An Intriguing Idea...

[Silverwind]

Here's an idea to help keep our skills sharp; every now and then we pick an idea for a simple game and each of us attempt to make it, then we post up the source of our results so that everyone can study and learn from them. Think of it as a "programming exercise" per-se, as well as a fun activity.

Anyone interested? If so what should we start with? A vehicle racing game maybe? Or a Space Invaders clone? Throw some suggestions.

[WarHampster]

Is this GM only?

[Silverwind]

Nah, use any language.

[WarHampster]

I can see this idea going somewhere cool...

How about every month you come up with a really open-ended project idea (for example "make a shooter") and then see how people interpret it and what they make.

[Silverwind]

Yeah, monthly could be good, although considering that this is also a useful exercise perhaps we could do it more frequently if everyone finished ahead of schedule.

btw, games don't have to be high quality, it's just good practice for us all. (though obviously the better you make it the more drool the rest of us shall omit) There shouldn't be any pressure towards finishing a project either, as that seems to turn people off.

[Silverwind]

Hey, how about a card based game for a starter? That leaves lots of room for versatility.

[GMG Tim]

I could post a really basic SpaceInvaders clone I made in PyGame (took me an hour).

Ghost

[Gan]

I like this idea, I'm in. Something simple, something quick, and good enough to keep your skills honed.
Racing, shooting, space and such games are good.


-Gandolf

[Silverwind]

Cool, lets say "shooters" then, as that could include Ghost's example.

I'm gonna start work right away!

[WarHampster]

There should be some sort of deadline so people keep their projects small... lets shoot for two weeks.

[Tireas Dragon]

I would never be able to cope with doing such a thing because I am a perfectionist and I can't stand posting a game that would look lame in my eyes.

[GMG Tim]

If you wanna try the SpaceInvaders example:

(1) Make sure you have Python installed.

• open 'terminal'
• type 'python'
• if something like this pops up you're good:

Code: [Select]

Python 2.5.2 (r252:60911, Feb 22 2008, 07:57:53) 
[GCC 4.0.1 (Apple Computer, Inc. build 5363)] on darwin
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> 

[/list]
(2) Install pygame

• http://www.pygame.org/download.shtml
  
• download the mac version

(3) Launch SpaceInvaders

• download SpaceInvaders
  
• open 'terminal'
• in 'terminal' type 'python ' (with the space after python) and then drag main.py to the terminal window.
• press enter & play!

[Silverwind]

Woh... how come Python has such a strange way of launching?

[EqwanoX]

If you wanna try the SpaceInvaders example:!

i have to do all that?! you couldnt make it more user friendly

how bout we pick up the league assault game thats been pretty much abandoned, its based off alias' platform engine, and its supposed to play like smash bros with guns, its actually a great idea for a game and simple

[WarHampster]

<- Hey, Gnome and I are still working on that.