{"schemaVersion":1,"record":{"key":"mechanic/dialogue--family-topology","type":"mechanic","id":"dialogue--family-topology","lang":"en","title":"Dialogue graph structure","summary":"Connections between dialogue nodes determine branches, loops, merges and the order of available topics.","updatedAt":"2026-10-22","status":"active","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/knowledge/mechanic/dialogue--family-topology/","jsonUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/api/v1/knowledge/en/mechanic/dialogue--family-topology.json","markdownUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/content/knowledge/en/mechanic/dialogue--family-topology.md","aliases":[],"tags":["Dialogue","Structure and input"],"sourceIds":["source-8fcf1671c353b49b"],"sources":[{"id":"source-8fcf1671c353b49b","title":"Disco Elysium","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut/","verifiedAt":null}],"sections":[{"id":"principle","title":"How it works","body":"The connections between conversation nodes define branches, backtracks, merges, and the order of available topics."},{"id":"variants","title":"Variants","body":"### Variants and applications\n\n<a id=\"family-topology-variants\"></a>\n\n- Linear sequence. Rule: The conversation follows a given path; control may be limited to advance and exit. <a id=\"variant-topology-01\"></a>\n- Branching tree. Rule: Each choice moves the conversation to its own thread with separate continuations. <a id=\"variant-topology-02\"></a>\n- Branching with convergence. Rule: Different answers give local reactions, then bring the conversation back to the general point... <a id=\"variant-topology-03\"></a>\n- Central topics menu. Rule: After discussing the issue, the player returns to the general list of available topics. <a id=\"variant-topology-04\"></a>\n- Return chain. Rule: Conversation allows you to return to previous questions with a new context. <a id=\"variant-topology-05\"></a>\n- Conditional episodes, storylets. Rule: The system selects small scenes based on the state of the world and characters. <a id=\"variant-topology-06\"></a>\n- Parallel threads. Rule: Several discussions develop simultaneously, and the player distributes attention between them. <a id=\"variant-topology-07\"></a>\n- Multi-stage conversation. Rule: A connected conversation continues across multiple scenes, locations, or encounters. <a id=\"variant-topology-08\"></a>"},{"id":"context","title":"Context and limits","body":"Author's working taxonomy compiled for this request. Titles are descriptive; sources confirm individual principles and examples, and not the entire list."}],"relations":[],"placements":[{"catalogId":"dialogue","id":"family-topology","title":"Dialogue","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/mechanics/dialogue/#family-topology","categoryIds":["section-1"]}],"supersededBy":[],"attributes":{"preview":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-22","title":"Dialogue graph structure","description":"Connections between dialogue nodes determine branches, loops, merges and the order of available topics.","image":{"src":"images/mechanics/disco-elysium-dialogue.webp","width":1440,"height":810,"crop":{"x":563,"y":38,"width":825,"height":712},"game":"Disco Elysium","sourceUrl":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut/","originalUrl":"https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/632470/ss_23836438cd455287232be5ae9c4f48d5c488967b.1920x1080.jpg?t=1780913406","credit":"ZA/UM","rights":"© ZA/UM. All rights reserved.","caption":"Replies offer different conversation paths","alt":"Replies offer different conversation paths","markers":[{"x":79,"y":72,"label":"Available replies define the next transitions"}]},"tips":["Make repeatable topics and final decisions distinguishable."],"examples":[{"title":"Disco Elysium","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut/"}]}},"endsAt":null,"provenance":"Original editorial design catalog consolidated from project discussions on 2026-10-20. Complete discussion item lists and contextual limitations are preserved; linked primary sources support specific techniques, not the entire classification. English translation was prepared with machine assistance and editorial review.","license":"CC-BY-4.0","codeLicense":"MIT","attribution":"gamemechanics.pro contributors","catalogKey":"catalog/dialogue"}}