I’m about to start a rewrite for an unlisted demo because of extensive back end retcons. Certain things were half baked in the past, and I’ve fleshed out those pain points.
Despite that, I’m still unsure on a number of topics.
What do you consider crucial groundwork? What do you consider a patch as you go problem?
For me personally, I plan as I would a novel and a game. I create the narrative elements and gameplay elements, which both pieces influence and inspire one another.
A “patch as you go” advice might be that this is only a work in progress. Things can change; you’re not beholden to earlier outlined elements. Playing your game and receiving feedback helps here.
Take it with a grain of salt, because I haven’t published anything in the IF realm, but I’ve written stories before. My personal approach is to know how the story starts, the main milestones, and how it ends. Details is important too, but you can figure them out as you write different drafts.
Usually, for each chapter, I map out what needs to happen and the progression of events. I think you need to have the main storyline and character arcs planned, not in full detail, but with enough understanding of your work to ensure good pacing and continuity.
