SyntaxBomb - Indie Coders

General Category => Game Coding Competitions => Topic started by: Xerra on August 02, 2018, 17:37:12

Title: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 02, 2018, 17:37:12
Not sure how long Qube wants to leave it before starting another competition up but I had a zany idea that could be interesting for the next one, if we don't go for a random theme. Thought I'd put it out there and see what people thought - if it's not been suggested before.

What about creating a remake or a sequel to a game that's already been created for one of the previous Syntax Bomb competitions? With the authors blessing this could be an interesting theme. There's been five of them and I think each of them has had at least five entries, so plenty of choice to pick from.

Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 02, 2018, 17:42:03
Is the original author allowed to sequel his/her own game?  I would suggest no  :)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 02, 2018, 18:38:58
Quote from: Steve Elliott on August 02, 2018, 17:42:03
Is the original author allowed to sequel his/her own game?  I would suggest no  :)

No, no, no. Definitely more interesting if the game is covered by someone else.

You could maybe, for a future competition, have another theme where you sequel a game that you wrote yourself, but that would need some further thought as new people wouldn't have anything to go cover.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: BasicBoy on August 02, 2018, 20:57:49
I'm hoping for another Halloween-themed compo  ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on August 03, 2018, 03:36:30
QuoteNot sure how long Qube wants to leave it before starting another competition
I'm pretty snowed under with work at the moment so unfortunately I don't have time to create / monitor the comps, let alone enter them :(

Probably best for now if those that are interested in another comp dream up a theme / rules / time scale etc. If you can sort out who's going to be in charge of the next comp then I can make that person(s) a moderator of the competition forum.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: curtastic on August 03, 2018, 04:29:30
Another idea: everyone has to sequel someone else's game. But you have to redo all the artwork in MS paint. And replace all the sound effects with Owen Wilson saying "wow"
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 03, 2018, 11:56:24
Quote from: curtastic on August 03, 2018, 04:29:30
But you have to redo all the artwork in MS paint. And replace all the sound effects with Owen Wilson saying "wow"

Seems we all define "fun" differently ;-)

I for myself want to be "proud" of my game, so creating crap "on purpose" is not what I am aiming for.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: PixelPaladin on August 04, 2018, 22:50:33
QuoteBut you have to redo all the artwork in MS paint.
I am not against paint as long as I can use KolourPaint (which is an open source MS-Paint alternative for Linux). Most of the graphics of TinyPixelWars were made using KolourPaint (I used Inkscape for the title text and an other app for the QR code).

QuoteAnd replace all the sound effects with Owen Wilson saying "wow"
To be honest, I don't like this idea.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: STEVIE G on August 14, 2018, 18:00:55
So is anyone keen on getting a new comp on the go?  Even if there's no monetary awards up for grabs, maybe the winner could decide the next comp theme/rules?

My suggestion would be a retro arcade theme over a period of 6 weeks.  If we get everyone's suggestions of theme and timescales together, say by Monday 20th, then take a vote.  Do a count on Friday 24th and start the comp on Monday 27th?

Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 14, 2018, 18:55:42
Quote
So is anyone keen on getting a new comp on the go?

Qube said he's snowed under with work, and it usually takes ages to decide on a theme; so perhaps begin the comp from 1st September?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 15, 2018, 17:23:05
I'm still keen to have another go - still disappointed I couldn't get the last one finished but doing something not so ambitious next time, for sure.

I like my original suggestion of doing a sequel of another game that's been entered previously but think maybe that should be for another time and a shorter competition just for the kudos, rather than financial gain, this time.

Something retro like maybe picking your favourite classic arcade game from the early 80's - or converting an Atari VCS game, maybe. Six weeks should be a good time allowance for something like that. Quite a few of the original games were done in that time frame and we have all the development advantages now.

Nobody's thinking of doing E.T, right?

Right? ...
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 15, 2018, 19:11:40
Why limit to arcade? Not all of us favor this genre.
Why retro? Not all of us want to limit themself to "retro" resolutions, colors, ...

I understand that limits lead to "more easily finished projects" but then all those "you need to have pixel perfect retro 320x200 and not more ..." rules will get pinned down and yeah - you end up with limiting your creative freedom.

While this is not feasible in a 6 weeks time frame I enjoy "evolutionary" games ... so not "level" based ones, but things you could play over and over and they will be different every game. So RTS games, economical simulations (toilet manager ;-)), ...
If someone had an "AI bot fighting game" with some kind of "API" we could even have a "code a bot"-competition. So people use their beloved languages and just inform the "API" about the done decisions - and of course can use the API to fetch information.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 15, 2018, 19:24:23
Quote
Why limit to arcade? Not all of us favor this genre.
Why retro? Not all of us want to limit themself to "retro"

Because graphics are so time consuming to produce and this is a time based competition - only so many weeks.

