New programming Challenge?

Claxon · 03-12-2010, 04:19 AM

Hey everyone, I'm just sat here during my lunch break with nothing much to do and just looked through the last programming challenge thread, which has got me wondering if we should have another one.

If we came up with a new programming challenge who would be willing to take part and make a game for it?

Adrir · 03-12-2010, 06:43 AM

I've actually been wondering recently whether we could run something similar to Ludum Dare during the summer - essentially our own little game jam over the internet. Just perhaps something a little bit more flexible - such as allowing team and non-digital game entries.

What do people think?

Claxon · 03-12-2010, 08:24 AM

I don't know Ludum Dare specifically, but yes I like the idea of allowing teams (not sure about non-digital games, do you mean like board games? If so, how would other people play them?). Is what you propose essentially the same as the old programming challenges we set (where we give players a style / theme, and a deadline to comklete the game in)?

Adrir · 03-12-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claxon

Do you mean like board games? If so, how would other people play them?

Yes. The same way that people tested the board games from Game Design Concepts - simply submit as a set of pdf documents and let players print them out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claxon

Is what you propose essentially the same as the old programming challenges we set?

In principle, yes. A theme is presented along with several constraints. This is simply to help prevent people submitting games they've already made in the past. The only difference would be, a specific time is set to start making games and stop making games. Thus, it is much closer to a game jam. I find this helps give people an excuse to take time out to make a game and also levels the playing field in terms of free time.

Protector one · 03-13-2010, 05:44 AM

Count me in!

Claxon · 03-15-2010, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrir

The only difference would be, a specific time is set to start making games and stop making games. Thus, it is much closer to a game jam. I find this helps give people an excuse to take time out to make a game and also levels the playing field in terms of free time.

Maybe but I think that depends on the person. If there was a challenge that lasted a month, I could do it a little at a time during my lunch breaks. On the other hand I would be a dead man if I spent 48 hours straight working on one. I think that's the main difference between being a solitary student and being married.

Protector One which of these ideas are you IN for? The old style challenge or Adrir's game jam?

Protector one · 03-16-2010, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claxon

Protector One which of these ideas are you IN for? The old style challenge or Adrir's game jam?

Both, actually. But I think I'm more favorable towards the old-style challenge. Being able to spend an hour or so on it here and there, is much more friendly to my daily schedule than having to reserve entire days.

Adrir · 03-16-2010, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claxon

Maybe but I think that depends on the person. If there was a challenge that lasted a month, I could do it a little at a time during my lunch breaks. On the other hand I would be a dead man if I spent 48 hours straight working on one.

I definitely agree with that - game jams arn't for everyone because of individual circumstances.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claxon

Protector One which of these ideas are you IN for? The old style challenge or Adrir's game jam?

Let's do both!