Chapter 4: Game Variables, Expressions & Dynamic Text

Variables give your game a memory. They allow you to keep score, track player health, remember quest decisions, count turns, and customize story descriptions dynamically.

In this chapter, you will learn how to create variables, modify them with action steps, embed live variables into story text using template tags, and evaluate logic conditions.

4.1 Understanding Variable Types

In RagNext Studio, every global variable belongs to one of three easy-to-understand types:

flowchart TD
    A["Variable Types"] --> B["1. Integer (Number)"]
    A --> C["2. String (Text)"]
    A --> D["3. Boolean (True / False Flag)"]

    B --> B1["PlayerHP = 100<br/>Gold = 50<br/>TurnCount = 1"]
    C --> C1["PlayerTitle = 'Paladin'<br/>QuestState = 'Started'"]
    D --> D1["HasSpokenToGuard = True<br/>DragonDefeated = False"]

4.2 Step-by-Step: Creating Global Variables

Let's create game variables in Studio:

Step 1: Open the Variables Workspace

1. In the left navigation or top view rail, click ⚙️ Variables & Timers.
2. Click ➕ Add Variable at the bottom of the list.

Step 2: Configure Variable Properties

Select the variable to edit its settings:

• Name: Give your variable a unique name without spaces (e.g. PlayerHP, Gold, HasMap).
• Type: Choose Integer, String, or Boolean.
• Initial Value: Set the default value when a new game starts (e.g. 100 for PlayerHP, False for HasMap).

4.3 Modifying Variables with Action Commands

Variables change as your player progresses through the game. In the Visual Action Graph (Chapter 5), you modify variables using intuitive action nodes:

1. Set Variable Node

Overwrites a variable with an exact new value:

• Gold = 50
• HasSpokenToGuard = True
• PlayerTitle = "Master Thief"

2. Modify Integer Variable Node

Performs arithmetic math on numeric variables:

• Add / Increment: PlayerHP += 15 (healing potion) or Gold += 100 (quest reward).
• Subtract / Decrement: PlayerHP -= 10 (taking trap damage) or Gold -= 25 (buying an item).

3. Toggle Boolean Variable Node

Flips a boolean flag back and forth:

• HasMap = !HasMap

4.4 Dynamic Text Templating Tags

One of RagNext's most powerful features for writers is Dynamic Text Templating. You can type template tags directly inside Room Descriptions, Object Labels, Speech Bubbles, and Hotspot Buttons!

When players play your game, RagNext replaces the tags in real time with live values:

"Welcome, {player.Name}! You currently have {variables.Gold} gold coins and {variables.PlayerHP} HP."

Template Tag Reference Sheet

Dynamic Hotspot Labels: You can use template tags inside Interactive Screen Hotspot text! For example, a button labeled [ HEAL ({variables.PotionsLeft}) ] will update automatically as potions are consumed.