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48hr Competition #2 - Discussion

Submitted by MattD on

well, its about that time isnt it? who's up for another one in the upcoming uni break? ideas on format/libraries/topics?

MattD

Submitted by palantir on Wed, 19/05/04 - 10:02 AM Permalink

This is just a crazy idea, but what about having something where programmers and artists team up? Of course then it isn't a programmer challenge, so it would probably mean changeing it into like a 7 day game dev challenge or something, but the results would be pretty cool.

Or if not, what about having a programmer challenge that goes for a bit longer? Say 4 days or something?

Or, it would be really cool to pick a free game engine of some sort that everyone has to use. Though it takes time to learn an API...
...still, that could be part of the challenge?

-Just thought I'd throw around some ideas. [:)]

Submitted by Jacana on Wed, 19/05/04 - 5:08 PM Permalink

what about a platform Mario style rip-off :)

Submitted by alia on Wed, 19/05/04 - 6:53 PM Permalink

palantir: sounds like a good idea.. much organising tho.. and would make it hard for an induh-vidual to compete.. :)

jacana: cool idea.. platformers are nice and simple.. maybe we can see Studio48 #2 :)

Submitted by Kane on Wed, 19/05/04 - 8:30 PM Permalink

a Programmer / Artist comp would be convenient cos me and my brother could work together...

are we going to vote on a theme again? my theme suggestion is "Kill the Linux Penguin!"

Submitted by MattD on Fri, 21/05/04 - 6:59 PM Permalink

as for the date, i dont know, when does uni finish for you uni student types?

quote:
This is just a crazy idea, but what about having something where programmers and artists team up? Of course then it isn't a programmer challenge, so it would probably mean changeing it into like a 7 day game dev challenge or something, but the results would be pretty cool.

could be fun, but uless you know an artist it makes it a little hard.. :) anyone else like to comment?

quote:
Or if not, what about having a programmer challenge that goes for a bit longer? Say 4 days or something?

i think too many people work fulltime for a longer comp unfortunately. unless theres a 4 day weekend anytime soon ;) (although itd be fun)

quote:
Or, it would be really cool to pick a free game engine of some sort that everyone has to use. Though it takes time to learn an API...
...still, that could be part of the challenge?

any particular engine you had in mind? theres a lot of talk on ludumdare at the moment about open and hardcore entry streams and all that, but i dont think we quite have enough entrants to split the field.

perhaps using a standard API or toolset might be a better option rather than using an entire engine?? especially for things like 2d games?

Matt D

Submitted by Kalescent on Fri, 21/05/04 - 10:26 PM Permalink

am i wrong in saying that it was open to use artists in the last programming test ?

Submitted by shiva on Fri, 21/05/04 - 10:50 PM Permalink

everything in the last game (except music) had to be made by you

Submitted by palantir on Fri, 21/05/04 - 11:10 PM Permalink

quote: am i wrong in saying that it was open to use artists in the last programming test ?

From the rules of the last one:

quote:?You may work in a pair of two programmers if you wish (the intent that a less experienced programmer can work with a more experienced programmer). No artist+programmer teams allowed!?

I was thinking of something where an artist and a programmer from Sumea team up, and over a period (like a few of weeks maybe), develop a game ? more like the modeller challenge then the programmer challenge in implementation. The benefit being that at the end we would have a cool game that could be added to a portfolio if desired.

This idea isn?t really for a programmer challenge though; it?s a hybrid artist/programmer challenge ? something new for Sumea.

To organise teams, we would just start a thread where people state their skills (what they plan to do) and try to team up with interested people. I think it would be interesting to work with new people, and team work is good experience. Of course, it?s always a problem bringing artists and programmers together! [;)] And it could bring up issues if someone doesn?t pull their own weight.

I guess another option could be just to have a straight programmer challenge that is implemented over a few weeks, like the modeller challenges are. Wouldn?t need to rush so much then! I guess the programmers like the 48 hours thing though.

But the more I think about a Hybrid programmer/artist game dev challenge, the more I like it. Anyone else think so?

Submitted by Daemin on Sat, 22/05/04 - 1:03 AM Permalink

The platformer one could be done on the GBA? There are plenty of emulators out there, documentation, and free compilers. Although we'll need about a week at least to learn the GBA system. However from what I've read the graphics part for a platformer should be fairly easily implemented on the GBA.

