Dialogue Forge vs Inform 7
Dialogue Forge
dialogueforge.orgInform 7
ganelson.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Dialogue Forge | Inform 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Narrative Design Software | 7.4 (#20) | 8.1 (#8) |
| Integrations | The maker names Unity, Godot, and Unreal as engines that can use the exported JSON, and says it can also be used with a custom runtime. | The compiler can generate C code for use as part of a larger program, with Unity given as an example framework. |
| Support | The support page provides a contact form for users to describe problems and send a message. | The project directs users seeking advice to the Interactive Fiction Community Forum. |
Plans
In their own words
Dialogue Forge
Dialogue Forge has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Inform 7
Inform 7 is a programming language for making interactive fiction with natural-language syntax. Its stated uses include literary writing, games-industry prototyping, and teaching at school or university. The compiler turns natural-language source text into Inter code or Inform 6 source code, and can also generate C code for use within a larger program; Unity is given as an example framework. Authors can add supplementary source-text extensions, with optional extensions included in the standard installation. A public library offers user-contributed extensions under a Creative Commons Attribution licence. Documentation consists of two connected books, Writing with Inform and The Inform Recipe Book, containing nearly 500 examples. Inform was open-sourced in April 2022; modern releases include source code and ready-compiled apps. Apps are linked for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and the project page also states that Android apps are available. The software is free, listed at free. Modern app versions support language versions 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 for individual projects, but no earlier versions.