Interactive Fiction (IF), or interactive literature, is a video game genre where players interact with a textual description of the world and make decisions that influence the development of the plot. Interactive literature is widely used not only for entertainment, but also for learning: using game scenarios, you can learn languages and learn interesting facts.
This article will tell you more about the history of IF games and how to create them. And if your child dreams of becoming a developer, we're looking forward to seeing him at Progkids!
The history of IF games
The history of interactive literature dates back to the 1970s, when the very first text-based adventure games appeared.
“Cave” adventures
One of the most influential ones was Colossal Cave Adventure (as well as Adventure or ADVENTURE). It was created in 1975 by programmer and speleologist Will Crowther. In 1977, an improved version of the game was released, which became quite popular. Gamers were asked to explore dungeons, search for treasures, and solve puzzles using text commands.
Thanks to Colossal Cave Adventure, an entire genre of adventure games was born and the “golden” age of IF began.
The “golden” age of interactive literature
Since 1978, Infocom, a company run by MIT students, has released numerous popular text-based adventure games, such as Zork, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and Planetfall. Infocom's games had deep stories and complex puzzles, which attracted the interest of a fairly wide audience.
Goodbye IF?
With the development of computer technology and the advent of graphical interfaces in the 1990s, interactive literature is beginning to lose popularity. Graphical adventure games like Myst and King's Quest have come to dominate the market. However, text-based games have continued to exist thanks to enthusiasts and independent developers.
Good old IF
In the early 2000s, interest in interactive literature was revived thanks to the Internet and open access to game development tools. Special platforms have appeared that allowed fans to create their own text adventures without having to dive deep into programming. This has led to a lot of new authors and experiments in the genre.
So what now?
Today, interactive literature continues to develop and prosper. In modern games, text, graphics, music and sounds complement each other harmoniously. Self-service content creation platforms also do not stand still: developers are constantly improving them, allowing amateur creators to create interactive stories of varying levels of complexity.
How to create Interactive Fiction-style games
Creating IF games require the ability to come up with exciting scenarios and programming skills. Here are some tips to help you and your child become creators of interactive literature.
Idea and plot
Before you start developing a game, think about what it's going to be about. First you need to come up with a cool idea, and then start writing the story and its development options. Remember that it's important to be ready to create multiple endings to the same story!
Setting
Choose where and when the game will take place. Decide whether you're going to describe a fantasy world, a sci-fi universe, or a real historical period.
Characters
It is time to decide who will be the main character of the story. Who are his friends? And enemies? What are their goals and motivations?
The conflict
Think about the main problem or task that the main character needs to solve. How is he going to solve it? Who's going to help him? Who's going to get in the way?
Story ramifications
One of the most difficult parts of creating an IF game is to figure out what key decisions players will make and how they will influence the story. What outcome will each election lead to?
Writing a script
Now create a detailed scenario for the future game. Write dialogues, describe places and locations, come up with main events, as well as possible options for the player to take. The scenario should be interactive and contain key points in which you can make your own choice about the future development of events.
Choosing a development tool
There are plenty of tools for creating Interactive Fiction-style games. Explore the main platforms available, or enroll your child in Progkids with help from professional tutors.
Testing
Testing is an important part of developing any game. Play the game several times to make sure there are no errors or logical inconsistencies. Also, be sure to ask friends and family to help you test the game and provide feedback.
Interface design
Although the Interactive Fiction genre is text-based, visual design is also important for creating an atmosphere. Choose fonts and colors that are pleasing to the eye. Add illustrations and background music to enhance the effect.
Publication and promotion
Once development is complete, publish the game on popular platforms to make it available to a wider audience. Promote your game through social media, gaming forums, and Interactive Fiction communities.
Creating games in the IF style is a fun activity that allows you to combine literary creativity with programming. Everyone can create their own unique interactive story and share it with the world.
Does your child want to create their own games but doesn't know where to start? Write it down to free trial lesson to Progkids online school! We teach you how to code and develop projects from scratch that the whole family will be proud of!
