Text adventure games, also known as interactive fiction, originated in the 1970s with the release of games like “Colossal Cave Adventure” and “Zork.” These games were played entirely through text-based commands, with the player typing in actions such as “go north” or “take sword” to navigate through the game’s story and world. The game would then respond with a description of the player’s surroundings or the outcome of the action.

Text adventure games differ from other types of games in that they prioritize storytelling and world-building over graphics and action. They often rely on the player’s imagination to picture the game’s setting and characters, and focus on puzzle-solving and exploration rather than fast-paced gameplay. They also often feature non-linear storylines, allowing the player to make choices that affect the outcome of the game.

In recent years, text adventure games have seen a resurgence in popularity, with the development of new games and interactive fiction platforms like Twine. The games have also been adapted to virtual reality and other new technologies, to provide a new way to experience interactive fiction.