Hello, fans and followers of The Daily Click. I present to you THE TDC SCROLLS compilation project!
WHAT IS THIS?
Imagine a compilation of finished, playable games developed by TDC forum members: big and small, short and long, action and puzzle, racin' and shootin'. It's all there, conveniently accessible from a web page and an easily-navigated front-page menu. Released at the start of 2014, to kick-off a brand new year of game-making and game-playing.
This is not a contest. This is a compilation. It's a showcase of nearly everything the TDC community has to offer.
HOW DO I ENTER?
Create a Flash-friendly executable (more about these details below) and submit your source to me. I will create a front-page menu in the Flash app where your application will be available.
Each month of the project will have a different theme, announced shortly before that month begins. You're free to use the theme as you see fit, interpreted as snugly or as loosely as you wish.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
All entries are due by 11:59pm GMT on Sunday, 5th January, 2014. The web page will be posted by the end of that month, but hopefully as soon as 1 week after the deadline (12th January 2014).
ARE THERE ANY OTHER CRITERIA?
Here is some worthwhile information to know:
It must be compatible with the MMF2 Flash exporter, using no extensions or only the extensions pictured in this graphic:
Obviously, external files are not compatible with Flash apps and are prohibited. Make sure the entire game is self-contained: fonts, graphics, audio files, and so on.
Finished size of your game (not necessarily the MFA you send me) must be less than 5MB.
You are welcome to contribute as many different games as you wish. Each month will have a different theme, so you may end up creating several games for inclusion. That's fine with me.
I reserve the right to reject your submission, on any grounds I deem worthy, or for no reason at all. This is "at will" submission of games, and this is a completely voluntary project on my part.
I may add to this list as time goes on, questions are answered, and clarifications are made. Keep an eye on this thread.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
- File size too big? Chances are your audio files are taking up too much space. Shrink them down using some sort of audio edititing software. If that's not the problem, then chances are you're better off sending only a "chapter" or two of your game for this compilation. Why not make a three-chapter saga, with one segment released each month?
Need a title or some additional inspiration? Then have a look at some of the following websites for some more ideas:
Someone over at the Clickteam forums shared news of a website with me: OneGameAMonth. The admin has challenged all comers to build their own games in one month, and do it as many months in a row that they can.
I found the website tremendously inspirational. Here's an excerpt that I found particularly moving; it's about how tough it is to finish a game once you hit "the Wall." I think we can all relate:
Take heart in the knowledge that this final stretch - when your enthusiasm has been drained, you are feeling bored of the project and frustrated with things that have been giving you trouble - this final stretch is what separates the poseurs and the pros. It is the gulf that stands between you and the finish line. Between a success and a failure. A good game and a great game. A jam game and something worthy of being sold.
It's a powerful manifesto on making a game in a relatively short time. I strongly encourage you to read it, and be inspired to do your best and finish a game in one month. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
To date, I've not received a submission for either October or November from anyone else.
Is there anyone out there actually working on a submission? If so, please speak up. If not, I'd rather drop this and work on a different project or two.
Such a shame, the idea was great. I just don't think good ideas are what can revive TDC, but that's a whole other discussion - and one that's been discussed a lot in another thread.