Having said that Tiny Pixel Wars had retro graphics but not arcade game play.

Quote
lead to "more easily finished projects"

Unfinished projects should be disqualified in my eyes.  Having a more sophisticated (but unfinished) game is no more than a demo/proof of concept - not a worthy competition entry.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on August 16, 2018, 00:30:52
QuoteWhy limit to arcade? Not all of us favor this genre.
I wish there was a genre / theme that everyone liked but that will never be the case :(

QuoteBecause graphics are so time consuming to produce and this is a time based competition - only so many weeks.
Creating media is very time consuming. Although I highly enjoy it ( but not very good at it ) writing a small 1.5 minute piece of music can take me 2+ days alone. The graphics for The Last Ginger Ninja and ExBiEn took me ages to do and building the maps was a loooooong hard slog. Coding decisions had to be made on the spot with literally no time to properly play test and recode if needed, well not for me anyway. So yeah, creating any media yourself is a huge drain on actual coding time so its good to try and limit some sides of the comp not to be a time drain for the shorter time based comps.

QuoteWhy retro? Not all of us want to limit themself to "retro"
Retro graphics are easier and faster to create and more people can create *something* whereas less people can do animated 3D stuff in the same time. I think that is why the older retro style is favoured. Also the whole retro style generally leads to simpler game mechanics.

QuoteWhile this is not feasible in a 6 weeks time frame I enjoy "evolutionary" games ... so not "level" based ones, but things you could play over and over and they will be different every game. So RTS games, economical simulations (toilet manager ;-)), ...
I'm sure the creative types could come up with a game in six weeks that is not level based :)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: STEVIE G on August 16, 2018, 07:12:10
To me gameplay and a consistent aesthetic are the most important factors for any game.  As most have said, spending weeks on the media has a major impact on coding the actual game.  I think limiting resolution and colours actually increased my creativity.  Also, keeping to a simpler type of gameplay means any AI doesn't require months of balancing and tweaking.

How about using the 6 categories used in the mixed genre comp (retro/strategy/puzzle/endless/open world/arcade) but you can use any 2?  Maybe get Qube to re-run the randomiser to pick another 6 or even 8 .... as long as retro and arcade are in there  ;D

Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: col on August 16, 2018, 07:13:43
Just an idea...
If 6 weeks is the time frame then why not let every one create what ever they desire? Do you really need any restrictions?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: therevills on August 16, 2018, 11:01:59
Quote from: col on August 16, 2018, 07:13:43
Do you really need any restrictions?

The restrictions make the compos fun :)

Although having a free for all and a dead line might turn up some cool games too!

I've always like the look of the GameBoy restrictions compos but never entered in any.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 20, 2018, 20:38:25
Come on guys, let's do competition six as a short contest for a remake of a game before 1985, say. Four week deadline this time so nothing too complicated. I'm itching to get back into working on something with a deadline to push me.

No competition prizes - just kudos for the votes you get.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 20, 2018, 20:45:20
Quote
No competition prizes - just kudos for the votes you get.

You secure that shit Hudson!   :P
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 20, 2018, 20:58:40
Quote from: Steve Elliott on August 20, 2018, 20:45:20
Quote
No competition prizes - just kudos for the votes you get.

You secure that shit Hudson!   :P

Nuke me from orbit. Only way to be sure.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 20, 2018, 21:16:15
Game over man!!  Game over!!  :D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on August 21, 2018, 03:39:53
Quote from: Xerra on August 20, 2018, 20:58:40
Nuke me from orbit. Only way to be sure.
Nuke you? :P

Sorry guys for my lack of posting and compo organisation recently but I've been nuked from orbit with a crap load of stuff and currently don't have the time to help out much with this :(

Hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll of cleared the shite from the proverbial fan and get back to some proper coding ( *cough* coding games for fun :P )
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 21, 2018, 10:41:23
Quote
Hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll of cleared the shite from the proverbial fan and get back to some proper coding ( *cough* coding games for fun :P )

Like I suggested, why not go for a 1st September start, and in the mean time get some ideas rolling?

Current suggestions:

Quote
maybe picking your favourite classic arcade game from the early 80's - or converting an Atari VCS game

a remake of a game before 1985

a retro arcade theme

why not let every one create what ever they desire?

Quote
why not let every one create what ever they desire?

This is interesting, and because of the time restraint (6-8 weeks?) the graphics would have to be simple, and therefore the competition entries would have a reasonably similar look.

