Inform 7 vs Narrat

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.

Narrat is a game engine for creating narrative games, RPGs, visual novels and interactive fiction. Authors use a scripting language with branching choices, functions, variables and conditions. Built-in systems cover skills and checks, inventory, quests, achievements, save and load, audio and notifications. The engine supports interactive visual screens, character portraits and poses, animations, and video backgrounds. Its interface can be themed with CSS and configured through editable YAML settings; built-in localization includes string syntax and a language switcher. Developers can extend it with TypeScript code, Vue components, custom commands, menu tabs, data stores and lifecycle hooks, and documentation lists a Godot 4 integration plugin. Games can be built as static websites or desktop applications for Windows, Mac and Linux; Steam build support is experimental. Mobile delivery is through HTML5 web games. Narrat is free and open source under the MIT license, with personal and commercial use permitted without restrictions. Documentation, troubleshooting resources, a community forum and Discord are listed for help.