interactivefiction

Interactive fiction (IF) is narrative where the reader's input shapes the story. Early IF used text parsers that accepted commands; modern variants use branching choices or script-driven state to determine scenes and endings. The core idea is reader agency over a fixed, linear text.

Historically, IF began with 1970s text adventures like Colossal Cave and Zork, which combined exploration, puzzles, and narrative through typed commands. After a mid-1990s lull, the field revived via accessible tools and formats—Twine, Inform 7, and Ink—letting authors craft interactive stories with either code-based or visual scripting.

Design elements include branching narratives, persistent state, and puzzles. Parser-based IF interprets text commands for actions (go, examine, take); choice-based IF presents links or buttons that advance the plot. Hybrid works blend these approaches to suit mood, pacing, and reader agency.

Notable examples and platforms include early classics Colossal Cave Adventure and Zork; later landmarks such as Photopia; and modern titles like 80 Days and Fallen London. Authoring tools include Inform 7, Twine, and Ink, supporting diverse storytelling approaches.

Impact and use: IF is studied in game design, digital humanities, and creative writing for exploring narrative structure, interactivity, and memory of the simulated world. Communities preserve works, share tools, and run competitions to encourage experimentation.