Ok, I have several ideas for games that I would like to create. I have the basic story ideas worked out, but I'm not sure where to start with the game creation process. Some of the ideas are for TA, some are for IF...
For text adventures, do I start by building the map, then add the characters et al? Or do I start by figuring out how the game mechanics will work (ie dice rolling for attacking monsters, movement to random locations, scoring, etc)?
For interactive fiction, what's the best way to create choice trees? I've started one already, and I'm having a difficult time keeping track of all the pages, which page links to which... Is there a good way to make a choice tree outline or something like that?
Thanks in advance for advice!
When starting a Text Adventure, I like to get my room set up with at least one object and player with one object. Adding a couple connected rooms. Then work on getting all the actions/verbs/attributes, whatever, set to those.
This will teach you the processes involved in much of the game. Then as you add to the game you are familiar with what needs to be done and much can be copy/pasted.
The IF is not something I use, but perhaps a Mind map(found for free on line) would help organize your story line.
I use Trizbort to create a map.
"Trizbort is a simple tool used to create maps for interactive fiction."
I use Trizbort to create a map.
The next version of Trizbort should have a Quest export function, so you can export your map into a new Quest game.
There are 1 methods, I believe... chose which one works for you... (For a first time programmer, I think #1 is easer... BUT, for a story writer, #2 would be easer)...
#1_A: map your world, all the rooms, all the connections, with simple room descriptions, you can flesh them out later...
B: move through all the rooms to make sure they connect, (optional, but for someone new, needed)
C: add objects, improve room descriptions, add objects, people NPCs... and so on...
D: Lock exits that need a key to open... Hide "hidden doors", improve the room descriptions...
E: Expand, add, tweak as needed... Repeat until happy, then...
F: release the game and expect little to no feedback...
#2_A: Start with first room, write the start of your story, add objects people, NPCs, and exits as you write...
B: select one exit, add that room, repeat step B: for the next part of the story... repeat until you get to an end. go to C:
C: select another exit, add room, write story if the player took this exit.... go to B:
D: repeat until all story threads are finished...
E: playtest all possible options, verify that the story flows well regardless which path is chosen...
F: release the game and expect little to no feedback...
Or, combine the 2 options...