Personally I'd vote for that *every* competition - create what ever you desire!  The restraint being the number of weeks to complete, incomplete games would have to be disqualified.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: iWasAdam on August 21, 2018, 10:55:49
Quoteclassic arcade game from the early 80's - or converting an Atari VCS game
:D :D :D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Holzchopf on August 21, 2018, 12:42:54
I'm somewhat against the idea of "everyone can make up their own theme". The entries will just be too different for a fair comparison/voting. And the time restraint is imho not a warrant for having "reasonably similar looks", since some of us can afford to buy assets, others can afford to work 9h a day during the whole competition runtime, while others may have almost no time and no budget for gamedev with their family duties... Furthermore, imagine one would enter in his "most fun to play crap looking game" competition, another one in his "most professional looking crap game" competition - what criteria would count in the end for the voting? :-\ I think (and hereby write), that being absolutely transparent about how the voting works and which aspects count how much in the voting right from the beginning of the competition leads to the fairest competitions. :)

But while we're at coming up with ideas: If the CEO (Compo Executive Overlord) was to define "for the voting, everyone can give a total of 10 points for idea, 20 points for technical execution and 5 points for acoustic and 5 points for visual presentation", we could happily go with the "let every one create what ever they desire". Because we'd all know what counts in the end. Also, by adjusting the points for each category the same idea could be used for several compos.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: STEVIE G on August 21, 2018, 15:19:31
The only issue I have with the 'create what you want' theme is people grabbing an almost complete game sitting on their hard drive and passing it off as 4-6 weeks of effort.

Having a theme/or selection of themes which are unknown until comp start date mitigates this and gives no-one an advantage.  ;D

I'm all for a consistent voting system and gameplay should be awarded the most points imo.  Also, if the comp is for PC only anyone who has a Mac and is unable to play ALL games  (via Wine or a Mac specific build)  should be excluded from voting.     
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 21, 2018, 15:27:32
Quote
The only issue I have with the 'create what you want' theme is people grabbing an almost complete game sitting on their hard drive and passing it off as 4-6 weeks of effort.

Having a theme/or selection of themes which are unknown until comp start date mitigates this and gives no-one an advantage.  ;D

That's a fair point  :)

Quote
I'm all for a consistent voting system and gameplay should be awarded the most points imo.

I wonder if we even need to complicate things with a further points breakdown.  I always vote on gameplay, and I'm sure others do.

Quote
Also, if the comp is for PC only anyone who has a Mac and is unable to play ALL games  (via Wine or a Mac specific build)  should be excluded from voting.     

Yes this is something I agree with, how can you vote if you've never played half the games?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 21, 2018, 17:31:18
I do agree with most points too, so it just really needs someone to take this to a new competition thread and get it started.

Time limit: Not bothered - just kind of threw 4 weeks out there.

Type of game: Definitely agree that it should be themed which our CEO (Cannibalistic Evil Oppressor) should call this one so nobody can push through an already almost-complete project.

Voting: Again, it could be categorized but the general consensus until now has always been gut feeling best games in 1-2-3 order and a bit of feedback about what was great and not so great about what you experienced with each game.

BTW, I did some digging to find a suitable description for our overlords CEO title and opted for that one over several options. You all can pick whichever you think suits Qube best :-)

Craven Eunich Ogre, Cannibalistic Evil Oppressor , Creep Eviscerating the Organization,
Cutthroat Enslaving Oaf, Chieftain Endlessly Overstuffed , Class-conscious Economic Outlaw,
Cretin Extremely Overpaid, Contemptible Emasculating Oaf, Capitalist Engorging Opulence ,
Copiously Excreting Ooze , Con-artist Expounding Obscenely, Conducting Economics Offshore,
Cabalistic Extorting Oldie, Controlling Eagerly Organization, Cadaverous Emetic Orifice,
Cantankerous, Envious and Obdurate
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Coder Apprentice on August 21, 2018, 17:35:15
The devil is in the details, so what if we narrow it down to a certain type of gameplay considering the main game mechanics? Let's say a maze game. Create your own Pac-Man clone with your own theme and twist to the original gameplay. In this case the game has to be in a maze like environment with free up-down-left-right movement (top view). The "maze walls" could be anything...with similar purpose. Maybe also limit the resolution to around 320x240-ish? 

Just an idea.

No I don't have a ready to go Pac-Man clone...

Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: STEVIE G on August 21, 2018, 17:57:58
Quote from: Kris on August 21, 2018, 17:35:15
No I don't have a ready to go Pac-Man clone...

