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 257 - All About That Ace
Biography of a Board Game 256.5 - Afrikan tähti ("Star of Africa")
Ludology 256 - You're Big in Japan!
GameTek 255.5 - Global Logistics Woes
Ludology 255 - The Quiet Game
Biography of a Board Game 254.5 - Zombies!!!
Ludology 254 - Make It Count
GameTek Classic 253.5 - Knitting
Ludology 253 - Reimagined, Revamped, and Restored
Biography of a Board Game 252.5 - King of Tokyo
Ludology 252 - Crazy Rich Storytelling
GameTek Classic 251.5 - Lotteries
Ludology 251 - All in the Family
Biography of a Board Game 250.5 - El Grande
Ludology 250 - Thanks for the Emma-ries
GameTek Classic 249.5 - Battle Royale
Ludology 249 - Gaming the System
Biography of a Board Game 248.5 - Pass-out
Ludology 248 - Solo-liloquy
GameTek 247.5 - Mana
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Survival Horror Podcast
Classic Gaming Brothers
The Danger Club Podcast
Critical Role
Space Cats Peace Turtles