What is a .NI file?
An NI file is a special kind of computer file used by people who create interactive stories, which are like video games you can read and play by typing commands. These stories are made using a program called Inform 7. Inform 7 lets you write the story and rules for your game in a way that's a bit like writing a book, but you also tell the computer how the game should work.
The NI file has all the instructions for the game you're making. It's written in a special code that Inform 7 understands. This code can include Inform 7's own language or even Inform 6's language, which was used before Inform 7. The file is just text, like what you see in a notepad, but it's saved in a way that Inform 7 knows it's a game story to work on.
You can open and edit NI files with Inform 7 itself, or you can use other programs like Microsoft Visual Studio Code, which is another tool for writing code, or even just a simple text editor like Notepad. When you're done writing and saving your story in an NI file, Inform 7 can turn it into a game file that people can play. These game files usually end in .GBLORB or .ZBLORB.
To make your own NI file, you can start typing your game's story and rules in any text editor. When you save your work, you just need to make sure it ends with ".ni" at the end of the file name. Sometimes, you might have to save it as a ".txt" file first and then change the name to end with ".ni" yourself.
Interactive stories are a fun mix of reading and playing, and with Inform 7, you can create these experiences for others to enjoy. Remember, NI files are a newer way to save your game stories, replacing the older .INF files that were used in the past.
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