The Z-machine is a virtual machine designed to run interactive fiction games, particularly those created with the Infocom text adventure system. Developed in the late 1970s, it allows these games to be played on various computer platforms by interpreting a standardized game file format. This technology enables developers to create rich narratives and complex puzzles while ensuring compatibility across different systems. The Z-machine has evolved through several versions, each improving performance and expanding capabilities, making it a foundational tool in the world of interactive storytelling and gaming.