Author Topic: How much "from scratch"?  (Read 10542 times)

Offline AnsisMalins

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How much "from scratch"?
« on: 2012-September 04, 13:05:39 »
One extreme is writing in assembly in Notepad. The other extreme is modifying Little Big Planet or some such. And there is a smooth continuum in between. Can I use standard libraries? Can I use a framework? A game engine? A physics engine?

Same with arts: Do I have to record my samples myself? Do I have to record the sound effects myself? Do I have to record the dialogue with my own voice? Can I remix, resample, rearrange, or cover an existing song? Can I use plot from an episode or fanfiction as the basis for my game?

Offline Rylius

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #1 on: 2012-September 04, 14:15:11 »
Of course you can use frameworks - this competition is about making games, not engines.
You are completely free to use any publicly available framework (that includes physics engines!).
As long as the result can be opened and inspected by anyone with the appropriate tools you're free to go.

We're even allowing you to use closed-source frameworks such as RPG Maker, Game Maker, Unity, ... whatever you like to use - just release the project files so others can take a look!

Assets and code must be created solely by yourself inside the 48 hours.
Ideas/stories can be made up earlier (how would we check this?) - keep in mind there will be a theme though.

Offline DuckOfDoom

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #2 on: 2012-September 19, 02:25:05 »
Well, I'm currently using a closed-source paid sprite tool for unity3d, can I use that or should I better find a free/open-source solution or make my own? If i should make it myself, can I make it before the comp? No game logic or anything, no assets, just a tool for handling sprites and animations.

Also, the question about song covering is interesting too. Can I use myself-produced cover(will be made in those 48 hours, ofc)?

Offline Wishdream

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #3 on: 2012-September 19, 04:05:03 »
Graphics should be made also within the time limit. It's allowed on 15 minute competitions but not 48 hours.
Assets are graphics, backgrounds, audio, menus, sfx and stuff.
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Offline Rylius

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #4 on: 2012-September 19, 08:26:31 »
Asset creation tools are up to you.
We encourage the use of free or open-source software, but we won't stop you from using paid ones either. :)

Song covers are indeed an interesting questions - will need to discuss with the rest of the team.
On one hand you're creating everything we end up hearing by yourself, on the other one might consider melody/lyrics to be part of the song as well.

Offline peacegiverman

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #5 on: 2012-September 19, 10:34:06 »
I think song covers are like using references for art, so they should be allowed. But here's another song question: Are remixes allowed?

Offline Rylius

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #6 on: 2012-September 19, 12:34:14 »
Alrighty, discussed it.

Covering songs is allowed, similar to using other images as inspiration/references.

Remixes are not allowed as you have a "physical" base to work upon.

Offline soljakwinever

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #7 on: 2012-September 19, 22:05:00 »
Are we allowed to pre-make our engines for the game, as long as the engines have no game-related functionality?

Offline Rylius

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #8 on: 2012-September 19, 22:56:13 »
As long as you share them with us, yes!

Offline Oddwarg

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #9 on: 2012-September 30, 22:32:36 »
As long as you share them with us, yes!
Do you have any particular place where one should post personal engines and frameworks beforehand? I have a general game framework I built myself, and I don't mind sharing it should I decide to participate, but I don't want to advertise it widely since it's not well documented and I do not have the time to offer support or tutorials.

Offline AnsisMalins

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #10 on: 2012-September 30, 22:39:54 »
I would just publish it in the same repository as my game.

Offline Rylius

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Re: How much "from scratch"?
« Reply #11 on: 2012-October 01, 19:32:28 »
Just post it on these forums right here: http://mylittlegamejam.com/smf/index.php/board,12.0.html

If you don't have a lot of documentation/won't offer support simply say so in the post. :)

AnsisMalins: Just make sure to drop a link to the repository beforehand~