Legendary Interactive Fiction writer Andrew Plotkin joins Gil and Emma to talk about text-based stories that players can participate in. We explore the form's history and unique strengths, and discuss what good writing can bring to a game's experience.
Interactive Fiction platforms mentioned in this episode:
Inform Twine ChoiceScript InkCheck out some of Andrew's IF work:
Shade Spider & Web Hadean LandsOther video games mentioned in this episode:
Colossal Cave Adventure Zork Donut County 80 Days Heaven's Vault Galatea AI Dungeon No Man's SkyBoard games and analog IF mentioned in this episode:
Werewolf 7th Continent 1,001 Odysseys Choose Your Own Adventure™ books Meanwhile Fighting Fantasy books Leanna Fled the Cranberry BogIf you would like to explore the world of IF, a good place to start is the Interactive Fiction Database - it's like the BGG of IF!
Some good games to start with (this is hardly an authoritative list):
9:05 - You can easily play this in one sitting, and in most cases, you will want to immediately play again when you finish it the first time. Photopia - This is a spectacularly well-written game, but it can bring up some intense emotions. The Uncle Who Works for Nintendo - A fun horror game. Howling Dogs - This is a work by Porpentine, whom Gil has raved about several times on the show and this episode. Be sure to find both endings. Counterfeit Monkey - A fairly long game by Emily Short built around some remarkably brilliant word-manipulation mechanisms. You will likely need to use an emulator if you want to save your game and use the game's graphical map.Enjoy exploring the IF rabbit hole!
Gametek Classic 232.5 - Characters
Ludology 232 - The Show Must Go On...line
Biography of a Board Game 231.5 - Rayguns and Rocketships
Ludology 231 - STEAM Engine
GameTek Classic 230.5 - Implicit vs. Explicit
Ludology 230 - Design Re-Verb
Biography of a Board Game 229.5 - Vinci/Small World
Ludology 229 - Hit the Deck!
GameTek Classic 228.5 - Fairness and Bag-Building
Ludology 228 - The Roles We Play
Biography of a Board Game 227.5 - Twister
Ludology 227 - Respect the X
Ludology 226.5 - Counterfeiting
Ludology 226 - Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo
Biography of a Board Game 225.5 - Mousetrap
Ludology 225 - A Study in Emma-rald
GameTek Classic 224.5 - Game Balance and AI
Ludology 224 - Putting the Fun in Funko
Biography of a Board Game 223.5 - The Game of Life
Ludology 223 - Kick Out the Jams
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