Adrift (video game)

Adrift is a text adventure game creation system developed by Campbell Wilding. It is designed for creating interactive fiction games playable on Windows. Unlike many other text adventure systems that utilize programming languages, Adrift employs a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow authors to create games through a visual editing process.

Key Features:

• GUI-Based Authoring: Adrift eschews traditional coding methods, opting instead for a visual interface where authors define rooms, objects, characters, and actions via menus and forms.
• Logic System: Adrift employs a logic system based on conditions and effects. Authors define triggers (conditions) and the resulting actions (effects) that occur when those triggers are met.
• Simple Language: Adrift utilizes a simplified scripting language that allows for more complex interactions and customized responses.
• Multiple Player Characters: Adrift allows for the creation of games with multiple playable characters, each with their own inventory and set of abilities.
• World Mapping: Adrift supports the creation of maps for players to use during gameplay, aiding navigation.
• Library of Functions: A library of pre-built functions simplifies common tasks and interactions, such as object manipulation, character movement, and text display.
• Freeware: Adrift is available as freeware, making it accessible to a wide range of users interested in creating interactive fiction.

Usage:

The Adrift system consists of two main components: the Adrift IDE (Integrated Development Environment), used for creating and editing games, and the Adrift Interpreter, used for playing games created with the system. Authors use the IDE to define the game world, characters, and logic, then compile the game into a data file. Players then use the Interpreter to load and play the compiled game.

Significance:

Adrift has been popular within the interactive fiction community due to its ease of use and accessibility. The GUI-based approach lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring interactive fiction authors who may not have programming experience. Adrift games often participate in interactive fiction competitions.