6.2 Crafting Meaningful Choices

Choices are the entry points into branches, and their design can make or break the reader’s engagement.

What Makes a Choice Meaningful?

  1. Clarity:
    • Readers should understand what they’re choosing, even if the outcomes are uncertain.
    • Example: “Do you confront the thief or let them escape to follow them later?”
  2. Impact:
    • Choices should have noticeable consequences, even if they’re subtle.
    • Example: Helping a wounded traveler might lead to an ally later—or a betrayal.
  3. Emotional Weight:
    • Choices tied to character relationships or moral dilemmas resonate more deeply.
    • Example: Deciding to save a friend at the cost of an innocent stranger’s life.

Tips for Writing Strong Choices

  • Use distinct and specific language for each option.
  • Avoid overwhelming readers with too many choices at once (three is often a good number).
  • Balance predictability and surprise—readers should feel the outcomes are logical but not entirely expected.

Using AdventureBuildr’s Features

  • Create conditional branches that depend on previous choices.
  • Add visual or textual hints about the consequences of a decision.