Submitted by Blitz on Sun, 23/05/04 - 10:11 AM Permalink

GBA development is quite simple as long as you're not worried about performance too much (which shouldn't be a problem with simple games that aren't using much memory etc.).
However, the time required to learn the system would vary depending on peoples experience, which is one of the reasons we allowed the first comp to be done in any language etc.
So, if you wanna do GBA stuff it should be optional IMO.
Artist/programmer teams is a nice idea, but it runs into trouble when communication comes up. I can't really see a 48hr artist/programmer team working unless (like Kane) you actually can talk to the person in reality. Trying to communicate this stuff over the net in such a short period would be difficult.
As far as having competitions over an extended period of time, i think that is a fine idea. I understand that some people dislike this idea because of school/work etc. but i think really you just would have to bite the bullet and resolve that you may not be able to spend every waking minute on it, and just deal with it. With these sorts of competitions it's just not easy to be entirely fair to everyone :) Howver, i think the other problem with longer term competitions, and particularly a group one, is that they do require a certain commitment, which people may be unwilling to do. They may just get bored of the project, or completely run out of time, and they don't want to let other people down etc.
I actually have some fairly crazy off the wall ideas about a next comp which i'll elaborate on in a later post, after oiling them up with a bit of indy conference tomorrow :)
CYer, Blitz

Submitted by Daemin on Tue, 25/05/04 - 3:54 AM Permalink

How about just allowing the people doing it to work for 48 hours or so over the course of a week on the game project?

Including all communication time. Although that does bring in some problems in itself.

Submitted by Maitrek on Tue, 25/05/04 - 9:35 AM Permalink

I think teaming up like maybe an artist and a programmer or two or something could work quite well. GBA wouldn't be too challenging, the best thing we could do is to decide on the platform early enough that people could research a little on the GBA without actually knowing what kind of game/theme that they will make.

I *strongly* advise that it be set to the Uni holidays (hehe)

The dates for me and daemin's uni are

7th June -> 20th June is SWOT-VAC (study!).
21st June -> 4th July EXAMS (argh!!)
5th July -> 25th July mid year break (woot!!!).

Submitted by tachyon on Wed, 26/05/04 - 2:14 AM Permalink

i'm all for doing it during uni break!! (though i'll be graduated and looking for a job, or postgrad, who knows...)

wouldn't mind learning how to make GBA games either, might be a good skill to have when looking for a job

Submitted by TheBigJ on Thu, 03/06/04 - 12:31 AM Permalink

Cool, another programmer challenge. I'd be up for a side scroller theme this time.

Artist/Programmer team would be cool but we'd need some design time prior to the competiton to coordinate tasks, etc. It can be very frustrating trying to make artists and programmers play nice together, especially under these sorts of time constraints.

As for a date I'd suggest somewhere in the first half of July. All Unis should be on holidays by about the 5th of July (most people will finish earlier if they don't have exams on that date).

Submitted by alia on Thu, 03/06/04 - 8:21 PM Permalink

Yeah early July.. else ill have to compete from Canada! (yay!) wich wont make it any easier..

A.

Submitted by souri on Thu, 10/06/04 - 3:54 AM Permalink

The 5th of July (just under a month away) seems like a nice time for everyone, I think. With the modeller challenge coming pretty soon, I'm not sure if the artists are free enough to do two projects if the two challenges run at the same time.

And how long do you reckon the next challenge to be? A weekend or more? A month long challenge?

Submitted by alia on Thu, 10/06/04 - 9:34 PM Permalink

A weekend is good :) (well for me at least)

Submitted by Kane on Fri, 11/06/04 - 1:14 AM Permalink

5th of July sounds good to me...I think I'm on holidays then

so from what I have gathered it is going to be a programmer and artist team challenge...topics havent been discussed yet?

Submitted by souri on Wed, 16/06/04 - 9:56 AM Permalink

What do you guys think of a 2 week or a month long challenge?

Submitted by Kane on Wed, 16/06/04 - 8:35 PM Permalink

sounds good!

the game isn't locked to be 3D or 2D is it, it can be whatever you choose, yes?

