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!
Ludology Episode 168 - Kumbaya
GameTek Classic 167 - Candyland
Ludology Episode 167 - 18 and Up
Ludology Episode 166 - Impulse Control
GameTek Classic 165 - Dunning-Kruger
Ludology Episode 165 - Fowerian Slip
GameTek Classic 164 - Catan
Ludology Episode 164 - First Steps
GameTek Classic 163 - Theme, Mechanics, Experience
Ludology Episode 163 - A Pain In the Asymmetry
GameTek Classic 162 - Scotland Yard
Ludology Episode 162 - The Ares Project
GameTek Classic 161 - The Inciting Incident
Ludology 161 - What's the Story, Morning Glory?
GameTek Classic 160 - Uno
Ludology Episode 160 - Law and Order
GameTek Classic 159 - High Stakes RPS
Ludology Episode 159 - Getting Out Scott Free
GameTek Classic 158 - Opration
Ludology Episode 158 - Gen X
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