Narrative_Design

Interactive Fiction Project

Overview

Create a short interactive fiction (IF) game that can be completed in 10–15 minutes and features no more than three significant endings. You may build a text-only experience or incorporate images and/or sound.

Requirements

• Playtime: 10–15 minutes from start to any ending.
• Endings: Up to 3 distinct endings.
• Format: HTML export. Text only or text + media (images, audio).
• Authorship: Your own original writing and structure. External assets must be credited. No AI please.

Deliverables

• Outline showing major nodes and branches. Paper or digital.
• Playable HTML build (ink file and itch.io link) with any required instructions.
• One-page design brief that includes:
  • Premise + player role (“Who are we? Where are we? What are we doing?”)
  • Core loop or choice structure (how players progress)
  • List of endings with a sentence on what makes each significant
  • Notes on any media used (with credits)
  • Link to your game hosted on itch.io

Suggested Process

1. Concept: Pick a premise, central conflicts/complications, and any significant characters. Keep it short.
2. Outline: Sketch the branching structure. Mark key emotional beats and where endings occur.
3. Draft: Write the essential passages first (opening, turning points, endings).
4. Polish: Add choice clarity, pacing, and any supporting media. Proofread (visit the Writing Studio if needed).
5. Playtest: Have at least three people play.
6. Iterate: Use player feedback to make refinements and revisions. Playtest again.

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Phase 1: Planning (Due 09/30)

Do not use Ink this week.

1. Write a short plot summary
2. Create an outline (on paper or in software such as Milanote).
   • Identify key events, emotional beats, and narrative through-lines.
   • For each event, include:
     • 1–2 sentences describing what happens
     • The dramatic beat (using the options from Hamlet’s Hit Points)

What to submit (09/30):

• If using Milanote or other software: share the URL (if possible) or export to PDF and upload to Canvas.
• If using paper: take a high-resolution photo of your summary and outline, then upload to Canvas.

📌 This outline counts for 33% of your total project grade.

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Phase 2: Development (Due 10/07)

Now begin working in Ink.

1. Expand your outline into a playable prototype.
   • Some placeholder text is okay but no dead ends.
   • The game should be playable from start to finish.
   • It doesn’t need to be fully polished yet.
2. Proofread. If spelling or grammar is difficult, contact the Writing Studio for help.
3. Name your game and include the name in your Ink file.

What to submit (10/07):

• Upload your ink project’s folder (including any images, sounds, CSS) to Canvas.
• Use this file naming format: NameOfGame_beta.ink
• Playable exported HTML version that can be tested in class. Do not upload to itch.io yet.

📌 This outline counts for 33% of your total project grade.

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Phase 3: Final Development (Due 10/21)

Finish and polish your game.

1. Revise based on playtest feedback.
2. Upload exported HTML to itch.io.
3. Ensure the full game can be completed in 10–15 minutes.

What to submit (10/21):

• Upload your ink project’s folder (including any images, sounds, CSS).
• A one-page design brief with link to your published itch.io page.
• Use this file naming format: NameOfGame.ink

📌 The brief and exported HTML counts for 33% of your total project grade.

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