Dorian Academy
Dorian Academy
Dorian Academy is the go-to resource for turning creative ideas into interactive games. From the engine basics through designing your game and a concepting deep-dive, these lessons walk writers, artists, and creators through building and growing a game on Dorian with no-code visual tools. (Creator results vary.)
Start with Quickstart Guide 27 lessons · 4 modules
Curriculum
01 Getting Started / Engine Basics
- Quickstart GuideWhat is Dorian? How do I make my first game?
- Node BasicsLearn how to add dialogue & narration to the engine.
- CharactersHow do you add characters and reference them in your game?
- Backgrounds / LocationsHow to add and use backgrounds in your game.
- CoverWhat covers succeed on Dorian? How should I upload mine?
- Memory BankKeeping track of player actions through your episodes.
- 7Account ManagementAccount types on Dorian, how to work with a team, and how to connect app and editor accounts.
- How Payment WorksThe logistics of payment on Dorian.
- Pronoun SystemHow to let players pick their pronoun, and have the game remember it.
02 Designing Your Game
- Mechanics & Your First EpisodeWhat mechanics will drive your game, and how to tutorialize them in an excellent Episode 1.
- Designing Premium ChoicesDesign great premium choices that deliver bonus content to fans and get you paid for your work.
- Optimizing Your Game for SuccessYour game launched, now polish it. Learn to read your data and apply best-practice checklists.
03 More Engine Features
- Text ImporterBulk-import your text and pre-populate nodes with characters, choices, and connections.
- Relationship SystemsSet up relationship tracking between the player and love interests.
- AudioAdd music, effects, and voiceover to bring your game to life.
- VideoUnlock your game's potential with video content.
- AchievementsShow fans how many points they need to unlock exclusive rewards.
- Time-Release ContentMake the next episode available a set time after the player finishes the current one.
- Randomness & Dice RollsUse randomness to create gameplay features and reward tables.
- Bonus EpisodesReward players for investing in a route, relationship, or storyline.
- Cosmetic FeatureLet players customize their love interest's appearance.
- Hub StepLet your players make visual choices.
04 Deep Dive: Concepting Your Game
- Intro to InteractiveWhat interactive storytelling on Dorian is, and how creators turn stories into games.
- Creating Your ConceptBreak down sample ideas and balance plot vs. romance to craft a winning concept.
- Building Your HookCraft a killer opening that pitches the player on why to keep playing.
- Developing Character VoicesWrite distinct character voices that make your fans swoon.
- Designing for Player AgencyUse frequent, meaningful choices so the story feels like the player's own.
