Interactive entertainment refers to a type of media that allows the user to actively participate and make choices that affect the outcome of the experience. This type of entertainment has been around for a long time, starting with choose-your-own-adventure books in the 1970s and 1980s. However, with the advent of technology, interactive entertainment has become increasingly popular and sophisticated, with video games being the most prominent example. Here is a brief history of the rise of interactive entertainment:
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Books: Choose-your-own-adventure books were first published in the 1970s and became extremely popular in the 1980s. These books allowed readers to make choices at various points in the story, which would then direct them to different pages and ultimately lead to different endings.
Interactive Fiction: In the 1980s and 1990s, interactive fiction games, also known as text adventures, were popular on home computers. These games used text-based commands to navigate the game world and solve puzzles, with the player’s choices determining the outcome of the story.
Point-and-Click Adventure Games: In the 1990s, point-and-click adventure games became popular. These games used a graphical interface and allowed players to use a mouse to interact with the game world and solve puzzles. The choices made by the player would determine the outcome of the story.
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs): In the 2000s, MMORPGs became popular. These games allowed players to create their own characters and interact with other players in a virtual world. The choices made by players would affect their character’s development and the outcome of the game.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure TV Shows: In 2018, Netflix released the interactive movie “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch”, which allowed viewers to make choices that determined the outcome of the story. This was followed by several other interactive shows, including “You vs. Wild” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend”.
Video Games: Video games are the most popular form of interactive entertainment today. Modern video games allow players to make choices that affect the story, gameplay, and character development. Some games even allow players to create their own content and share it with other players.
Overall, the rise of interactive entertainment has been driven by advances in technology and a desire for more engaging and personalized experiences. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that interactive entertainment will continue to grow and expand into new areas.