» 'Think outside the box Contest 2' - When, what & how discussion...

StormyStudio

Ok...I'm looking to set up the next 'unofficial' GameSalad contest. Again its more about spreading some enthusiasm to make unique games...

'THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX CONTEST 2'.
('The indie developer strikes backs')

There's a poll to help decide on a date for the next contest. So it can be timed for maximum participation.

PRIZES
If you want to offer up any prizes (books, templates, money, clothing, ipads, cars) please email me and I'll put them all together in the official contest announcement. Contact me at:
sales(@)stormystudio.com

Rough Game plan...
This time round there will be a date set with a bit of notice given. On the first day of the contest I will announce a theme. The contest will go on for 2 weeks. Every developer taking part will have to run their own thread detailing their progress. With 'TOTB2' included in their threads title.

Need your input
- When would you prefer the contest to start. (Answer the poll please)
- Shout out some ideas for themes...I've got one I like but more ideas wont hurt.
- The final game entry (please discuss): I can be delivered either as a video of your game working (show how far you've got in 2 weeks), or a link to the app store if its already been submitted and approved.
- Do you want one massive super prize for best game or 3 smaller awards. 'Best game concept', 'Best design/visuals', 'Best development forum thread'.
- Other ideas for the competition to work well, more fun...

JUDGING:
- I wont actually enter a game myself. So would you be happy with me judging if I do a good break down at the end as to why the winner has won. With a video review of the top 3. (YodaPollo seems a bit busy to judge the last contest at the moment)... (please suggest other ideas if you don't trust me)

WHATS IN IT FOR ME:
Quite simply...I'm addicted to the forum...and its nice to read about more game development on the forum and less random arguments and GameSalad wish lists. We can all learn from each others questions, answers. (If someone else ran a competition I'd gladly take part...)

(give me a minute to post the poll)...

simo103

For a theme .. how about ' The Sun' since the last one was the moon? I think that allows a wide creative field .. could use solar powered lasers for guns, grow plants, hide in shadows etc, etc.

Also think it should be one super prize until maybe a future contest since it will not be certain to have lots of finished projects.

Not sure how it might work but I think it would be great if you could enter also. Perhaps make the judging be a forum poll that way you are equal to the other entries. I know there is a chance of a popular person getting more votes but I generally think an anonymous vote from this community would be fair enough.

StormyStudio

Thanks...you could be right about doing a poll instead...

oberning

Ooh a great topic for the competition would be something from the past... like the Renaissance or Greek/Roman times... Also, a poll to vote who's is the best would probably be the way to go ( or give an extra week for the apps to be submitted into the App Store and go by sales instead). Like simo said 1 big prize for the winner would probably be the best thing. I think that the competition should also be a little longer than two weeks, because (like I said with the last competition) some artists (like mine) are super slow. Maybe it should be three to four weeks, with one to two weeks of prep (art, sounds, design, etc.) and then another two weeks of programming and making it the best we can... You also mentioned that Yoda was busy... is that telling us something?

StormyStudio

Cheers for the ideas oberning. Maybe more than two weeks would be better. What do others think?

As for yoda being busy, I know nothing. Just observing his slower email responses and judging of the last contest.

oberning

that's cool, yeah I personally think that it would be better for everyone.. what ideas do you have for the topic so far?

DreamLab

Yah, I think there should be a theme. Like something EVERY game has to include.
DL

Asymptoteell

ASAP for me. I missed my chance last time, but want to try this time. Maybe TIME as a theme.

oberning

That's an intriguing idea Asymptoteell, but I can't think of a lot of games for time...

StormyStudio

Some nice theme ideas cheers.

Looks like it's gonna be the two weeks time option on the poll.

With a possible 3 week long competition

Although there hasnt been a massive amount if replies. I wonder if we need a separate poll to find out if there are actually many people up for taking part or interested at all.

GamersRejoice

I'm interested, my life is pretty hectic right now (wife has a baby in the oven) so it's hard for me to commit to something that will be happening in two weeks. But I am definitely going to try! So count me in unless I tell you otherwise. This is a really great initiative and I support it so I'll do my best to be a part of it.

StormyStudio

Cheers GamersRejoice...

(I fully understand that little life events end up taking over some valuable GS time...I've started so many games and finished very very few)

I'll do an official game contest announcement on Monday... with a final start date decided.

DreamLab

The really funny thing is, if we start on march 7th, that is when I have spring break. So I will have 2 weeks off of school to do it. this keeps getting better.
DL

scitunes

I have an idea that goes with the theme of "Sun". If we go with sun I'm in. If not I'll have to see if the theme inspires me. Either way I like the idea so I will try really hard to think of something for any theme that is chosen.

Once the theme is announced do we start work on the idea or are we supposed to wait until the official start date?

I can throw some CDs from my band in as prizes (they make great coasters, frisbees, sun catchers, etc.)

StormyStudio

@Scitunes...thanks for the prize offering...that and a place in a promo video for all entrants is all we have so far..

So it might be more for the fun of taking part than anything else...

I'll announce the start date, and you'll get the theme on that date. So no one can get a cheeky head start. Unless you start making you game idea now and adapt it to fit the theme.

simo103

I'll throw in a $15 app store gift card as a prize if you'd like. I have one I haven't used so if I just need to scratch the back and provide you the number that you can then give the winner .. then consider it donated.

Edit: any template sellers willing to throw in a few free templates???

StormyStudio

Oooh! $15 app store gift card, is a very generous offer. Consider it thrown into the pot. Feel free to either wait and see how the contest goes and then email over the number direct to the winner. Or send it to me (email in the first post of this thread) and I'll hold onto it until the contest is finished.

I'm just about to start writing the official contest start date in a separate thread.