AGS Stats -- Productivity

[DGMacphee]

Hi there everyone,

I decided to do a test on the amount of productivity in the forum.

Lately, there has been some discussion on the amount of forum postings.

So I decided to have a look at the amount of games released to see if people are spending time making games or just posting.

The results are interesting:

Month -- No. of Games

June 2003 -- 7
May -- 9
April -- 7
March -- 22
Feb -- 15
Jan -- 11
Dec 2002 -- 13
Nov -- 6
Oct -- 9
Sept -- 16
Aug -- 8
Jul -- 13

This includes all full games and experiement interfaces.

It does not include demos as the rules changed in the Announcement forum to send demos to the Games in Production forum.

As shown, the productivity has dropped in the last few months.

However, I'm very interested to see the surge of games in March and then see the drop in April.

Anyone have any theories as to why this happened -- was something happening that aided productivity?

Maybe if we find out why people were so active in March, we can replicate that.

I would do a better measure of my stats, but I have limited time to do so (and it's late at night and I'm sleepy).

[LL Notorious B.I.G. Will C-H]

my theory is that in the months where more games were being produced people were spending less time gathering statistics on the number of games being produced and more time making games, y`dig?

[Privateer Puddin']

exam revision as of late?

[Barcik]

I agree with custard. Expect to see a rise once July hits.

[Matt Brown]

there are a lot of games that look to be coming out soon, and school is out for many of us.
The possible surge of forums posting might have something to do with the sudden activiness of the under 14 crowd, although I could be wrong

[auhsor]

Well i wont be able to finish a game til after november, when my HSC is finished.

[juncmodule]

I have a theory.

The surge actually starts is December and builds up until it peaks and falls off sharply after March. (any previous surges are due to MAGS competitions that lots of people join or end of summer where lots of games are completed) The December to March surge I would attribute to people that said "my game will be out by 2003" and then fell behind and rushed to get it out by then.

Other reasons could be Spring break, lots of vacations at the same time mean more time to work on games. For me, my inability to find a job is 100% related to my participation in MAGS. So perhaps unemployment rates skyrocketed in March too!

Just my theory.

later,
-junc

[DGMacphee]

my theory is that in the months where more games were being produced people were spending less time gathering statistics on the number of games being produced and more time making games, y`dig?

Uh huh.

And instead of trying to be a smartarse, why don't you say something useful.

Y'dig?

As for my record, pal, I've made two games, several mini games, working on one big game project, plus ran two AGS Awards ceremonies, started the MAGS competition, ran a photoshop competition, plus moderated a forum here

And I even managed to compile some stats for produced games.

Now, who the hell are you to question my contribution to the AGS Community?

Where's your perfect track record, Will?

Y'dig?

[rodekill]

Well, people here tend to stay indoors in winter because of the white death outside, and also people who work tend to have some time off around Christmas, so I can see how everyone may be finishing up their projects by March.

edit: Don't mess with DG if you don't know what's what. He's one of the most productive and respected guys around here.

edit edit: And his sister has a hot voice.

[Bob The Hun]

As for my record, pal, I've made two games, several mini games, working on one big game project, plus ran two AGS Awards ceremonies, started the MAGS competition, ran a photoshop competition, plus moderated a forum here

And hosted most of the AGS shows as well as made thousands of posts.

I  don't think this Will character is getting off to the best start.

[>Alkaline<]

my theory is that in the months where more games were being produced people were spending less time gathering statistics on the number of games being produced and more time making games, y`dig?

Uh huh.

And instead of trying to be a smartarse, why don't you say something useful.

Y'dig?

As for my record, pal, I've made two games, several mini games, working on one big game project, plus ran two AGS Awards ceremonies, started the MAGS competition, ran a photoshop competition, plus moderated a forum here

And I even managed to compile some stats for produced games.

Now, who the hell are you to question my contribution to the AGS Community?

Where's your perfect track record, Will?

Y'dig?

Lighten up, dude...
I don't see why there's a problem with him being a smartass, if he's funny...I don't think he was trying to insult you..
But anyway...I think the popularity of the MAGS rules also has something to do with it...

[Privateer Puddin']

sadly, he wasn't funny

[Timosity]

It's hard to judge stats over that smaller period of time, I'm sure there are booms every now and then, I know that after I released my MAGS game in Feb, I went straight onto my next project which already has over 1000 sprites, 77 rooms etc and I've posted much less in that time, I'm still a long way off finishing,

Also by those stats, June isn't half way through and there will be a few more released this month I think, so doesn't that mean production is increasing???

but that just proves my point in judging over a small period of months, has there been a steady increase over the few years since AGS started, that would make the stats more accurate.

[DGMacphee]

I just don't apreciate someone being a smartarse when he hasn't very much to his name in terms of AGS-related stuff.

It's very hypocritical.

If someone such as Rodekill, Helm, Narangas, Butcher, Mods, bspeers, LGM, Andail, Eric, Dark Stalkey, or both Gilberts (among others) said the exact same thing, I'd accept it way more -- especially considering their strong contributions.

And if any of the above are reading this, please feel free to tell me that my collection of those statistics is counter-productive -- it was a once-off thing to see if people were making more games of late.

And if Will wants to be a smartarse about it, then Punk Quest had better be bloody brilliant or else I'm going to borrow C-lek's petagon knife and pay the bro a visit.  

