Blog Post #10
The Future of IV
Throughout this semester, we've taken a look at interactive fiction in its many forms. We've discussed and analyzed early works programmed in the 1970s, modern computer games, twine pieces, unconventional pieces, novels such as Ready, Player One where the plot was inspired and revolves around interactive fiction games, and even films. As we wrap the semester up, thinking about where the genre of interactive fiction will go is an interesting thought.
I feel like computer and video games will continue to be interactive fiction's most popular medium. It's a format that works and has proven to be successful. Hundreds of games come out a year and top the chart, most of which have a story where the player gets to choose the outcome for most character decisions (the most popular examples from the last couple of years are The Walking Dead series, The Last of Us, Detroit: Become Human, and Stanley Parable). I feel like most players like that aspect of storytelling games.
I also believe that films and VR will become bigger platforms on the forefront of interactive fiction. Virtual Reality is becoming more and more popular amongst gamers. I think the video game industry will combine the two and within the next decade, that'll be a common source of interactive fiction. The immersiveness of VR will be an added bonus in having a player/viewer feel like they're inside of the game their playing. It will take the concept of interactive fiction to a whole new level.
I also think because of the popularity of Netflix's Bandersnatch, interactive fiction in films will only continue to grow. Netflix has already had another interactive series come out, You vs. Wild. It follows Bear Grylls, a British survival instructor who had his own show back in the day 'Man vs. Wild' where he would teach others how to survive different climates in the wilderness. In You vs. Wild, you accompany Bear Grylls through different settings in the wild. You are confronted with different survivalist situations and have to make the right move in order to stay alive essentially. It's a series with eight episodes, with each episode having a different climate to explore and navigate through.
I believe the future of interactive fiction is bright. It will never die down because people enjoy experiencing storytelling in a way where THEY as a viewer have the power to impact a viewer. I don't think interactive fiction will disappear anytime soon. We've only just uncovered the beginning of the genre.
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