Gamebook

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An interactive format in which readers engage in a narrative by making decisions that alter the storyline
2. A literary work blending storytelling with elements of choice, enabling readers to navigate various outcomes based on their selections
3. A type of interactive literature where the reader participates in the story by making choices that influence the plot's direction and outcome

Etymology: "Gamebook" is a plain compound of "game" and "book", and its history is simple: it names a book that is read as a game, where the reader makes choices that steer the story and decide which page to turn to next. The "game" part comes from Old English "gamen", meaning amusement, sport or play, while "book" traces back to Old English "bōc". Put together, the word describes exactly what it sounds like, a book you play rather than simply read. The form works as a literal description, which is why it has needed little explaining since it appeared. Its meaning rests entirely on the sense of "game" as play with rules and choices, and on "book" as a bound text, so a reader can work out what is meant without any special knowledge.

Synonyms: rulebook, gaming manual, strategy guide, game guide, reference book