So, I've used Quest to create my IFComp 2016 entry, and I was wondering if previous entrants had any tips on presenting their entry.

I'm currently vacillating between uploading the Quest file directly and uploading an HTML file linking or embedding the more universally playable online version of the game.

As someone who primarily uses Linux on their main desktop, I don't really want to limit people to using Windows to play the game, and wonder if people might be put off by having to download yet another IF interpreter.

Thoughts, experiences as a player and anecdotes from the front line are all welcome. :)

I am not sure I get your problem. Uploading to the Text Adventures site should cover it all, as players can choose to download or play online. I would saying that online play is by far the most important.

I submitted a game a few years ago, and wrote this subsequently (though it may be a little dated now):
http://docs.textadventures.co.uk/quest/guides/competition_entry.html

This thread on IntFiction may be helpful:
http://www.intfiction.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=20203

Beta-testing is the most important advice. Have as many testers as you can find look at it, and be sure to credit them (not just because it is polite, but because players will think less of your game if there is no evidence of beta-testing).

Sadly, I have not entered any of my games in any competitions ever. Seems I always don't pay attention to the deadlines =( so I cannot be of any help there.

Just my personal observations on the second question... almost all fans of playing IF games have the major interpreters downloaded already, right? And, as Pixie said, all you need is an internet connection to play your game created by Quest. An aside though, I do not think it is off-putting at all to be asked to download an interpreter to play a game that catches my eye.

Just my opinion.

Re: beta-testing, if you have not had it done, I would be glad to help! Let me know!

Best of luck!

Thanks, folks.

Pixie: your guide covers exactly what I wanted. Thank you very much indeed.

XanMag: It's been through a few rounds of beta testing, by people of varying levels of IF playing experience, but I'm of the opinion there's really no such thing as too much. Thank you for the offer - I'd like to take you up on that. Edit: I've just realised that I have no idea how to send PMs on here. Drop an email to kg@wyrdsmith.co.uk if I fail to work it out in the next few minutes.