Aye, very good  :P

Using the Pacman mechanics - dots/powerpills and chasing enemies and adding your own theme / twist sounds good to me.
Simple voting is also best - I don't want to have to fill out a Derron esque spreadsheet come vote time ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 21, 2018, 19:13:41
@ gameplay wins
"Das Auge isst mit" (Eye is eating too) is a German saying/idiom. So if the game does not please my eyes, I need much commitment to the competition to "force myself" to enjoy playing this entry.

So for me all parts of the game are important in some way. If a game catches me with an intro screen I am more pleased to hit "start new game". If the game has a thriving sound track, then I want to listen to that sound while "meanwhile playing". And so on.

If a game sucks at controls but has a nice gameplay, I wont recognize the gameplay as I $%&$%&ยง$ about the controls.


@ theming
Yes, some "do something in a maze"-game sounds cool - but with such a "specific" restriction where is no need for "hardware" restrictions (lowres, lowcolor, ...). Some people suck at pixel art and they might prefer using some public-domain sprites or so. And these sprites most often are not created for the very special "competition resolution/color-depth" (aka: it is easier to find stuff if you can build up your design _around_ the 3rd party stuff).


Aside of that it is always possible to use some already-made-stuff for your games. You already wrote some "tilemap"-stuff? Then it might be easier for you to prototype out some Pac-Man-ish-stuff than someone who has to write it from the ground up.
You have a scene manager at hand? Easy-peasy Menu-screens, intros, outros, .... others have to build it up from ground again.
I created plenty of little assets in 3D - and with 3D it is a matter of minutes to change textures (or paint some new stuff here and there). Change camera position and you got a little render which was not "existing" before. This gets even easier if you created some "components" - mix them and done. What about people being so experienced in creating music that they can come up with a cool song in an hour? Experience or past projects always help lowering the needed amount of time for such a competition entry.

So there is always a way to save some time. Happens and hey I do not worry about - all in all we do it for the fun, don't we?



bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 21, 2018, 20:25:19
So simply a maze game?  No restrictions?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 21, 2018, 20:47:42
or a "fly through cavern" ... remember to have played a "steer jet through cavern"-game on the KC85.

There are plenty of simple game mechanics - Digger/Boulderdash, Snake, ... or even Tower Defenses.
If you want to enforce creativity you could also have a "mini golf" thingy (it is up to you what "elements" you offer).


But "maze game" ... think there is plenty of stuff/twists you could "add" to create an interesting addition to the base game mechanics.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Matty on August 22, 2018, 07:38:13
You want retro....how about ' a game that uses a text parser '

Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 22, 2018, 08:54:13
"build barracks at 12,135"
"select units at 12,15"
"send units to 12,134"

Think an "RTS" can become tedious then ;-)


@ text parser games
While creation of such a game can be a challenge, playing these games with todays possibilieties wont be much fun (except for some adventures/rpgs - or some "interactive novels").


@ voting
I think we need way more active voters / users  as for now the low amount of potential voters also lowers the "equality" of genre-/style-/...favorites. Many here enjoy playing arcade-like games or at least games with some kind of "easy gameplay" (level based). So we fans of complex games (RTS, simulations, ...) are surely some kind of minority. We would like to see games made in these genres and would more likely give them better votes (same for the arcade fraction). I would like to see a simulation game compo - but I doubt that then were would be many entries :(


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 22, 2018, 09:06:40
Quote
Many here enjoy playing arcade-like games or at least games with some kind of "easy gameplay" (level based). So we fans of complex games (RTS, simulations, ...) are surely some kind of minority. We would like to see games made in these genres.

When there's a 6-8 week deadline complex games can be difficult to complete in time, so simpler fun gameplay has been the focus - although Tiny Pixel Wars proved a way to produce a RTS game in time.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 22, 2018, 09:22:50
Within 6-8 weeks you can create simple simulation games:
- toilet manager (buy city toilets, set prices, hire cleaners, fight vandalism, ..., compete against other sh%% companies)
- wine grower (be the landlord in France/Italy, buy land, buy bottles, grow the right wine for the current years weather, collect at right times, ... sell wine for a nice win and grow your company)
- RTS as PixelPaladin did
- games like "Z" or "Battle Isle" in a basic form might be possible
- simple train simulation (place railroads and manage a "flow" of multiple trains at the same time, with passengers/items needing to get transported - that sounds pretty fun for younger people)
- remake "Oil Imperium" (if I remember correctly it haven't had much screens)
- someone knowing "Dynatech" - basic "trading items"-game ?
- Megalomania should be doable in a basic form too
- games with only indirect control of units are possible (some kind of "Ant hill"-simulation) as they do not require that much micro-management/balancing of these things
- simple simulation games: Remember Atari 2600's "boxing game"? Maybe give upgrade points for each win. Upgrades could be used to improve movement speed, boxing speed, boxing range ... and your opponents improve too. Could be surely done in a 2 weeks weekend-frame plus some weekends to create assets / improve things. Of course you could also just create a little boxing-sim (have two opponents fight each other) and add some "boxing club"-manager-things around them (hire boxers, fire boxers, have tournaments, training, ...)

