Writing a Text-Based Adventure Game in Python

In this video I walk you through writing a simple text-based adventure game. I also discuss the time.sleep() function in Python, the use of functions, simple input validation, and boolean operators.
The source code for the program in the video can be viewed here: gist.github.com/dougmcnally/0...

[@dougsmom538]

I'm proud of you son!

[@AnonsFunFactory]

Are you really THE Doug's Mom?

[@gigachad7751]

hI MoM

[@donaldduck7924]

@@gigachad7751 69

[@gigachad7751]

@@donaldduck7924 😭😭😭😭

[@solomon9388]

mom?

[@bjarnisvanurbirgisson4147]

This explains everything on a very basic level and I feel like I am learning a lot from this. Thank you for your video :)

[@janindudesilva4312]

welldone

[@greatfeeler4490]

Can you suggest a another story so I can make my own I don't know where to find so that I can create programming

[@louisparkes8666]

What I like about this is that I feel like I have learned a lot from this video. Unlike a lot of other videos, you explain what you are doing, and it is really helpful. It's a great video, thanks a lot for it. :) I subscribed. :)

[@xObserver]

Your comment motivated me to watch the video thank you

[@bolangamwokashi4866]

This is a pretty basic text adventure game that you created. A few months ago as I was developing the game, I wasn't off the tangent. However, I did deviate from what you did there. In order to prevent typing print("") for every single line, or sentence, to form a story, create dialog, or request a specific action, I used .txt files to create their own specific lines in them. For starters, the intro ends up with main_intro.txt. It's the first thing to see after typing start or Start. There's Options, then there's Quit. But once you start the game, the intro shows up and you eventually are led to the main branch of the storyline. You end up reading another .txt file that was opened. After clicking on a specific path, you end up closing the .txt file you opened, and proceed to open the proper .txt file that correlated with the path. This ended up with numerous text files; however, it was better than doing print by hand every single time. Basically, it gave me more freeway in how to best develop the story. However, in regards to inventory, weapons, etc. It has yet to be developed.

[@the_liminalwitch]

This was an amazing tutorial, I managed to make the exact same thing you did by following it. Thanks for the help! Really recommend this to anyone who comes onto it!

[@ROSHing1]

this is a good explanation for beginners. a lot of other material (and even some teachers) glosses over the basic stuff. having it spelled out and then repeated allows for much more retention.

[@calmack6637]

I love to copy code then figure out what everything does by messing around with stuff, it's really fun and a great way to learn

[@myronyu1952]

This tutorial helped me a lot for my python class, thanks!

[@prmusic2971]

Thanks I'm a noob and only came looking for the sleep function and I got that and much more. You have gained a sub

[@orange9742]

Thanks man. I'm a newbie in my coding class at school and this video really helped me alot.

[@andre-arthur]

My teacher: please resolve this math problem. Me: the answer is fox.

[@itsangie750]

This is very helpful as I create my own adventure game assignment. Thank you.

[@allplaythisgame]

This is actually really nice. It teaches you so much. Thank you so much

[@sentientleg2723]

this is very helpful, i'm making one of these for a school project and this really clears things up for me; i'm mot an experienced programmer. thanks!

[@vikrambalaji4126]

Thank you for making this so simple.

[@joeses4162]

Very Explanatory, Excellent Work!

[@TheFloranine]

Such a good teacher, finally im getting it! Thank you for an awesome video =)

[@JuanRodriguez-tr6st]

Thank you Doug, this will help me with my assignment

[@jessicasiegel634]

Thank you so much for explaining this! you did it really well

[@pulakaugustus5283]

Helped me a lot pls keep uploading such using pygame

[@spoiled_water8080]

Using this to help with school, thanks a lot!

[@godwinjaycee52]

omg, I like the detailed explanation

[@joshuadratwa4685]

Thanks so much for a nice really explanatory video🙌

[@nearogstrom1209]

This video has helped me so much, thanks!

[@harshtanwar4443]

This is really a helpful video for beginners.

[@FootFem]

So much to learn, thank you.

[@sy-uu3hz]

'# input validation' helped me out a lot! thanks.

[@birdperson180]

thank you so much this was so easy to follow

[@abz10lfc90]

import random import time def displayIntro(): print("It is the end of a long year fighting space criminals ") print("you come to a crossroad on your trip home, one path leads home") print("where you will be handsomly rewarded for your job well done") print("and the other leads through to a grenade alien trap where you shall disinetegrate") print() def choosePath(): path = "" while path ! = "1" and path ! = "2": path = input("what path will you choose? (1 or 2):") return path displayIntro() choosePath()

[@andre-arthur]

Thanks for explaining everything so well!! :)

[@dougmcnally624]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@iambecomejeff]

How would you implement more “rooms” or areas to explore? Would they have to be nested within a long string of IF/ELSE statements? Or can you define each rooms function as a variable??

