Ink Console Opens Interactive Chapters for Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Books
Open source e-reader uses E Ink, an ESP32, and easy-to-use creation tools to deliver interactive fiction on the go.
Indie game developer and retro computer enthusiast Daniel Pachau (Dana) has an upcoming project that modernizes interactive storytelling. Ink Console is a hybrid of an e-reader and game console that lets readers enjoy classic text adventures, choose-your-own-adventure books, and narrative-driven gaming in a new way. The open source project is gaining traction as a pre-launch campaign on Crowd Supply.
A new chapter in storytelling
Unlike traditional e-readers, Ink Console transforms conventional reading into an engaging and user-friendly experience. It seamlessly blends elements of classic text-based computer games with modern technology. Dana carefully designed the device's user experience around how readers can make decisions that shape their journey, manage an inventory system for collecting in-game items, and even track stats in role-playing narratives on a console with a predominantly static screen and limited input buttons.
Dana says Ink Console's initial Gamebooks, under development, cover genres like deep-sea adventures, sci-fi sagas, and epic fantasy realms, ensuring a diverse selection of immersive stories. A limited set of titles will also have a physical release, but almost anyone can develop a Gamebook.
The You Create Software Development Kit (SDK) is a visual, no-code interface for creating Gamebooks. Twitch streamer, game developer, and content creator Rafa Laguna leads its development. The goal is to make the SDK accessible to writers, artists, and game designers. It even supports multilingual content, giving Gamebooks access to a global audience.
Hardware highlights
Ink Console contains a 32-bit dual-core ESP32 system-on-chip (SoC) to drive the experience. This ubiquitous SoC supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, providing on-the-go access to the Gamebook Store.
Like traditional e-readers, Ink Console features an E Ink display. The 7.5-inch (800 x 480 pixel) display provides a black-and-white, ink-on-paper reading experience. In addition to reading, Ink Console supports high-quality stereo audio through a 3.5 mm jack or its built-in mono-speaker. A 5000 mAh battery means exploring many adventures between charges.
Open source and purchasing
The development team plans to open source Ink Console after the Crowd Supply campaign. They will open the SDK, release STEP files for the case, and provide the bill of materials for the hardware.
The Ink Console FAQ says pricing details will be available on March 1, 2025. Find out more and sign up for updates on the Ink Console Crowd Supply campaign page. Also, check out the Ink Console Instagram feed for gorgeous pictures of the upcoming device.