Benefit of such stuff is, that most of us won't have prepared stuff for this while eg. tile-based games are more easily done if you have access to some tilemap-classes, tilemap-editors, ...

I could surely come up with plenty more stuff.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 22, 2018, 18:18:11
So what we basically need to do is gag Derron and his unrealistic expectations of a quick game then we can all have a crack at a Maze themed game, right? :)

I do have an idea for a maze game in fact. Although it doesn't involve Pacman or munching dots...

As for the number of voters, we have enough to get some solid input on our creations. We're not even doing it for any financial incentive this time - just for fun, and the kudos of maybe creating something great.

Shall we do this, people?

Yes, please leave that gag on Derron, please.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: STEVIE G on August 22, 2018, 19:07:05
Quote from: Xerra on August 22, 2018, 18:18:11
So what we basically need to do is gag Derron and his unrealistic expectations of a quick game then we can all have a crack at a Maze themed game, right? :)

I do have an idea for a maze game in fact. Although it doesn't involve Pacman or munching dots...

As for the number of voters, we have enough to get some solid input on our creations. We're not even doing it for any financial incentive this time - just for fun, and the kudos of maybe creating something great.

Shall we do this, people?

Yes, please leave that gag on Derron, please.

Yes.

Personally I hate simulation games so would have zero enjoyment making one.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 22, 2018, 19:34:37
But it is ok to suggest arcade games then?

Everyone of us has its favs.


Bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: TomToad on August 22, 2018, 19:47:21
I would suggest that this time around, we don't limit the genre or style of the game.  Just pick a theme and let everyone interpret as they will.  For example, if we use "maze/labyrinth" as the them, one person can make a retro Pac-Man clone, another could do a 3d first person procedurally  generated find your way through the Minotaur's labyrinth game, and another could make a text adventure type maze game.  Just so long as it is recognized as a maze.

Or the theme could be even more general, like "sand" and now you must come up with a game in any genre and style that incorporates sand as a main game mechanic.

This would allow everyone to play on their own strengths while keeping everything to a common theme.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 22, 2018, 20:48:41
Quote
For example, if we use "maze/labyrinth" as the theme, one person can make a retro Pac-Man clone, another could do a 3d first person procedurally  generated find your way through the Minotaur's labyrinth game, and another could make a text adventure type maze game.  Just so long as it is recognized as a maze.

Precisely, it can be as complex or simple as you like.  The old Dungeon Master style games were mazes, a labyrinth, and had lots of complexity.

And before anybody disputes, labyrinth - a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze.

Sounds like a good theme for a game too me!
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 22, 2018, 22:16:13
I reserve the game title "a maze'ing" for me ;-)

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 22, 2018, 22:27:21
Haha, I am guessing Derron is on-board with the maze/labyrinth theme?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 23, 2018, 00:03:58
Quote from: Steve Elliott on August 22, 2018, 22:27:21
Haha, I am guessing Derron is on-board with the maze/labyrinth theme?

Gonna make a game called "Maize" about a Corn production tycoon.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: BasicBoy on August 23, 2018, 00:18:13
"Maisie's Amazing Maize-Munching Maze Adventure"

etc. etc.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: iWasAdam on August 23, 2018, 06:34:34
So...
Maze game
no other restrictions
6 weeks
starting from 1st september
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on August 24, 2018, 02:54:02
Quote from: iWasAdam on August 23, 2018, 06:34:34
So...
Maze game
no other restrictions
6 weeks
starting from 1st september
Not so fast buddy boy :P

OK - The next comp starts on the 1st of September and will last six weeks.

I'll post the details on the 1st of September. To avoid any sneaky bad boy cheaters starting their game a week early I may ( or may not ) introduce a twist so don't get coding yet or it may be a waste of your time ;D

There will also be a couple of rule / procedure changes this time around so please make sure you read the comp launch post fully.

No cash prizes this time around as I'm curious to if it makes a difference to the entries or not.

