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 289 - Cat's Got Your Tongue
Ludology 288 - From the Console to the Tabletop
Ludology 287 - Culture Vultures
Ludology 287 - Comfy and Cozy Designs
GameTek Classic 285.5 - The Sweet Spot
Ludology 285 - Unmatched Making
Biography of a Board Game 284.5 - Chill: Black Morn Manor and Betrayal at House on the Hill
Ludology 284 - Spenser is Missing!
GameTek Classic 283.5 - Blue
Ludology 283 - Tools of the Trade
Biography of a Board Game Classic 282.5 - Cluedo
Ludology 282 - The Art of Marketing Yourself
GameTek Classic 281.5 - FPS FTW Part 2
Ludology 281 - I Like Big Games and I Cannot Lie
Biography of a Board Game 280.5 - Kill Dr. Lucky
Ludology 280 - Refuse to Leave the Room
GameTek Classic 279.5 - FPS FTW
Ludology 279 - Two Princes
Biography of a Board Game Classic 278.5 - Agricola
Ludology 278 - Everyone's a Critic
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