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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11976-Even-Old-Digital-is-New-Again.html
For Authors: May 17, 2023 Issue [#11976]




 This week: Even Old Digital is New Again
  Edited by: JayNaNoOhNo Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Explore the evolving landscape of interactive fiction and delve into rethinking choose-your-own-adventure narratives and the innovative role AI can play. AI's ability to track and adjust to reader choices could revolutionize this genre again, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamic relationship between authors, readers, and stories.


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Letter from the editor

The roots of interactive fiction trace well back to the mid-20th century when the first choose-your-own-adventure books and role-playing tabletop games burst onto the scene. Who doesn't remember "If you want to open the door, turn to page 53. If you want to run away, turn to page 57."?

Okay, fine, anyone younger than me likely has no clue what I'm talking about.

Think about it like an open video game. Your path isn't defined by a linear storyline. The world is yours to explore. Choose-your-own-adventure is kind of like that, only limited to two choices at a time. Admittedly, this is less cool than the new Zelda installment.

However, those of us on WdC are familiar with the concept of digital interactive fiction. We have an entire section of the site dedicated to it, and you can easily make your own, where other writers contribute their own content. The type of interactive fiction I'm talking about is one written for the reader, and that reader's contribution is to choose what part to read next.

Unlike the two-choice method of past print, the mechanism can become much more complex. There's a new interest in how AI can track and transform reader choices and adjust the story accordingly. AI could vastly expand the narrative options, potentially down to even the amount of time a reader spends on certain sections of material or how long they take to make a decision.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about AI writing the story here. Instead, I'm talking about humans combining the elements of video games and literature to create innovative and immersive storytelling. Yes, this has been done before in several formats; back in the 80s and '90s, it was called hypertext fiction, and while it looks pretty archaic now, it demonstrated how an author could embrace new tools to fundamentally change the relationship between an author and a reader.

With the ability of AI to control massive networks of storylines, manage graphics and sound, and handle augmented and virtual reality, all while balancing openness with structure, choose-your-own-adventure may once again become an intriguing digital genre.

So, you tell me: Is there potential for a new cutting-edge intersection of literature and technology for the traditional fiction reader?


Editor's Picks



 
STATIC
Mini Turned Mighty Open in new Window. (E)
A science experiment goes awry.
#2295477 by Madelyn Gobble Gobble Stone Author IconMail Icon


BOOK
The People of Glass  Open in new Window. (18+)
Grieving 11-year-old Sigrun must find someone to answer the needs of the innocent.
#1877630 by Joto-Kai Author IconMail Icon


 
FORUM
Other Worlds Contest Open in new Window. (18+)
Science Fiction Short Story Contest. Closed
#2078460 by A E Willcox Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2295579 by Not Available.


 
STATIC
Hamelin Towne Open in new Window. (ASR)
The familiar fairy tale, told in rhyme
#2289243 by Words Whirling 'Round Author IconMail Icon


See something great in your WdC travels? Nominate it for a Quill Award!

SURVEY
Quill Nomination Form 2024 Open in new Window. (E)
Nominate someone for a Quill!
#2145930 by Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon


Looking for some inspiration?

STATIC
Contest Clues Open in new Window. (E)
List of WdC Writing Contests, Challenges, Activities. Clues To What's Open, What's Closed!
#2221492 by GeminiGem🐾 Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer


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