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Past tense V.S. Present tense

3 years ago

I'm in the middle of writing a story, and I find that I'm using past tense and present tense verbs interchangeably. This is obviously a bad thing, but I can't decide which one to stick to. Which one is generally better for storygames? 

Past tense V.S. Present tense

3 years ago
Present is what's traditional for CYOAs and other IF, and just feels way more immersive and immediate to me. But as long as you're consistent it shouldn't matter too much. Although in a or first person POV it is a little strange being informed (or informing someone) in the past tense that you died, which is why I think you usually only see that with third person.

Past tense V.S. Present tense

3 years ago

The only reason I would use the past tense is if you are telling a framed story. For example, if your story is a character telling their children a story (like "How I Met Your Mother"), then past tense is appropriate. Otherwise, do what Mizal said.