, Christal Rose Hazelton, MFA, is a Filipina American writer and video game developer. Her game-development experience includes AAA and mobile titles such as Apex Legends, Hogwarts Legacy and LEGO Brawls.

    Where do students stay on Writing for Video Games?

    Residential plan

    • Single residence room: Stay in a furnished single bedroom on a mixed-gender floor with student life assistants.
    • Daily full board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on weekdays and weekends.
    • Residence support: Student life assistants provide 24/7 support with a 10-to-1 student-to-staff ratio.
    • Activities and airport transfers: The package includes evening and weekend activities and airport transfers within designated times.

    Non-residential plan

    • Weekday lunch: Commuters receive lunch in the residence dining hall Monday through Friday.
    • Afternoon campus activities: Commuters can join weekday afternoon activities and use their Recreation Card, departing by 5 pm.
    • Commuter supervision: The commuter rules limit UBC's monitoring and supervision to daily in-class attendance checks.

    Residence rooms have shared bathrooms and no air conditioning; commuter families arrange accommodation and transportation.

    What happens after Writing for Video Games?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Create an interactive text adventure.

    Strengthen critical writing and textual analysis.

    Develop character creation and worldbuilding skills.

    Explore creative writing and game-development learning pathways.

    Receive a Letter of Completion when attendance and conduct conditions are met.

    Participation does not provide a direct pathway into UBC or another university.

    Where does Writing for Video Games take place?

    Classes take place on the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada. Commuters can use buses serving the central UBC Bus Loop, while Vancouver International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from campus.

    Writing for Video Games FAQs

    No. Programming, digital arts and familiarity with playing or creating video games are not required. Bring a personal laptop.

    You will create and write an interactive text adventure. You also develop characters and worlds and analyze how different texts function in games.

    The listed instructor is Christal Rose Hazelton, MFA, a writer and video game developer. Her experience includes Apex Legends, Hogwarts Legacy and LEGO Brawls.

    Classes run Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 noon and 1:30-3 pm. Mini school students attend afternoon subject classes instead of university preparation lectures, but can review the preparation materials independently.

    Yes. Commuters arrange their own accommodation and transport, and receive weekday lunch and a Recreation Card. Evening and weekend activities are reserved for residence students.

    You can receive a Letter of Completion if you remain in good standing with program and conduct expectations and miss no more than one class without approval.

    Student life assistants live in residence and provide support 24/7, with a 10-to-1 student-to-staff ratio. Staff have first-aid certifications and enhanced criminal record checks.

    Dining menus include vegan, vegetarian and Kosher options; disclose allergies and dietary needs in the information package. Academic accommodations require registration with UBC's Centre for Accessibility, a process best started soon after program registration.

    Alternatives to Writing for Video Games

    Compare these options if you want broader game design, gaming career exploration or digital storytelling.

    Alternatives to Writing for Video Games

    Storytelling in the Digital Age
    Upcoming

    Digital storytelling study in Los Angeles.

    Media Studies
    08 May 2026
    From $7401
    15-18
    Los Angeles
    In-person

    Best for

    Students interested in storytelling across digital media.

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Student life | Extended Learning
    • Information for parents and students | Extended Learning
    • UBC Future Global Leaders | Extended Learning
    • Future Global Leaders on-campus | Extended Learning
    • Refunds, cancellations and transfers | Extended Learning
    • StrongerBC future skills grant | Extended Learning
    • Financial assistance | Extended Learning
    • Registration technical support | Extended Learning
    • Eligibility, admissions and accommodations | Extended Learning
    • How to pay | Extended Learning
    • How to log in or create a Lifelong Learning Student Account | Extended Learning
    • How to register or apply | Extended Learning
    • How online courses work | Extended Learning
    • Registration info | Extended Learning
    • Suggested Packing List for Students Staying in a UBC Residence
    • UBC Pre-University Programs Sample Menu
    • 2026 MarComm Schedule
    • Pre-University Summer Program Code of Conduct and Rules
    • Writing for Video Games: UBC School of Creative Writing Mini School | Extended Learning

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page reviewed

    • Course-specific session dates checked

    • Eligibility and prerequisites reviewed

    • Fees and residence package checked

    • Registration process verified

    • Completion and welfare policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.