- Jun 6, 2018
- 102
- 3,883
Happened upon a post by Hypnosys, asking about how one would approach writing a branching story. Being from a writing background, thought I might share some of my knowledge on the matter.
Following is a extensive read on my process in writing an interactive story, as well as some general writing/production tips sprinkled throughout.
Now, if you struggle with planning choices/branching stories, it might be helpful to first understand and distinguish what are at your disposal.
When it comes to choices in interactive stories, they can usually be broken down into three categories: Major, Minor, and Superficial Branch. The implication of each type should be fairly self-explanatory, but here's some clarification nonetheless:
Now that we understand there are three types of branches to utilize, I would recommend you to ONLY concern yourself with any Major Branches at the initial planning stage.
AFTER finishing the initial script, we can see about getting into Minor Branches and Superficial Branches.
Of course, all of these tips are dependent on the scope of your project. You might not even consider putting Major Branches at all. In which case you can just start slapping simple variations wherever you want, since ultimately they do not require much management.
On smaller projects, these methods might seem unnecessary. But once you start to expand, such concepts can be quite helpful as not to be overwhelmed by a confusing web of choice and consequences.
Below are some additional tips and notes you might find helpful.
That is all from me. Hopefully this guide can be of some help for any aspiring writers.
Might do edits for errors or additions.
Have fun writing porn.
Following is a extensive read on my process in writing an interactive story, as well as some general writing/production tips sprinkled throughout.
This series of tips are mainly focused on helping people understand the basic idea and process of branching story-telling.
It does not discuss narrative merits or structure, nor does it contain tips on interactivity or Ludonarrative dissonance
- how gameplay, features and narrative can be woven seamlessly (all of which can be extensive topics on their own).
It does not discuss narrative merits or structure, nor does it contain tips on interactivity or Ludonarrative dissonance
- how gameplay, features and narrative can be woven seamlessly (all of which can be extensive topics on their own).
Now, if you struggle with planning choices/branching stories, it might be helpful to first understand and distinguish what are at your disposal.
When it comes to choices in interactive stories, they can usually be broken down into three categories: Major, Minor, and Superficial Branch. The implication of each type should be fairly self-explanatory, but here's some clarification nonetheless:
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Now that we understand there are three types of branches to utilize, I would recommend you to ONLY concern yourself with any Major Branches at the initial planning stage.
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AFTER finishing the initial script, we can see about getting into Minor Branches and Superficial Branches.
You don't have permission to view the spoiler content.
Log in or register now.
Of course, all of these tips are dependent on the scope of your project. You might not even consider putting Major Branches at all. In which case you can just start slapping simple variations wherever you want, since ultimately they do not require much management.
On smaller projects, these methods might seem unnecessary. But once you start to expand, such concepts can be quite helpful as not to be overwhelmed by a confusing web of choice and consequences.
Below are some additional tips and notes you might find helpful.
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That is all from me. Hopefully this guide can be of some help for any aspiring writers.
Might do edits for errors or additions.
Have fun writing porn.