Submitted by GooberMan on Thu, 17/06/04 - 2:05 AM Permalink

48 hour challenges are better. Makes you think of what's really needed in a game instead of what you think would be cool tech to research and trying to fit that in to a game that doesn't need the tech. Especially if you find out about the challenge 24 hours before it starts and work out the design and what's needed in that time :)

Submitted by souri on Thu, 17/06/04 - 12:08 PM Permalink

I like the idea of themes for the programmer challenge, where the programmers can come up with any sort of game to suit that theme and it's really open. Of course, I think we have to be a bit more strict when it comes to voting to stick to the theme this time [;)] Anyway, let me know what you think.
Can you programmers who will be taking part give me a yay or nay on 48 hour, 2 week, month long, topic/theme ideas?

Submitted by alia on Thu, 17/06/04 - 10:25 PM Permalink

yay 48, nah for anything longer...

we could steal some of the reject ideas from the ld48... there were some pretty good ones there.

I think i like the one or two word themes.. gives more scope because it doesnt nail down exactly what it has to be. Mind you the last one we had here was pretty successfull too. The harder the topic the better :) keeps the game simple.

Submitted by Kane on Fri, 18/06/04 - 6:04 AM Permalink

I'm all for 48 hours ones...less time == more fun!

I have also come up with the ultimate in themes...two words...

Milo...Kerrigan [:D]

Submitted by souri on Fri, 18/06/04 - 3:05 PM Permalink

Ok. 48 hour challenge it will be! Friday 2, July (midnight) to Sunday (midnight) cool with everyone?

Submitted by Soul on Fri, 18/06/04 - 11:48 PM Permalink

July 2nd is good for me [:)]

Time to stock up on caffeinated beverages.

Submitted by TheBigJ on Sat, 19/06/04 - 12:50 AM Permalink

July 2nd is good for me too.

Caffeinated beverages for all!

Submitted by souri on Sat, 19/06/04 - 2:44 AM Permalink

I've sent off a proposal for the sponsor of the modeller challenge. Hopefully we can get a small prize for this challenge as well.

Posted by MattD on

well, its about that time isnt it? who's up for another one in the upcoming uni break? ideas on format/libraries/topics?

MattD


Submitted by palantir on Wed, 19/05/04 - 10:02 AM Permalink

This is just a crazy idea, but what about having something where programmers and artists team up? Of course then it isn't a programmer challenge, so it would probably mean changeing it into like a 7 day game dev challenge or something, but the results would be pretty cool.

Or if not, what about having a programmer challenge that goes for a bit longer? Say 4 days or something?

Or, it would be really cool to pick a free game engine of some sort that everyone has to use. Though it takes time to learn an API...
...still, that could be part of the challenge?

-Just thought I'd throw around some ideas. [:)]

Submitted by Jacana on Wed, 19/05/04 - 5:08 PM Permalink

what about a platform Mario style rip-off :)

Submitted by alia on Wed, 19/05/04 - 6:53 PM Permalink

palantir: sounds like a good idea.. much organising tho.. and would make it hard for an induh-vidual to compete.. :)

jacana: cool idea.. platformers are nice and simple.. maybe we can see Studio48 #2 :)

Submitted by Kane on Wed, 19/05/04 - 8:30 PM Permalink

a Programmer / Artist comp would be convenient cos me and my brother could work together...

are we going to vote on a theme again? my theme suggestion is "Kill the Linux Penguin!"

Submitted by MattD on Fri, 21/05/04 - 6:59 PM Permalink

as for the date, i dont know, when does uni finish for you uni student types?

quote:
This is just a crazy idea, but what about having something where programmers and artists team up? Of course then it isn't a programmer challenge, so it would probably mean changeing it into like a 7 day game dev challenge or something, but the results would be pretty cool.

could be fun, but uless you know an artist it makes it a little hard.. :) anyone else like to comment?

quote:
Or if not, what about having a programmer challenge that goes for a bit longer? Say 4 days or something?

i think too many people work fulltime for a longer comp unfortunately. unless theres a 4 day weekend anytime soon ;) (although itd be fun)

quote:
Or, it would be really cool to pick a free game engine of some sort that everyone has to use. Though it takes time to learn an API...
...still, that could be part of the challenge?

any particular engine you had in mind? theres a lot of talk on ludumdare at the moment about open and hardcore entry streams and all that, but i dont think we quite have enough entrants to split the field.

perhaps using a standard API or toolset might be a better option rather than using an entire engine?? especially for things like 2d games?

