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

“Games can fuel fandom, but they can also create it,” said Sarah Springwater, director of story for Netflix Stories, the library of interactive fiction games based on the company’s programs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2024

Despite that, games like Lionkiller show just how engaging and powerful interactive fiction can be — even if they only have words to work with.

From The Verge • Mar. 1, 2020

Hadean Lands rejuvenates the form’s essence for the first time in many years, and points the way to new and more mind-twisting possibilities for interactive fiction.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2015

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

Exploring those possibilities is one reason Ms. Short became a writer of interactive fiction rather than of more conventional stories.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2014