Description: Inform is a programming language specifically designed for creating interactive fiction, particularly in the form of text-based games. This language allows developers to write complex, branching narratives where player decisions influence the story’s progression. Inform is based on a declarative programming model, meaning programmers can describe the game world and its interactions intuitively, using a syntax that resembles natural English. This facilitates the creation of rich, detailed environments where players can explore, interact, and make decisions that affect the narrative’s outcome. Inform also includes a rule system that allows developers to define how objects and characters interact with each other, adding a layer of depth to the gaming experience. Over the years, Inform has evolved, incorporating new features and enhancements that have expanded its capabilities, making it a powerful tool for writers and game designers looking to effectively tell interactive stories.
History: Inform was created by Graham Nelson in 1993 as a programming language for creating interactive fiction. Since its release, it has gone through several versions, with Inform 7, released in 2006, being one of the most significant, as it introduced a natural language-based approach, allowing authors to write in a more narrative style. Over the years, Inform has been used in numerous interactive fiction competitions and has contributed to the revitalization of the genre, attracting both writers and programmers.
Uses: Inform is primarily used to develop text-based games and works of interactive fiction. Its ability to handle complex, branching narratives makes it an ideal tool for writers looking to explore interactivity in their stories. Additionally, Inform is used in educational settings to teach programming concepts and narrative, as well as in creative writing workshops.
Examples: A notable example of a game created with Inform is ‘Galatea’, an interactive fiction work that allows players to interact with an artificial intelligence character in a rich narrative environment. Another example is ‘Anchorhead’, a horror game that uses Inform’s structure to create an immersive atmosphere and an engaging narrative.
