RMRK Winter Solstice Competition

[tSwitch]

Winter is upon us.  For many of us, that means dinners with the family, trees tall and erect in the living room, adorned with a prismatic display of lights and decorations.  Snow is falling (for better or worse if you're getting it) and many are searching for gifts for those closest to them.

The season means something different to everyone, but overall the sentiment of the wintertime holidays seems to be good will and generosity.

This year, for the first year ever, I introduce the RMRK Winter Solstice Game Competition.  A themed competition to help spark the season and encourage creativity in a time when we're all coming close to vacation, and experiencing for ourselves what the winter holds.

SIGNUPS ARE CLOSED.

The Rules:

• You may work in teams or individually. (no limit in size, but good luck coordinating a large group)
• Your Submission must be complete on, or before December 25th, 2010.
• You may not begin work on the game itself before December 1st, 2010.  This gives exactly 25 days for game work.  Game work constitutes - making sprites, scripts, database work, mapping work, music, and/or anything else that -you do- on the game.  You may gather resources and brainstorm, but no work on the game is allowed.
• Your game must feature at least one of the following themes:  Humanity, Spirit, Hope, Generosity, or Forgiveness.  Embody the spirit of the season in your project in some way.  How these themes are presented and apply are subject to your own interpretation and artistic direction, so have fun with it.  Please state which you are using when you submit your game!
• Any Game Making System is allowed, so long as your game is isolated, meaning that judges don't have to install loads of frameworks just to get them going.

Each game will be rated based on the following Categories:

• Originality - self explanatory, how original was the entirety of the work (this includes but is not limited to plot, resources, and mechanics)?
• Polish - How polished/clean/professional was the end product?
• Theme Adherence - how well was one or more of the themes embodied in the game?
• Entertainment - how fun was the game? how immersive was it?

These guidelines encourage you to be original, to experiment, and to make the game fun.  Don't worry about established convention or complex mechanics.  Make the game clean, complete, fun, and YOUR OWN.

Judges will also be required to supply a full reasoning to their score of each segment, in the form of a review.

The categories per-judge will be averaged into a total score, and then all of the judges' totals averaged to determine Final Score.  Games will be competing for the highest Final Score.

Tips and Tricks from an Experienced Participant:

• K.I.S.S.! - you have 25 days, this is enough to make something spectacular.  Often one or two amazing mechanics can truly push your entry towards the winners' circle, so don't try to muddy up the game with tons of superfluous features.  Focus on a theme, a direction, and a gameplay formula, and stick to it.  A straightforward and unique game is more fun than an overly-complex mass of features.
• If You aren't an Artist, find one! - This applies to music, scripting, and anything else you're not good at.  Find community resources, or find a partner.  Lots of these things can be time consuming if you're not comfortable with your ability.
• Don't bite off more than you can chew! - Keep the game as short as it can to be complete.  Don't shoot for the next Final Fantasy epic, or the next Tales of -, make your game a short story.  It'll be complete, giving time for polishing, and you can iron out the story much quicker, alleviating common plot ailments.
  

Judges:

• NAMKCOR
• IAMFORTE
• Elfsong
• Stereotypical
• Holk

Entries:

• Joy
• Modern Algebra
• Cozziecuns
• The Shadow
• Zylos
• Jonesy
• Acolyte + Arrow + Redwyn
• valdred

[joy]

Sigh..you know I'm an addict...fine..I'm in....

[Cascading Dragon]

Though I have been very inactive in the game forums this year, I would like to join as a judge.

However, if I get a reliable framework for a game down before the 1st, I would like to be a participant. Probably won't though.

[tSwitch]

Though I have been very inactive in the game forums this year, I would like to join as a judge.

However, if I get a reliable framework for a game down before the 1st, I would like to be a participant. Probably won't though.

You are not allowed to work on the game until after December 1st, so if you're trying to somehow code your own framework beforehand, that's explicitly forbidden.

[IAMFORTE]

I suppose I can judge : 3 Holidays and such

[tSwitch]

added

[Cascading Dragon]

Though I have been very inactive in the game forums this year, I would like to join as a judge.

However, if I get a reliable framework for a game down before the 1st, I would like to be a participant. Probably won't though.

You are not allowed to work on the game until after December 1st, so if you're trying to somehow code your own framework beforehand, that's explicitly forbidden.

A framework for games I plan to make anyway... I already have one, it is just slow and unresponsive.
I don't see how that is cheating, as RPG Maker and similar things are like frameworks (EDIT: are not frameworks, in my mind they are like frameworks. Don't wanna get yelled at for that). They have all the code for displaying maps, characters, etc.. Why can't I?

[tSwitch]

Because it's working on your game directly.

People aren't allowed to make graphics, or scripts, or maps, or audio (or etc...) for their games until it starts.  Specifically, scripts count as a framework within RPG Maker XP and VX, and are subject to the same rule.  I fail to see how coding from scratch is any different.

