Black Shamrock operate out of Dublin and are part of Virtuous - a leading content production company specialising in video game development and art production. At any given time, Black Shamrock is working in collaboration with industry leading publishers and game developers on multiple AAA projects. Black Shamrock chooses Ireland as its home to develop AAA titles and create video games industry opportunities.
Based in Dublin, Cubicle 7 Entertainment is the multi award winning team behind Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound, Warhammer 40,000 Wrath and Glory revised edition, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Fourth Edition, Doctor Who: The Roleplaying Game Second Edition, The One Ring™ Roleplaying Game first edition, Adventures in Middle-earth™, The Lone Wolf Adventure Game™ and Victoriana™, and more. Cubicle 7 is a proud member of The Ethical Toy Program, The Irish Game Makers Association, Bits and Mortar, and the Game Manufacturers Association.
Goodman Games was founded in 2001 and is based out of the San Francisco Bay Area in California, USA. An industry leader in classic adventures, the company is best known for the popular Dungeon Crawl Classics Role Playing Game and associated adventures, in addition to other well-known titles such as Mutant Crawl Classics, Xcrawl Classics, Fifth Edition Fantasy, and the hit Original Adventures Reincarnated series. Goodman Games products are available in thousands of stores worldwide, and have been translated into multiple languages.
Dr. Bret Zawilski is a Lecturer of Critical Skills at Maynooth University. He's an avid player of indie TTRPGs and his academic research investigates writing processes, knowledge transfer, and pedagogy. He has a background and experience in writing and technical communication.
Dr. Brian McKenzie is an Associate Professor and serves as the subject leader for the First Year programme Critical Skills. He has contributed to several Dungeons & Dragons projects for Goodman Games, and is the author of two forthcoming adventures (also from Goodman Games). His academic research examines game studies, writing, and critical pedagogy. His most recent article, ‘“Murders on the stage, tortures, woundings and the like”: Dungeons & Dragons Adventures as Tragedy,’ appears in Analog Game Studies.
1. Who should take this micro-credential?
Anyone seeking to professionalise their game design skills, diversify their writing abilities, or deepen their knowledge and appreciation of TTRPGs. After completion of the micro-credential, participants will be prepared to apply for positions within the TTRPG industry or embark on freelance careers, equipped with the skills to create engaging content and the knowledge to navigate the professional landscape effectively.
2. How do I apply? Who is eligible, and when is the closing date for applications?
Online application only https://v2.pac.ie/institute/19 enter course code MMC35. Registration closes 20 May. Eligibility requirements:
- Have any level 8 degree or
- Application submitted through Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL). Applicants who submit an application via RPEL will also be asked to include a writing sample for assessment by the course instructors.
3. How much does this micro-credential cost?
This micro-credential is offered in collaboration with Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet (CCIS). Qualifying applicants pay a fee of €540 to CCIS for this micro-credential. Applications for support are made through Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet here: https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/writing-for-role-playing-games-mui-micro-credential/
A qualifying applicant is a resident of Ireland who is employed or freelance/sole trader and not in receipt of a scholarship, bursary, or grant aid. The fee for other applicants is €900.
4. What will I learn?
This micro-credential will empower participants to turn their creative and inspirational ideas into professional RPG products that are accessible, appealing, and usable by a broad audience of gamers. Participants will learn how to pitch ideas, write according to strict editorial standards, and assemble a strong portfolio of writing samples.
5. How is the micro-credential assessed?
This micro-credential will involve continuous assessment during and beyond the scheduled dates of the course. Students will participate in activities on campus and be asked to compose game-related writing content for inclusion in a final collection of student work published through Maynooth University.
6. What is the format/delivery method of the micro-credential?
This is a one-week, in-person micro-credential. The class is capped at 25 participants to ensure close work with instructors, industry partners, and peers. Participants will work closely with industry professionals and instructors in a series of workshops that explore practical and theoretical topics. Each day will be split into several sessions. Morning sessions will focus on theoretical concepts related to professional communication and the writing process. Afternoon sessions will consist of intensive practice where participants will enact the concepts covered earlier in the day and receive feedback from industry professionals and academic experts.
7. Is there any accomodation on campus?
Yes, although availability is limited. Visit https://www.maynoothcampus.com/ to book accomodation.
8. What do you mean by 'transferable credits'?
This course is 5 credits at level 9 (post-graduate) under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). This international system allows classes to be recoginised and acreddited at higher education institutions. You should check with a specific university to see how they would transfer in this class. This class is also an elective for Maynooth University's MA in Creative Writing.
