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?
- 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?”
- 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.
- 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.