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 273.5 - Asmodee Research
Ludology 273 - We're Goin' Local
Biography of a Board Game Classic 272.5 - Candyland
Ludology 272 - The Art of Games
GameTek Classic 271.5 - Hypergeometric
Ludology 271 - The Dotted Line
Biography of a Board Game Classic 270.5 - Scotland Yard
Ludology 270 - The Elite Eight
GameTek Classic 269.5 - Jeopardy James
Ludology 269 - A Tale of Two Designers
Biography of a Board Game Classic 268.5 - Uno
Ludology 268 - Pinball Wizard
GameTek Classic 267.5 - Endowment
Ludology 267 - I'm Looking At You, 2022!
Biography of a Board Game Classic 266.5 - Operation
Ludology 266 - Getting Out Scott-Free
Ludology 265 - Hold Onto Your Hats!
Biography of a Board Game Classic 264.5 - Mystery Rummy
Ludology 264 - NIBCARD-ed
GameTek Classic 263.5 - Losing Levels
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