[Cascading Dragon]

It is not working directly on my game. I will work on it regardless of participating or not. It is for general games and won't have anything specific for any game. It's not work on the actual game. It is the engine behind it.
I compare what you are saying to building a car for a race. Teams can build from scratch, or use a generic model with everything needed for the car to run already in it. From scratch, they would have to create their own engine, own set of tires, own frame, etc. Why wouldn't they be able to make generic parts for any car, and just use those parts, which are the equivalent to the generic model, in their car, as long as if the other competitors wanted, they could use these parts too?

EDIT:

I find myself not wanting to participate this year anyway, as the more pressing matter of my 2nd nephew's birth will take time away from working on a lot of things that I wish I could do. 4 hour drives to and from my sister's house are going to be fun..

[modern algebra]

I think I will try to participate as a contestant. I might fail miserably, but I will try.

[Grafikal]

yayyyy a game by MA! :O

rooting for underdog.

[tSwitch]

It is not working directly on my game.

Regardless of any additional points, if it's original code that is applied to your entry (whether you participate or not whatever), then it counts as working on your game.

[cozziekuns]

Eh, I may as well join. Don't expect too much though.

[Redwyn]

I'm in.

[tSwitch]

added

[Jonesy]

I wouldn't mind signing up as a judge. Sounds like some good criteria. Good luck to all participants, too.

[The Shadow]

This sounds like fun. Sign me up. However, are you allowed to recruit people to a team before the 1st?

[tSwitch]

This sounds like fun. Sign me up. However, are you allowed to recruit people to a team before the 1st?

absolutely.

[Alfsong]

Are you still accepting judges I would join I've judged a lot of games and even do my own game review weekly so this sounds like fun!

[The Shadow]

Also, are you allowed to make a game based on a fairy tale, but re-made to your own? Or does the story have to be made from scratch?

[tSwitch]

Also, are you allowed to make a game based on a fairy tale, but re-made to your own? Or does the story have to be made from scratch?

if it follows one of the themes.

[Gracie]

Possible to judge since I'm too busy to enter?

[Holkeye]

I'll be a judge. I should do something around here, I guess.

[tSwitch]

ok we have more judges than contestants, so for now the panel is closed

[Redwyn]

Would anyone like to team up with me? I can provide custom sprite support [mainly characters] and various other things.

[Acolyte]

Would anyone like to team up with me? I can provide custom sprite support [mainly characters] and various other things.

I would, though I'm not sure how much time I'll have to work on it during the first week or so, what with finals coming up and everything. I'm pretty sure I get out on the 13th though, and after that I can commit fully to the project.

[modern algebra]

Yeah, I don't think I'll be able to participate either. 

[Zylos]

I'll join up. I have no idea what to do for this, but I'll see what I can do.

[Jonesy]

I changed my mind, put me in for a contestant instead.

Thanks.

[joy]

Just looked at my own final exam schedule. Bad news for my sanity, all of my finals are on the first two days. But! That means I can start -real- work on the game on the night of the 7th (if I don't crash after that comp animal phys final, it'll be a welcome diversion). 18 days is doable so I'm still in.

[valdred]

Would anyone like to team up with me? I can provide custom sprite support [mainly characters] and various other things.

Dunno if Acolyte was gonna join or not. Otherwise, I would like to.

[Acolyte]

Would anyone like to team up with me? I can provide custom sprite support [mainly characters] and various other things.

Dunno if Acolyte was gonna join or not. Otherwise, I would like to.

I'm for it, if you'll have me, Redwyn.

[Redwyn]

I would be honored, Acolyte. Send a PM my way or hop on IRC when you're ready to discuss

[Redwyn]

Bump to notify that Acolyte, Arrow, and I are now a team for this.

[Arrow]

Aww yeah. Team Acolyte's Red Arrow is go.

[Jonesy]

I begin work on the 1st of December my time, and finish on the 25th my time, or do I begin on the 1st forum time?

[valdred]

Put me up as well. If someone who does pixel art wants to join me I would love it, but hopefully I can pull something of anyways.

[tSwitch]

12 midnight Eastern Standard Time you may begin, and you must submit your entry by December 25th at 11:59:59 Eastern Standard Time

[Jonesy]

7 Hours from this post.

Edit: aka forum time D:

[Arrow]

IS IT NOW

[Jonesy]

IT IS

[Arrow]

BITCHES BETTA KNOW

[joy]

Tilesets coming together!

WIP

[Arrow]

And to think, that for but one fleeting moment, I deemed my mapping skills worthy. ;_;

[Zylos]

>8D

[The Shadow]

Tileset work(Still WIP)

[joy]

Tileset work and cbs work, still mucho WIP.

Looks like it's gonna be a heck of a competition.

[Jonesy]

>8D

lol. Oh man, lotsa great entries, this one's gonna be tough.

[EvilM00s]

And to think, that for but one fleeting moment, I deemed my mapping skills worthy. ;_;

Compared to joy we're all pretty lame.

[Jonesy]

Can we release our game on the 25th as well NAM, given that it is a christmas themed (sort of) event?

[joy]

Workin on classes~ Still much to do...

[tSwitch]

Can we release our game on the 25th as well NAM, given that it is a christmas themed (sort of) event?

