Inform 7 vs Naninovel
Inform 7
ganelson.github.ioNaninovel
naninovel.comSide by side
| Figure | Inform 7 | Naninovel |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Narrative Design Software | 8.1 (#8) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Integrations | The compiler can generate C code for use as part of a larger program, with Unity given as an example framework. | Naninovel has an official VS Code extension with syntax highlighting, error checking, auto-completion, and interactive documentation for scenario scripts. |
| Support | The project directs users seeking advice to the Interactive Fiction Community Forum. | Community help is available on Discord; an active Support Plan adds priority team responses, a support bot, source repository access, and GitHub package access. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
Naninovel
Naninovel is a Unity extension for creating dialogue, cutscenes, and visual novels, with authoring tools for writers and a C# framework. Stories can be written in NaniScript text documents or assembled in a visual Story Editor, with branching, variables, and conditions. Built-in systems include UI, save and load, rollback, localization, auto-voicing, and dialogue triggers; features can be extended, replaced, or overridden with prefab changes or a C# API. Naninovel can run as a standalone visual novel engine or supply dialogue and cutscenes in games of other genres. A browser game demo and separate web sandbox let users try the product before purchase. It also has a VS Code extension with script editing aids. The product is paid with a free trial; its single-seat license allows use on up to two computers and includes one year of Support Plan. Unity 6.0 and 6.3 LTS with the latest patches are listed as supported; non-LTS releases are unsupported.