Matt D

Submitted by Kalescent on Fri, 21/05/04 - 10:26 PM Permalink

am i wrong in saying that it was open to use artists in the last programming test ?

Submitted by shiva on Fri, 21/05/04 - 10:50 PM Permalink

everything in the last game (except music) had to be made by you

Submitted by palantir on Fri, 21/05/04 - 11:10 PM Permalink

quote: am i wrong in saying that it was open to use artists in the last programming test ?

From the rules of the last one:

quote:?You may work in a pair of two programmers if you wish (the intent that a less experienced programmer can work with a more experienced programmer). No artist+programmer teams allowed!?

I was thinking of something where an artist and a programmer from Sumea team up, and over a period (like a few of weeks maybe), develop a game ? more like the modeller challenge then the programmer challenge in implementation. The benefit being that at the end we would have a cool game that could be added to a portfolio if desired.

This idea isn?t really for a programmer challenge though; it?s a hybrid artist/programmer challenge ? something new for Sumea.

To organise teams, we would just start a thread where people state their skills (what they plan to do) and try to team up with interested people. I think it would be interesting to work with new people, and team work is good experience. Of course, it?s always a problem bringing artists and programmers together! [;)] And it could bring up issues if someone doesn?t pull their own weight.

I guess another option could be just to have a straight programmer challenge that is implemented over a few weeks, like the modeller challenges are. Wouldn?t need to rush so much then! I guess the programmers like the 48 hours thing though.

But the more I think about a Hybrid programmer/artist game dev challenge, the more I like it. Anyone else think so?

Submitted by Daemin on Sat, 22/05/04 - 1:03 AM Permalink

The platformer one could be done on the GBA? There are plenty of emulators out there, documentation, and free compilers. Although we'll need about a week at least to learn the GBA system. However from what I've read the graphics part for a platformer should be fairly easily implemented on the GBA.

Submitted by Blitz on Sun, 23/05/04 - 10:11 AM Permalink

GBA development is quite simple as long as you're not worried about performance too much (which shouldn't be a problem with simple games that aren't using much memory etc.).
However, the time required to learn the system would vary depending on peoples experience, which is one of the reasons we allowed the first comp to be done in any language etc.
So, if you wanna do GBA stuff it should be optional IMO.
Artist/programmer teams is a nice idea, but it runs into trouble when communication comes up. I can't really see a 48hr artist/programmer team working unless (like Kane) you actually can talk to the person in reality. Trying to communicate this stuff over the net in such a short period would be difficult.
As far as having competitions over an extended period of time, i think that is a fine idea. I understand that some people dislike this idea because of school/work etc. but i think really you just would have to bite the bullet and resolve that you may not be able to spend every waking minute on it, and just deal with it. With these sorts of competitions it's just not easy to be entirely fair to everyone :) Howver, i think the other problem with longer term competitions, and particularly a group one, is that they do require a certain commitment, which people may be unwilling to do. They may just get bored of the project, or completely run out of time, and they don't want to let other people down etc.
I actually have some fairly crazy off the wall ideas about a next comp which i'll elaborate on in a later post, after oiling them up with a bit of indy conference tomorrow :)
CYer, Blitz

Submitted by Daemin on Tue, 25/05/04 - 3:54 AM Permalink

How about just allowing the people doing it to work for 48 hours or so over the course of a week on the game project?

Including all communication time. Although that does bring in some problems in itself.

Submitted by Maitrek on Tue, 25/05/04 - 9:35 AM Permalink

I think teaming up like maybe an artist and a programmer or two or something could work quite well. GBA wouldn't be too challenging, the best thing we could do is to decide on the platform early enough that people could research a little on the GBA without actually knowing what kind of game/theme that they will make.