[@MultiHospi]

Thank You, I learned so much! :)

[@ifthebeltiscrackedor]

Thank you so much. I red python for some year and my first program idea got me stuck. I started writing a solo adventure roughly by the same time. Now everything falls into place because I needvery ideas to get me started AND I need support line by line (having previously passed the indentation obstacle by my self). I just want to mention the print statement printing a function does need a definition but if confusing to some, this quotation marked one: print ("Hi!") is ofcourse working. Thank you again !!

[@weebgaming8808]

This is a nice video, thanks I can now do it myself ❤️

[@simphiwecharlesbuthelezi2073]

well explained.. you just earned yourself a new subscriber!!!

[@yoniment]

and another

[@Celldweller97]

and another

[@brandon2003h]

and another

[@nicholasberg6248]

and another

[@enverofrivia7236]

and another

[@harryt5878]

For some reason mine says there is and error with path not being defined and the Choice and chosen path function

[@ebg7838]

thank you so much for making vid really thought me alllloooot

[@abhiroopmisra83]

Great Work

[@casey3594]

Cool story Doug!

[@jacksonhanigan9313]

Great video thanks!

[@JimWright1950]

The first text-based game I played was on a college punch card main frame and was called Star Trek. No screen, just a printer.

[@92RedRevolver]

How would you/can you go about doing a Leisure Suit Larry type text adventure in Python? I'm not going that way for the 'Softporn adventure' angle, but because I think the visual aspect whilst interacting with the game using text (so a point and click without pointing and clicking, essentially) is pretty cool and I can't think of any other series that really do it and there's (potentially) a niche in the market there (whilst having almost endless possibility). Thanks!

[@bassboostedsongs7686]

That was very informational

[@bassboostedsongs7686]

Thank you!

[@jasoncherry3404]

This is a great lesson thank you for taking the time to put this video together. I’m new to this, if I want to open doors with a code how do you do that? On the same note if I want access a computer in the game with a code how do I do that?

[@papilloneffect4015]

Well... I don't want mine to be random though lol. I found out what to do with another video, but it's kind of like throwing a wrench into the whole thing. A random win text adventure isn't something I wanted to make lol.

[@brookestephen]

De Morgan's Laws are tough to explain!

[@CMKzzz]

Thanks for this!

[@LFSPharaoh]

I’m making something similar but based on customer interactions during a phone call. Looking for tips to handle a handful of questions, where the first “phase” is a question, and you have different options for responses. The problem I’m having is there’s so many branches it’s making the code messy or overwhelming. So #1 would give you possible responses, then that response might bring you further down a tree. So there could be 4 phases, with each phase having 1-4 responses each. So far I have one giant block of like 20 if statements and I’m only on the first question so far. Is there an easy way to organize all these? I suppose I could use functions for the first phase, but that only takes off one “level” of if statements.

[@ee-wx3hy]

Thanks helped a bunch

[@gearheadthegreat]

Hi, I followed your process but I keep getting a syntax error after # input validation. Can you tell me how to fix this?

[@Hekkle01]

I've made my own version of this, but the options to type 1, 2, or 3 don't work.

[@benschelbert3912]

hey could someone please tell me how I would add more without messing up the play again sequence?

[@willmorrisset1984]

Gamma ray bursts?? What was the galactic model you used to estimate the location and power of the burst? Did you measure it’s lethality in rigidity or energy? Can I see some sources for this???

[@ProjektDesigns]

I understand this is random but come on I keep getting the bad ending.I'm trying to see if my addition of adding code will work but I can't even get passed the first choice

[@janivoutilainen1468]

I just love this video. I am new in coding. I am doing a school assignment, which is based on this video. The point is always ask to do this or that. Then when I check the correctPath, if it's incorrect I'd like to make a choice to playAgain. Well it works, but you can type anything and it restarts the program. Or sometimes I mixed it just continues to the next step... I dunno if you catch my thought here but, currently every side step ("wrong" path) is ending into a sys.exit() even I'd like to ask the player to play again :(

[@reviewwriter9636]

this is great but how would you reset to s point or the game if the string was incorrect?

[@Trihexian]

how would you go about adding a third option to the program

[@circuit68]

Hi, i was just wondering if i wanted to put a Easter egg into this game, how could i do that. Say instead of saying "1" or "2", the input was "3" and it gave you a completely different ending... like "hey you found my Easter egg". What code would i have to edit?

[@reviewwriter9636]

im not shore if it would work but if you say 1 or 2 but add 3 as an option you could click you could make it look like an ester egg

[@melissaspeake3218]

I am currently using a Mac with Catalina OS. After creating the "def displayIntro():" and all print items and selecting run, all that appears is the 'Hello' and 'there'. I have followed all instructions and actions in this video and repeated the inputs with differing results. Does anyone know why this would happen or how to fix it?

