interactive fiction

American  

noun

1. an adventure or mystery story, usually presented as a video game or book, in which the player or reader is given choices as to how the storyline is to develop or the mystery is to be solved.

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Etymology

Origin of interactive fiction

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The Immersive Invitational, now in its fourth year, celebrates the communal power of interactive fiction.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025

It’s very weird and a lot of fun, but it’s light on traditional game mechanics — more like an interactive fiction engine.

From The Verge • Dec. 19, 2021

“What I like about interactive fiction is that forces your brain to imagine the space and to see the outcomes of your choices in ultra high definition,” said Vanaman.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2016

The reason Quinn was targeted varies, depending on whom you ask, but most explanations lead to Depression Quest, a free interactive fiction game, released in 2013.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 9, 2014

A more novel, even radical, form of digital storytelling with text arrived last month on the iPad in the form of Blood & Laurels by Emily Short, an author of interactive fiction.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2014