I *strongly* advise that it be set to the Uni holidays (hehe)

The dates for me and daemin's uni are

7th June -> 20th June is SWOT-VAC (study!).
21st June -> 4th July EXAMS (argh!!)
5th July -> 25th July mid year break (woot!!!).

Submitted by tachyon on Wed, 26/05/04 - 2:14 AM Permalink

i'm all for doing it during uni break!! (though i'll be graduated and looking for a job, or postgrad, who knows...)

wouldn't mind learning how to make GBA games either, might be a good skill to have when looking for a job

Submitted by TheBigJ on Thu, 03/06/04 - 12:31 AM Permalink

Cool, another programmer challenge. I'd be up for a side scroller theme this time.

Artist/Programmer team would be cool but we'd need some design time prior to the competiton to coordinate tasks, etc. It can be very frustrating trying to make artists and programmers play nice together, especially under these sorts of time constraints.

As for a date I'd suggest somewhere in the first half of July. All Unis should be on holidays by about the 5th of July (most people will finish earlier if they don't have exams on that date).

Submitted by alia on Thu, 03/06/04 - 8:21 PM Permalink

Yeah early July.. else ill have to compete from Canada! (yay!) wich wont make it any easier..

A.

Submitted by souri on Thu, 10/06/04 - 3:54 AM Permalink

The 5th of July (just under a month away) seems like a nice time for everyone, I think. With the modeller challenge coming pretty soon, I'm not sure if the artists are free enough to do two projects if the two challenges run at the same time.

And how long do you reckon the next challenge to be? A weekend or more? A month long challenge?

Submitted by alia on Thu, 10/06/04 - 9:34 PM Permalink

A weekend is good :) (well for me at least)

Submitted by Kane on Fri, 11/06/04 - 1:14 AM Permalink

5th of July sounds good to me...I think I'm on holidays then

so from what I have gathered it is going to be a programmer and artist team challenge...topics havent been discussed yet?

Submitted by souri on Wed, 16/06/04 - 9:56 AM Permalink

What do you guys think of a 2 week or a month long challenge?

Submitted by Kane on Wed, 16/06/04 - 8:35 PM Permalink

sounds good!

the game isn't locked to be 3D or 2D is it, it can be whatever you choose, yes?

Submitted by GooberMan on Thu, 17/06/04 - 2:05 AM Permalink

48 hour challenges are better. Makes you think of what's really needed in a game instead of what you think would be cool tech to research and trying to fit that in to a game that doesn't need the tech. Especially if you find out about the challenge 24 hours before it starts and work out the design and what's needed in that time :)

Submitted by souri on Thu, 17/06/04 - 12:08 PM Permalink

I like the idea of themes for the programmer challenge, where the programmers can come up with any sort of game to suit that theme and it's really open. Of course, I think we have to be a bit more strict when it comes to voting to stick to the theme this time [;)] Anyway, let me know what you think.
Can you programmers who will be taking part give me a yay or nay on 48 hour, 2 week, month long, topic/theme ideas?

Submitted by alia on Thu, 17/06/04 - 10:25 PM Permalink

yay 48, nah for anything longer...

we could steal some of the reject ideas from the ld48... there were some pretty good ones there.

I think i like the one or two word themes.. gives more scope because it doesnt nail down exactly what it has to be. Mind you the last one we had here was pretty successfull too. The harder the topic the better :) keeps the game simple.

Submitted by Kane on Fri, 18/06/04 - 6:04 AM Permalink

I'm all for 48 hours ones...less time == more fun!

I have also come up with the ultimate in themes...two words...

Milo...Kerrigan [:D]

Submitted by souri on Fri, 18/06/04 - 3:05 PM Permalink

Ok. 48 hour challenge it will be! Friday 2, July (midnight) to Sunday (midnight) cool with everyone?

Submitted by Soul on Fri, 18/06/04 - 11:48 PM Permalink

July 2nd is good for me [:)]

Time to stock up on caffeinated beverages.

Submitted by TheBigJ on Sat, 19/06/04 - 12:50 AM Permalink

July 2nd is good for me too.

Caffeinated beverages for all!

Submitted by souri on Sat, 19/06/04 - 2:44 AM Permalink

I've sent off a proposal for the sponsor of the modeller challenge. Hopefully we can get a small prize for this challenge as well.