Assignment: The Interactive Text

For this assignment, you’ll be creating an interactive digital text using Twine 2, software that is used to create simple, but effective, games. You may find a quick user manual at ___, but we will also be walking through the use of the software in class. Note that you may use similar software in place of Twine 2, or code something yourself from scratch, but please check with me to make sure it’s appropriate and doable within our given time frame.

Requirements

The base requirement for this assignment is that it MUST be highly interactive, multimodal (using text, images, or other kinds of media), and reflect a significant amount of time and labor (30+ hours). If it helps to have specifics, the minimum requirements for a Twine 2 text are listed below. This changes, of course, if you choose to use different software or tools.

· At least 64 interconnected passages, with a clear beginning and ending(s).

· Each qualifying passage (to count as part of the 64) must have at least 3 sentences and two choices (connections to other passages).

· Half of these passages should at least have some other form of embedded media.

Note that these are the bare minimum requirements, and will qualify your text for receiving a C. To receive a B or an A, you must put in significantly more work. This might include:

· Using more complicated features of Twine to create inventory systems, puzzles, riddles, and so on.

· Integrate Audio or video into the text.

· Use a programming language like JavaScript to add features that couldn’t be incorporated otherwise.

· Have many more rooms and interconnections that the base 64.

Tips

· It’s probably a good idea to focus on a story for this. Use your own memories for inspiration!

· Try to think of a particular genre you want to write, then try to stick to those conventions: horror, fantasy, romance, etc.

· It’s often useful for starting a story at the ending(s), then writing your way there. That way, you have a clear idea on where you want the story to go!

· Watch a movie, play a game, or read a story for inspiration!

· Have fun with it. Everything is a thousand times easier, and usually ends up as a much better final product, when you enjoy the process!