Derp read the rules Derp

[IAMFORTE]

Is it me or is zylos using his script again XD

[joy]

C'MON PEOPLE.

This place is dead. Where's the shit talking? The pointless bragging and teasers?

Well, -I- have no shame

[Grafikal]

If your game dynamically changes seasons, I'm auto voting for you. Just sayin'. Even though we don't really vote and I'm not actually a judge.

[joy]

Not this one, but certain scenarios will match the seasons when you reattempt them in a different chapter. If it goes well, I may later make a game that utilizes these tilesets in a more dynamic way.

[IAMFORTE]

joy :O

[Arrow]

*HEAD*

*DESK*

*HEAD*

*DESK*

[joy]

...

[Zylos]

Damn it Joy, what have I told you about making people feel insecure about their mapping skills? D:

[Irock]

Nothing. You never told her anything about that.

[IAMFORTE]

that was last competition wasn't it...i think i'm mistaken its a tossup between zylos and Joy isn't it :/

[joy]

[modern algebra]

looking amazing joy.

[Gracie]

*HEAD*

*DESK*

*HEAD*

*DESK*

*pat pat*

There there Arrow.

[EvilM00s]

Oh, nifty, joy! A circle menu! Wher did you find that script?

[heisenman]

If that's Ziifee Gauge, you're the only person I've seen who actually bothers to change the ring picture.

[joy]

It is indeed zifee's ring menu, which came bundled with GTBS. I wanted the ring menu to match with my own leather window skin, so whipped that up in photoshop.

[Gracie]

Nice. Do you make your own tilesets joy? Just wundering...

Cuz I'll only be impressed if you do Also, nice menu.

[Acolyte]

*HEAD*

*DESK*

*HEAD*

*DESK*

[The Shadow]

I'm afraid I have to withdraw from the contest. Work has been hectic lately, and I really though that I would have a finished product before 25th. As it looks now, it won't happen. Sorry folks

[Sophist]

You have been stricken from the list.

Remember folks, it's coming to an end soon!

[cozziekuns]

I think I'm also gonna have to drop out

I guess I made too much work for myself, and there's no way I'm gonna finish in time.

[valdred]

Scratch me too

[Grafikal]

Don't sign up if you don't plan on finishing. Emphasis on plan which is what you should have. Understood if you have stupid random events that you cannot control that must strike you out. Luckily we still have several people left. I don't want to see this be defaulted.

[Acolyte]

Sheesh, everyone's dropping? Not really sure if I'm going to finish either at this point. Don't strike me yet though, I'm working as hard as I can.

[Irock]

I'm going to have to drop out.

My hard drive crashed!! I swear!!

[tSwitch]

You don't have to be finished to submit something.
Submitting an unfinished but worked on project will still get you a grade, and judges aren't so stupid as to grade something WIP as something finished.

Instead of dropping out, people should just finish what they can, and submit what they can.  Even unfinished projects can win if they're good enough.

[Gracie]

I might submit some tiny thing Ive been doing as a christmassy thingy.. I dunno. Probably.

[Acolyte]

By the way, you do know you have Redwyn on the list twice, right? I don't think he was planning on  making another separate game, unless he is and isn't telling me. :|

[Irock]

Just kidding. I never entered!

[Cascading Dragon]

You don't have to be finished to submit something.
Submitting an unfinished but worked on project will still get you a grade, and judges aren't so stupid as to grade something WIP as something finished.

Instead of dropping out, people should just finish what they can, and submit what they can.  Even unfinished projects can win if they're good enough.

Didn't we have this discussion last time?

[tSwitch]

Didn't we have this discussion last time?

Probably.

People seem to think their work needs to be completely finished to receive credit for their hard work.

[Zylos]

Guess this is over?

[Acolyte]

Fixing some bugs still. Is there a specific time this has to be submitted by? Or just before midnight?

The game should be playable, but I'm not considering it finished. There are still a lot of tileset errors that I won't have time to fix.

[Arrow]

Considering the circumstances I would say you've done an excellent job.

[joy]

I'll try to have this in. It's just a technical demo really when you get down to it, so it'll get zero points for adhering to the theme, but it's something.

[tSwitch]

They have to be submitted by midnight tonight EST.

7 hours.

[Arrow]

I just want to say this now: Acolyte left me in the credits, but all I really did was talk, and do a little bug testing. That girl worked her poor ass off. If "our" project wins this thing, I request that Acolyte be the one to take the credit. : ) Good Luck, Aco.

[Redwyn]

Yeah, I'd like my name removed from the team.

Acolyte did a really, really good job despite what happened. She's amazing. :]

[tSwitch]

Acolyte wins by default, being the only one to submit a project.

[Grafikal]

:|

[Gracie]

YES GO ACOLYTE!

[Arrow]

Fwaaaa...? 8D

[Acolyte]

LOLWUT

[IAMFORTE]

why does this always happen :/

[Gracie]

Next year I'm submititing a blank project so she won't be the only one XD

[Arrow]

Well hey, it was near a holiday. I guess that's an excuse. : O