[@miyacoxlong2343]

What if you want 1 and 2 to be separate paths instead of random?

[@Tidussoul]

Thank you!

[@saikrishnadandamudi]

can we convert the playAgain part into def play_gain?

[@jazbizarre331]

HOW TO ADD MORE CHOICES??

[@herropaul]

Can you explain the def checkPath(chosenPath) ?

[@burhansecvr7665]

Thanks I understand. But what dose the return do and where dose it return to?

[@jessicazhang8097]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sedenions]

What if I want four paths, not two, to start off? And then each branch into more? Helpful guide if you're doing the most basic form of text adventure possible...

[@KindOldRaven]

For some reason when I choose ''4'' for instance, it'll simply state "Process finished with exit code 0'' instead of loop back to asking which path to take. This is my first day of Python so I'm probably messing up somewhere... Using Python 3.6 here. I don't know where I'm going wrong here: Even if I literally copy the entire code -> it'll just keep running, even if I choose ''poop'' instead of 1 or 2... =/ It'll still generate the good or bad ending and ask to play again. Basically everything works, besides recognizing a false input like ''poop'' instead of '1' or '2'. code: import time import random def displayintro(): print("It has been a long, but surprising day hasn't it? ") time.sleep(3) print("I'm sure you would love to sit down and relax for a while...") time.sleep(3) print("") time.sleep(1) print("...but you know that's not going to happen, don't you?") print(" ") time.sleep(4) print("You have a path to choose which will define the rest of your evening and night... read carefully...") print("") time.sleep(3) def choosepath(): path = " " while path != "1" and path != "2": path = input("Which path will you choose? ('1' or '2' are the only viable options...): ") return path def checkpath(chosenpath): print("You head down your chosen path") time.sleep(2) print("Your skin begins to tingle") time.sleep(3) correctpath = random.randint(1, 2) if chosenpath == str(correctpath): print("That tingling was the feeling of victory! You've made it!") print("Welcome home!") else: print("You've fucked up!") playagain = "yes" while playagain == "yes" or playagain == "y": displayintro() choice = choosepath() checkpath(choice) playagain = input("Do you want to play again? ('yes' or 'y' to continue)")

[@UniversityOfMassachusets]

its a syntax issue. You indented "return path" under your path variable which is causing the issue. Have "return path" under "while" and your issue should be fixed. Example:: " def choosepath(): path = "" while path != "1" and path != "2": path = input("Which path will you choose? ('1' or '2' are the only viable options...): ") return path "

[@tungarafrog2549]

I am getting syntax error on the second != and I don't know why. plz help

[@Hagelnot]

This is the same as i wrote out of Al Sweigarts book :D

[@Backup-mt4cv]

Whenever I try to run the program and I get to the section where you choose a path, it will not accept anything to move on. I have even tried copying your exact code and it still did not work.

[@TheMourningPalace]

He might be using a different version of Python than you. Same thing happens to me.

[@maeveupton7959]

use raw_input() instead of input()

[@Billibob-ud5hd]

you using python 2?

[@NyuAtreides]

i used raw_input() and it just closes the program now

[@anselmoffrisia2930]

@@maeveupton7959 Thanks. That was a big help.

[@okaysoph]

right now im making my own. im using sublime text rn. i was wondering, when i play it, how do i choose an option. i type one and nothing happens. thanks

[@amitwaghmare3863]

you got to run the program on terminal or command prompt

[@somerandomdudewhodoesstuff3107]

I’m trying to make multiple selections of paths after the first one and it’s really confusing please make a tutorial on how to make something likevthat

[@vanmennace]

if u still want to build your text based game come check out my tutorials. most u should be able to copy and paste.

[@patrickvanberkel3948]

Having an issue with the: def choosePath(): path = "" while path != "1" and path != "2": # input validation path = input("pick a number (1 or 2): ") my input validation isn't working, anyone have any suggestions?

[@anselmoffrisia2930]

Someone suggested that path = input("... should be path = raw_input ("... It worked for me, anyways.

[@deme3595]

is the program Spyder applicable for this?

[@user-ku4jf6nc2g]

I'm happy to find this video. >ㅐ

[@MrMixedGamerz]

How To Make Multiple Choices?

[@Hekkle01]

Is it possible to make an "If" statement without entering an "else/else if"?

[@BHunt616]

Most definitely. If the statement is not true, the code will simply skip over it. As to whether it is advisable, I'm afraid I cannot offer any guidance.

[@danielpaschall9308]

Yes you put If "stament": Do this Elsif: Do that Else: Do those

[@aryantomar]

Yes of course, if you do- If "stament": Do this Elsif: Do that Else: Do those

[@ckkitty]

You can leave out any part except the starting "if" statement so: if bool: stuff is valid. It is also pythonic and readable.

