Inform 7 vs Poetix

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.

Poetix is a visual, node-based editor for branching game stories. Stories are organized into beats, dialogue, choices, conditions, and consequences, making the structure visible as connected narrative elements. An AI co-writer can suggest edits, but each suggestion waits for approval before changing a story. The simulator supports starting from a chosen beat, overriding variables, and inspecting condition results during playtesting. A story version can be published as a browser-playable link. For Unity projects, Poetix exports beats, choices, and variables and supplies a runtime API with ready-made dialogue and choice interfaces. Pro and Studio users may use their own OpenAI key instead of Poetix credits. Users retain ownership of created content and may commercially use resulting products without owing Poetix royalties or fees. The free plan includes unlimited stories and scenes, up to three writers per story, unlimited readers, 50 AI credits per month, and Unity export. Pro costs $15 a month; Studio costs $39 a month and supports up to 25 collaborators on up to five upgraded stories. Poetix says it is actively in development.