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Computer science major examines storytelling and marketability through game development

With a keen interest in video games and a passion for storytelling, Jessica Israel ’25 honed her interests through her interdisciplinary courses at ����Vlog��ý. Knowing that she wanted to incorporate her experiences as an English minor and computer science major as a part of her Independent Study, Israel decided to create the and explored the core features in game design, development, and marketability to expand the game’s narration, appealing to fans of visual novel games.��

“My Independent Study excites me because I finally found a way to combine my passion for storytelling with technology in the form of game development and narrative game design.”

—Jessica Israel ’25

MY I.S.��

Israel: The purpose of my I.S. was to research four major aspects of game development: the core elements of game design, narrative game design, game user interface customization, and��indie game development. To show the contributions of these aspects, I created a visual novel game in the game engine Ren’Py to appeal to players who enjoy visual novels. Throughout my research, I focused on creating a game that was not only enjoyable but marketable. The complete demo game, “Double the Deception,” incorporates these major aspects and results in stunning graphics and immersive storytelling that will captivate players with a game that is truly iconic.��

EXCITING ASPECTS��

Israel: When I started thinking about what I wanted to do for my I.S., I knew I wanted to use my creative writing skills. After learning��about narrative game design, which bridges��the gap between a game writer and designer to create��an immersive experience�� for players,��I realized I could have the best of both worlds. My I.S. excites me because I finally found a way to combine my passion for storytelling with technology in the form of game development and narrative game design.��

EMPOWERED IN MY FIELD��

Israel: I learned a great deal working on all aspects of this game. Since I worked solo, I had to become the programmer, writer, designer, artist, and much more. It helped me grow my art skills, increased my ability to find free quality assets, and expanded my creativity as I put everything together so players would have an immersive experience.��

SUPPORTIVE SCOT COMMUNITY��

Israel: Everyone gave me great support through encouragement and feedback, especially my advisor, family, friends, and peers. I was able to talk with them and get their guidance and advice as well as encouragement. This was important to me because it kept me focused on my goals, and it was fun talking about my project because the excitement in their eyes continued to increase my excitement for creating my game.��

MY TAKEAWAYS��

Israel: I.S. taught me persistence towards my passion and that there is always a way to incorporate creativity, no matter your major.��

WHAT’S NEXT��

Israel: I plan��to continue working on publishing and marketing “Double the Deception”. For the future of my game, I also hope to raise funds to support getting new technology and software for game development, game artists, custom music, and voice actors for this venture.��

Featured image: Jessica Israel ’25, a computer science major, highlighted digital storytelling with her Independent Study.

Posted in Independent Study on June 20, 2025.