[@yellaturd]

Very useful. Too bad I'm below a beginner and spent the vast majority of my time just trying to figure out how to run code in a program. Eventually found Python shell thanks to a friend.

[@harshtanwar4443]

It also explains us everything that we need to know to make a take-based game

[@minnadahlberg162]

I was trying this but with my own story but after selecting an alternaive, 1 or 2, the program just stops and doesn't continue. Even re-made it to look almost identical toy ours in case I messed something up... Any idea why that's happening??

[@gabepereira3948]

this happened with me as well, but i'm not sure why. Perhaps there is something with the 1 or 2 where the program does not recognize them and thinks they are a garbage answer such as fox

[@gabepereira3948]

oh i just figured out, i was putting a space before i typed the number and you're not meant to

[@aquanightingale1961]

what does the return function do?

[@martyrsdemiise]

Return the value of path.

[@Celldweller97]

How can i get an .exe Text adventure? So i can send my little game to my Friends and they dont need Python? I dont find any vid for that... Can u help me?

[@godsmackfreak13]

ChaOs I it’s a complicated process, tbh. Look up something along the lines of “turn python script into executable”

[@reinisbalt5940]

What happens if you wanted 4 paths to choose from?

[@ckkitty]

if bool1: thing1 elif bool2: thing2 elif bool3: thing3 elif bool4: thing4 else: print('this is not a valid input') You can put multiple elifs.

[@CM-sc5we]

Is it possible to load a game like this on a site and add html and css?

[@theemacsen1518]

yah, using JS and html canvas

[@coldsavagegod7101]

Can you make it so it generates a random story every time, and not the same one?

[@cesarkopp2]

You will need to use the random function. For example... You have 4 stories. So, when the game starts you use the random function to generate a random integer number from 1 to 4. Then, you put a IF condition. if number =1 > story 1 if number = 2 > story 2 EXAMPLE WITH 2 STORIES. Just copy-paste it ---------------------------------------------------------- import random # Import the random module def story1(): # You need to define a function before you call it print("Once upon a time....") print("... a random god choose 1") def story2(): # You need to define a function before you call it print("You wake up in a room...") print("The number 2 appear engraved in your body") x = int(random.randint(1, 2)) # Generates a random integer number between 1 and 2 if x == 1: # If random number is 1... story1() # Call story 1 if x == 2: # If random number is 2... story2() # Call story 2

[@coldsavagegod7101]

@@cesarkopp2 Thanks a lot bro

[@henryrios6780]

Is the sleep command built in? Or do I have to download it

[@dougmcnally624]

Henry Rios You just need to write import time on a line at the beginning of your program. That module is included with the standard Python installation.

[@henryrios6780]

Doug McNally thank you

[@SmellyChicken69]

Dank

[@Tocy777isback0414]

AHHH GENERAL KENOBI!

[@EirTheGhost]

What program did u use for python

[@kriszenn1125]

the IDLE duh...

[@andremiel1228]

I followed what you did, but it only tells me AttributeError: module 'random' has no attribute 'radint' Why does it say this?

[@dougmcnally624]

It looks like you typed "random.radint" instead of "random.randint" :)

[@andremiel1228]

Oh you're right haha I didn't notice. I forget that little things like that can mess up what you do.

[@bolangamwokashi4866]

According to CodeCombat, "the littlest mistakes you make in your code are proof that you're learning."

[@lmaonadejuice1983]

book link?

[@frogust6932]

i love zork,

[@nescin3827]

Will it work if i replace "1" and "2" with "Left" and "right" (actually I tested it and it din't work) PS. Sry for bad english ^^

[@dwayneericmcleod8459]

Why doesn't it work? It should, seeing how they're strings. It could be the way you type your answers in. I would use the upper or lowercase code to make it appear that no matter how you type, the code will only accept either uppercase or lowercase. And you should also think of quicker answers like "L" or "R" including writing the whole word. It's not too hard. I'm still pretty new to Python though, but it should work!

[@dylantribbett915]

I thought the same thing but i have the same issue

[@MikeDancy]

that's quite the keyboard you have clicking in the background.

[@dougmcnally624]

Sorry about that, haha. Mechanical keyboards and desktop microphones don't mix well if you're trying to avoid typing noise.

[@sedenions]

chosenPath is not defined?

[@nikhaney9699]

Hey programmers, there is a cool little underground text-based game floating around the web. It's the kind of game programmers play at work while on their coffee breaks. It's a little known secret only the hardcore strategists know about. To play, Google "CodeElf Grid". (there is also a mini adventure game there called Golden Sword)

[@rektullah]

can i run that game on android?

[@neozeo100]

i have the same question... also Can you run this in ios. I think you need to develop an app to run a text based game on a smartphone.

[@racecarman3599]

doug do you have discord