There were also a lot of people that were teaching students creative writing classes but were using Twine to create "choose your own adventure" type things to make them think through their narrative.

I did a game writing class an we used a non-linear story editor program. That sort of stuff is excellent and doesn't require the dedication of Interactive Fiction software. Getting an experiential sense of non-linear narratives is probably the primary thing we should be learning about writing in these classes, not what we should and shouldn't cover. That's why my game writing class was great.

I'm hoping this goes well for me. I was very honest with my interview committee that I was a gamer when we were talking about my interest in game based learning, and I didn't feel like there was any uncomfortable cringes or push back.

Best of luck to you, my friend. Always think critically and you'll be fine. It's very heartwarming to hear that people are receptive to your interests rather than dismissive. Know your responsibilities as a teacher but don't think that means you can't speak your mind.

Fuck that man...if you're going to talk about the history of games and basically call Roberta Williams a hack, I'm seriously questioning the value of what you're saying.

That particular case is interesting. No doubt, the "Sierra logic" is bad game design. However, pinning it purely on that company is nonsense. Zork and Adventure equally had obtuse puzzles, so we shouldn't be holding textual IF above visual IF in perpetuity.

Personally my work right now (aside from school) has been gaming history. I have a database and a script that I'm writing for a video game history series, mainly so that people don't have to go to absurd lengths to be able to find information about games and/or spread misinformation. I'll email you the database, so even if it's not useful now, it may be in the future.