Really great theme but I doubt I'll get a chance to enter, which is a shame as for some silly reason I'm already dreaming up game ideas :P

*edit* - screw it, I might whip up something simple just for giggles :))
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: MikeHart on August 24, 2018, 05:28:14
I am curious to see what you will come up with.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: STEVIE G on August 24, 2018, 06:41:31
Quote from: Qube on August 24, 2018, 02:54:02
Quote from: iWasAdam on August 23, 2018, 06:34:34
So...
Maze game
no other restrictions
6 weeks
starting from 1st september
Not so fast buddy boy :P

OK - The next comp starts on the 1st of September and will last six weeks.

I'll post the details on the 1st of September. To avoid any sneaky bad boy cheaters starting their game a week early I may ( or may not ) introduce a twist so don't get coding yet or it may be a waste of your time ;D

There will also be a couple of rule / procedure changes this time around so please make sure you read the comp launch post fully.

No cash prizes this time around as I'm curious to if it makes a difference to the entries or not.

Really great theme but I doubt I'll get a chance to enter, which is a shame as for some silly reason I'm already dreaming up game ideas :P

*edit* - screw it, I might whip up something simple just for giggles :))

Good man!  I'm in.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: MikeHart on August 24, 2018, 08:50:37
I am in too!
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: therevills on August 24, 2018, 11:08:30
Bring it on!  :D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 28, 2018, 12:32:00
Intriguing. I'm in. As long as I get a good idea off the theme.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: 3DzForMe on August 28, 2018, 21:22:17
I'm in, although I need to bear this in mind - don't be too ambitious, might actually finish a submission - how about a 12 week long compo - time too finish, might pick up some coding stragglers along the way - and voting can commence when I open the first day of my advent calendar ;)

So... unless the 6 week timeframe is set in the proverbial stone - how about pre-compo votes for:

1. stick with 6 weeks
2. stretch it out to 8
3. go for a massive 12 week compo.... ? 8)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 29, 2018, 07:14:39
Instead of 6 weeks I would extend it in a way that it ends on a weekend (so people can put energy in the last days - as most of us do when projects near deadline).


If I took place in the compo I would try to use a different toolchain this time - or try out "3D" - even if that means that it does not look that polished than with rendering. Exception would be a retro "twist" added by Qube. Not keen to do "retro" (lowres, not "retro gameplay" - which would be acceptible).


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 29, 2018, 22:55:22
I've just got the mobile exporter now so am hoping to use this as a test run for creating something for Windows/Mac and IOS this time round. As I'll be learning a bit, as well as having different control methods put in, then I don't think I'll be trying out for anything too challenging.

Actually getting a game released on IOS relies on Apple accepting it for starters, so I probably wouldn't have a mobile version out by competition deadline with the Mac and PC, however.

If I can get up to speed with Android then I've got a reasonable spec phone here that I might have a crack at putting it onto that as well.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on August 30, 2018, 07:35:12
QuoteInstead of 6 weeks I would extend it in a way that it ends on a weekend (so people can put energy in the last days - as most of us do when projects near deadline).
I will state a weekend end date ;D

QuoteException would be a retro "twist" added by Qube. Not keen to do "retro" (lowres, not "retro gameplay" - which would be acceptible).
This will not be a retro comp.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: BasicBoy on August 30, 2018, 16:10:39
I'm probably not the only one who suspects that some have already got cracking on their compo entry!  :)

(Definitely not me though...)

Anyway, I hope to participate in this one, if I can just muster sufficient energy to do so. A cross-platform offering would be nice, but it looks like it'll be another exclusively Windows EXE job (at least initially). Hopefully this time around my EXE won't take half a century to unpack as was the case with my first compo entry 'Forces of Darkness'. 

I'll be keeping a dev diary this time around, but won't publish it until (and if) I submit my game.

Good luck to all those who participate!  :D


David.
--
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 30, 2018, 16:24:03
It looks like a green light - good luck to all participants!
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: BasicBoy on August 30, 2018, 16:33:34
Quote from: Steve Elliott on August 30, 2018, 16:24:03
It looks like a green light - good luck to all participants!

Er... hold on! I thought Qube was going to state (on 1st September) a mandatory twist on the maze concept in order to prevent people getting started (or too started!) before the compo officially begins?

Correct me if I'm wrong  :D


 
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 30, 2018, 16:45:18
Quote
Er... hold on! I thought Qube was going to state (on 1st September) a mandatory twist on the maze concept in order to prevent people getting started (or too started!) before the compo officially begins?

Adam will be posting screenshots on 1st September  ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 30, 2018, 17:36:59
Be pretty hard to start work on an actual game considering we don't know the theme or what Qube has in mind for the twist. Best you could do is have a general framework for stuff like controls, scores, saving data etc.

