Tag Archives: interactive storytelling

Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks Return with New Kickstarter Campaign

Fans of classic adventure gamebooks have reason to celebrate—Fighting Fantasy is making a comeback, thanks to a new Kickstarter campaign. The legendary solo adventure series, created by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone, is returning to print, giving both longtime fans and new readers a chance to experience these interactive stories once again. I grew up reading these books so it is great to see them being remade for newer generations to enjoy.

Credit: Kickstarter

The Fighting Fantasy series, which debuted in the early 1980s, revolutionized the gamebook genre by blending branching narratives with dice-based combat and character progression. Each book allows players to make choices that shape the story’s outcome, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The newly announced Kickstarter campaign aims to bring back several beloved titles in beautifully reprinted editions, staying true to the original while incorporating high-quality production values.

This revival is not just about nostalgia—it’s also an opportunity for a new generation to discover the magic of Fighting Fantasy. With a growing interest in solo tabletop gaming, these books offer an engaging alternative to traditional RPGs. The campaign also promises additional perks for backers, including exclusive editions, collector’s items, and stretch goals that may unlock even more content.

Gamebooks have seen a resurgence in recent years, fueled by digital adaptations and renewed interest in interactive storytelling. The Fighting Fantasy franchise, in particular, has remained a fan favourite, with past titles inspiring video games, role-playing systems, and even board games. The Kickstarter campaign ensures that these timeless adventures remain accessible to modern audiences while preserving their classic appeal.

Presently the campaign has reached £91k massively exceeded the goal of £19,850 and has seen over 2,000 backers despite having 26 days to go. The options for backers are $15 (£12) for a single book up to $60 (£48) for the entire series.

For those who fondly remember rolling dice and navigating treacherous dungeons through the pages of a book, this reprint project is an exciting opportunity to relive the adventure. Whether you’re a veteran adventurer or a newcomer eager to explore the world of Fighting Fantasy, this revival promises to deliver thrilling solo experiences once more.

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Ink Console: Merging E-Reading with Interactive Gaming (Coming Soon)

The Ink Console is a very interesting project that links both gaming with e-ink technology. Harking back to the “choose your own adventure” books that I used to love, it is shaping up to be a modern take on this genre. The project now has its own Crowd Supply funding page, with more information coming soon as revealed on X today by Dana. Interested individuals can subscribe for updates and be notified upon the campaign’s commencement.  

At pivotal moments in the narrative, readers make choices that influence the story’s direction, creating a dynamic reading experience. The device features a 7.5-inch e-ink screen with an 800 x 480 resolution, an analog joystick for navigation, and a 5000 mAh lithium-ion battery for extended use.  

Credit: Crowd Supply

Beyond its hardware, the Ink Console offers an open platform with an easy-to-use development kit, enabling writers, artists, and game designers to craft their own interactive stories without coding expertise. The creators aim to make the entire project open-source post-campaign, providing resources like STEP files for case customisation and a comprehensive bill of materials.  

Credit: Crowd Supply

Currently, a diverse range of concept Gamebooks is in development, spanning genres from thrilling expeditions to immersive sci-fi narratives. New Gamebooks can be added via the built-in SD card reader, ensuring a continually fresh experience for users.  

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