Frequently Asked

Questions & answers.

The questions I get most often, with the answers I give most often. If yours isn't here, write to me at jimd@gamesbyjimd.com.

How do I make a multiple-choice game?

Learning to code is not difficult, but as with anything, developing a text game requires a lot of time and effort. The Choice of Games forums are an excellent place to start — they're full of people who are willing to test, give feedback, and offer guidance.

So it's just text? Where are the graphics and sound?

My games are, first and foremost, novels. Though they are interactive and sometimes play like games, they are largely text-based and developed to use the reader's imagination instead of images or sound files. The games available on StoryLoom are an exception — they're guided by different graphics.

Can I choose my gender in Zombie Exodus: Stronghold?

Yes. In the new game you can play as Male, Female, or Nonbinary.

Why can't I choose the gender of a character (such as the nephew in Safe Haven)?

Fixed gender was chosen for the majority of characters so they could have unique personalities, and to ease the burden of coding. Gender is tied to identity and is a central trait of a character — making every character gender-fluid would dilute who they are.

Can I save Sifer or Nathan in Safe Haven?

(Spoiler warning.) Many readers are upset about the scripted deaths of several characters, namely Sifer and Nathan. Both were created as prizes for a charity auction. The winners had the prize of creating a character — and choosing their death. Those characters had to die in the way their auction winners chose.

I purchased the app but can't access my content.

  1. Delete the app from your device.
  2. Download it again and re-install it.
  3. Open the app.
  4. Click Upgrade from the home menu.
  5. Scroll down and click Restore Purchases.
  6. If you purchased extra content, it will now be restored and accessible.

What's StoryLoom? Is it free?

StoryLoom is an interactive-storytelling platform that's free to download on the App Store. It costs 10 tokens to read each chapter, and the app offers 50 free tokens per day.