All I've done is had a few thoughts about the types of game I might want to do next and then will see if any of them fit the theme once we know it.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 30, 2018, 17:38:06
Quote
Adam will be posting screenshots on 1st September  ;D

Don't be ridiculous. Adam will have mostly finished by then   8)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 30, 2018, 17:46:20
Quote
Don't be ridiculous. Adam will have mostly finished by then   8)

lol I know, I didn't want to push it too much  :D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 30, 2018, 18:50:14
He will post some screenshots - then 3 weeks screenshots of the tools he writes as his development helpers - and finally submits something.


@ frameworks
I had a look at "godot" some weeks ago - and after frustrating hours of "this does not work?" "this is not possible yet?" ... I recognized how much I needed to code again for basic functionality I have with my "Dig"-Framework for BlitzMax already. On the other hand I get 3D support and more reachable platforms.
I consider such a "simple" entry like for this compo might be doable in godot (or unity or ...) to really see how annoying stuff can become.

So... hmm hmm. If I find the time I might consider (I wrote that already in this thread...) to try out 3D stuff. I _bet_ you will have to get used to a full new workflow than the established BlitzMax-2D-workflow of "rendering, saving as PNG, running a little spritesheet-tool, use sprites ingame". Setting up materials, having lights do their job, getting animation data from Blender to ToolXYZ, running animations...

Just remembers me: when I tried Godot that evening I saw 3D tilemaps (called "gridmaps") are available ... seems they only allow static "meshes" instead of "scenes". Scenes are "objects" in Godot (which can contain scripts, children, ...). Means you cannot create eg. a "ground tile + wall" but needed to have it joined already (single mesh). Not that nice. Means if I want a full fledged tilemap thingy, I would need to write it on my own (again, as I already have some stuff written for BlitzMax).

Regardless of the issues I will surely have: I want to use theses compos to learn something new every time. And this maybe means also trying out other programming toolkits.


@ maze with a twist
maybe require the mazes to twist :-)


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on August 31, 2018, 06:22:10
I will be adding in a twist :P - I'll decide that when I post the comp to try and make sure we're all starting from the same point in time.

I know I could cheat and decide what the twist will be and make a start myself but rest assured that's not the kind of person I am. Also I'm not sure if I'll get the chance to enter but I hope I can.

Maze - that's a big theme and I can't wait to see what you dream up ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: iWasAdam on August 31, 2018, 06:50:06
hmmm. I'm sensing hostility creeping my way  :P

No. I usually don't start until well after a theme is announced and also make a few u turns along the way. And yep I show pics of what I'm doing as it's much simpler to show that to describe (and that the way I think - visually).

Maybe people don't want to see how a project develops? Maybe I should just wait till the end and post at the last minute with everything all completed - but wouldn't that mean people would complain that someone is just posting pre-existing spam stuff???

I also vote on whether I liked a game, how it played, how it looked, etc. with no pre-judgements on who or how it was done.

And I can work fast because I have a tool chain I am familiar with and I've shared those resources so others can use them freely :)

And. Just so I don't hurt anyone feeling because there are no screen shots being posted. I thought I'de show part of my dock (at least auto correct didn't jump in there)!
(https://vjointeractive.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/screen-shot-2018-08-31-at-06-38-37.png)
so what do we have...?
blitz basic editor, ted21(dev version), ted21 (coding version), fontsprite editor, fontmap editor, palette editor, qasarardio sound editor, activity monitor.

So no, I haven't started anything... But I do loooove mazes :)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 31, 2018, 07:09:48
I am interested in development diaries. So come up with your stories and dev-shots.

Think such stuff always informs the dev on potential issues and can keep up motivation. Of course you can also get dis-encouraged if all users nag you to do this and that.


Won't start with my entry before sunday evening: classic board games with buddies this evening (wife gave me the allowance to leave for some hours - ha ha) and tomorrow is mothers birthday. So this means iWasAdam will already have posted first screens, Qube will still state that he is not sure whether he will join or not. I think there will also be some first screens from other users which will not really hmm "impress" (yet!) so I feel a good chance to join on sunday (or later).
I assume the competition participants will be less than in others and mostly be already registered users. Cash prizes (or other "useful" rewards) are a good chance to attract people. Dunno if it is worth to spend xxx bucks to attract 2-3 new users ;-)


@ twist
Oh, a game about mazes and a 60s rockabilly-star (ohhh let's twist again, ... - someone tried to teach me the twist-dance-moves: throw your cigarette to the ground and tear it apart with your shoe). Enough of offtopic/derailing.


