Create an Interactive Story Game (Using Google Slides)
Overview
This document details a simple way for anyone to create an interactive digital adventure game with zero programming. This activity can be done as an individual or with a team. Use a cloud-based PowerPoint program to get started (Google slides recommended).
Introduction
This resource teaches you how to create an interactive adventure game with zero programming via Google Slides. It can be a collaborative activity or completed solo. You can find more details beside the ones provided in this resource here
Plan the Story
Determine the setting(s), character(s), and problem(s) in your story. Make a list of them to refer to when building your game. If your designing this game with someone else, then use a cloud shared document (like Google docs). Another name for this phase is “Story Brainstorming.”
Choose one character and problem to focus on, this is your games plot.
Tips
Try to have at least 10 settings, 10 characters, and 10 problems
The key to brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible. There are no bad ideas at this stage
Sift through your ideas and identify the ones you think will be the most and least fun for the player.
Create the slides
Open a PowerPoint program and make a title slide for your game. Then make a beginning slide that details your stories scenario. Underneath that description, add three choices your player can make by placing text boxes. Link each of those choices to a separate slide that progresses your story forward.
To link a text box in Google Slides, select over the entire text box and press Ctrl+K (or click the link chain at the top of the browser). Then click “Slides in this presentation” > select whatever slide you’d like to link the choice too. You’ll need to pre-make the slide you want a choice to link to before linking it.
Tips
Create interesting choices for the player to pursue
Remember this game can’t remember player choices; plan your story route accordingly
Use intriguing pictures along with your text descriptions to paint the scene for your player
Keep track of what you name each slide, this will help you with the linking process
Rinse & Repeat
Repeat this process until you’ve completed your game; you can add two choices to the next slide instead of three (this streamlines the design process). Whenever the player reaches a dead end in your game (due to failure, dying, completion), link them back to beginning of the game, or to a check point.
Tips
Always write in the second person (you, your, yours)
Always include the choice in the title.
Test your links frequently in Presentation Mode
Playtest
Once you’ve completed you game play it in presentation mode to ensure it works correctly. Tweak it based on your enjoyment level.
Tips
Have a friend playtest your game and give you feedback
That’s it! Your game is now ready to be enjoyed by all. I’ve included a link to my very own digital adventure game for you to reference.
Here's a game I worked on for months using this exact proccess; should be a helpful reference