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: BasicBoy on August 31, 2018, 08:31:11
Quote from: Derron on August 31, 2018, 07:09:48
Of course you can also get dis-encouraged if all users nag you to do this and that.

I think that's the main reason I'll be publishing my dev diary after I've submitted my game (if I get that far!).


David.
--
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: therevills on August 31, 2018, 10:30:59
@Adam - I dont there was any hostility, more harmless pulling your leg about how productive you are! :)

@Timescale - 6 weeks is great for me, any more and its too much time to dedicate to it or just more time to put it off.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 31, 2018, 11:38:18
Quote
@Adam - I dont think there was any hostility, more harmless pulling your leg about how productive you are! :)

Precisely, smiley emoticons on my posts.  Don't be so touchy  :D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: MikeHart on August 31, 2018, 13:24:35
So tommorow is the date of the announcement?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Derron on August 31, 2018, 16:39:07
Just recognized that today is the 31th of August, not 1st of September. Already wondered why Qube stated that he will announce the theme once he fiddled out one.

Hah, so I can happily enjoy some whiskys today (Lagavulin, glenlived etc.).

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 31, 2018, 17:16:20
Quote
Hah, so I can happily enjoy some whiskys today (Lagavulin, glenlived etc.).

Then maybe some interesting ideas for the competition will happily present themselves  ;)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Xerra on August 31, 2018, 17:36:42
Adam was joking too, guys. Thought it was obvious :)

Come on Qube, let's hear what you've got planned for us. Twists n'all.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: BasicBoy on August 31, 2018, 17:59:48
The twist might turn out to be...

...no twist at all, actually  :D

Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 31, 2018, 18:09:06
It's definitely, maybe a twist  ;)

The twist is there's no bloody cash up for grabs!  Haha  ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: MikeHart on August 31, 2018, 18:32:54
Just for honour and glory.


Today is a good day to d.. ... ehm  ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 31, 2018, 18:35:56
I never work for free, nor should anybody.  If you do, then you're killing that industry!  :P

Nothing against Qube obviously - great guy, it's fantastic he's setup this wonderful programming community after another guy dropped the baton and he's been generous enough to put-up some cash prizes.

But there are industries that are being killed by people giving away their product for free - therefore devaluing that industry!  I have a real problem with that.

If it's a competition here (no guarantee of winning of course, but money is available) or selling a game for just a few bucks, then I would rather do that than give away my work for free and therefore make that software seem worthless in the eyes of the public - and they do!  People sell a handbag for a ridiculous amount, yet software is free?  Then it must require no effort to produce and be without value, right?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: MikeHart on August 31, 2018, 19:39:22
You don't have to participate.
I personally wanna try it to see if i can finish it in that time frame. Under a constriction.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Steve Elliott on August 31, 2018, 19:59:43
Fair point Mike, I wouldn't say what I've said if I was entering - too busy right now.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: 3DzForMe on August 31, 2018, 20:19:36
T MINUS 220 minutes until compo time......
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on August 31, 2018, 23:47:52
QuoteI never work for free, nor should anybody.  If you do, then you're killing that industry!  :P
Me neither but the comps are for fun and not work ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on September 01, 2018, 02:38:48
Quote from: iWasAdam on August 31, 2018, 06:50:06
hmmm. I'm sensing hostility creeping my way  :P
Yes, we all hate you. You work too fast :P

Quote from: Xerra on August 31, 2018, 17:36:42
Come on Qube, let's hear what you've got planned for us. Twists n'all.
Comp posted but decided in the end for no twists, just shear maze gloriousness :D - I think the freedom of a maze genre should get imaginations sparking.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: BasicBoy on September 01, 2018, 03:41:16
Quote from: Qube on September 01, 2018, 02:38:48Comp posted but decided in the end for no twists, just shear maze gloriousness :D

Ha! Let me quote myself in mild gloatingness at my perspicacity:

QuoteThe twist might turn out to be...

...no twist at all, actually  :D



Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: therevills on September 01, 2018, 05:53:08
It's on!  ;D

Noticed that the comp thread (https://www.syntaxbomb.com/index.php/topic,4887.0.html) had this line:

Quote8.. Prize to the winners payable via PayPal only.

May want to remove that line :)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas for theme and start date?
Post by: Qube on September 01, 2018, 07:19:03
Quote from: therevills on September 01, 2018, 05:53:08
It's on!  ;D

Noticed that the comp thread (https://www.syntaxbomb.com/index.php/topic,4887.0.html) had this line:

Quote8.. Prize to the winners payable via PayPal only.

May want to remove that line :)

Nah, there will be a monetary prize for the winner ;D - Not a huge amount but I think the winner should get a prize for being the best entry :)