[m0ds]

It's because people sign up just to chat in the Gen Gen forum

Nice findings tho DG

m0ds

[danny*]

I know the reason!!!!
It's Neole's fault!!!
His art thread is making AGSers more depressed every day goes by!
So nobody is making games any more!!!
********
Seriously now,i've noticed that too,some time ago!... :'(
**********
LL Notorious B.I.G. Will C-H :if you canno't say something usefull,..well,please keep your thoughts to yourself.That kind of atitude will get you nowere in this forum!

[DGMacphee]

It's because people sign up just to chat in the Gen Gen forum

I'm starting to think something similar.

The number of new posts (8267) and new threads (671) reached a high in March -- more people posting instead of working on their games, which would probably explain the drop-off in April.

However, the post and thread count were pretty high in Jan and Feb too -- Lots of posting, yet lots of game development during this period.


Timosity: I noticed that too -- production is increasing this month.

And you're right: it is hard to judge by these stats -- The announcement forum only goes back to June 2002, which is a pity.

However, this gives us a minor indication.

[Privateer Puddin']

could it also be due to less popular MAGS? i think theres been a few times with only 1 or 2 games made?

[c.leksutin]

And if Will wants to be a smartarse about it, then Punk Quest had better be bloody brilliant or else I'm going to borrow C-lek's petagon knife and pay the bro a visit.  ;)

You need to see my new blade designed for sliting thoats (not kidding...) and my new underhand hook blade



and the neck knive I cant seem to find a linkable picture on the net, so just do a google image search for the Smith & Wesson 990TA.

C.

[DGMacphee]

It's a possibility, custard.

I think a lot of these things contribute to the differing levels over the months.

Maybe this can give us some ideas on what we can do to make things a little more productive around here.

C-lek: Stats and knives -- the answers to everything!  

[Scid]

My theory is that it's all totally random.

And I'm on Will's side in this. As far as I can tell, he said nothing wrong.

[DGMacphee]

I'm not trying to point fingers and say anyone is wrong.

Nor am I trying to make people pick sides.

I do, however, question his statement, especially considering he hasn't posted any games in the announcement forum yet.

[Scid]

I think we all knew his statement was bullshit. That's why I don't think it was all that insulting.

And, I do not think it is relevant, at all, whether or not he's been around as long as Helm has, or whether he's a newbie. He deserves to be treated just like everybody else.

[DGMacphee]

I agree, he should be treated like everyone else.

However, I still find his comment hypocritical, rather than insulting.

To be honest, it didn't offend me -- I just think he's being a typical smartarse who hasn't got a shred of credibility to back up his comments, and thus I pointed it out.

If I see a hypocritical statement, I will challenge it -- whether it be a newbie or an oldbie.

I'd expect the same of someone else when I make hypocritical statements -- and such has happened in the past, and I'm glad for it.

[LL Notorious B.I.G. Will C-H]

my theory is that in the months where more games were being produced people were spending less time gathering statistics on the number of games being produced and more time making games, y`dig?

Uh huh.

And instead of trying to be a smartarse, why don't you say something useful.

Y'dig?

As for my record, pal, I've made two games, several mini games, working on one big game project, plus ran two AGS Awards ceremonies, started the MAGS competition, ran a photoshop competition, plus moderated a forum here

And I even managed to compile some stats for produced games.

Now, who the hell are you to question my contribution to the AGS Community?

Where's your perfect track record, Will?

Y'dig?

calm yourself down i wasnt trying to be rude, just a joke! sorry if i offended you, obviously smilies arent infallable.

edit: aaaaaaand ive just read the rest of the topic, and oh deary me i do indeed apologise for daring to post on your own personal forum mr mcgee, i shall not intrude on your territory again

[BOYD1981]

maybe people are spending more time on making their games so productivity may still be high but actual number of full game releases are low, plus how many of those 22 games were made by newcomers as first releases and how many are by people that have made other games?

[Squinky]

I think the mature thing would be to just let this goofy little argument drop. Neither one of you guys have to prove your point...Lets get back to the stats thing...I'm all for productivity, but I think the good kind of productivity, y'know, inspired work that we'll all remember for years, cant' be forced. And thats truley what I'm here for, to see the truley creative stuff, y'konw the stuff the author just couldn't stop working on because he loved it so much...

[rodekill]

My god those knives are so frightening and alluring all at the same time.

[m0ds]

The fall in productivity could actually be a rise tho - everyone is working hard on bigger, better games.

Maybe, just maybe.


m0ds

[Ben]

That's right. Just because games aren't being released doesn't mean they're not being worked on. This could even be a good sign- people are working on bigger, better games.

Or it could be meaningless. That's as good a theory as any..

[DGMacphee]

Big Will C-H: no problems


As for the stats and responses: these are all very good theories.

I think people are just working on a bigger projects.

I am, and it's taking ages because I have other reall life commitments (such as upcoming exams).

[miguel]

hello to all,
just want to confirm what most of you have been saying, I first started with AGS in december last and made a lousy game (The Ugly Files) in a month just because I could do a game!
  After that and after playing most of the AGS classics I decided on learning scripting and make games with at least the same qualitty.
  Since then I droped two projects on the way and I'm working on a game (Star Battles) every day.
 So, from a beguiner point-of-view I think that maybe in some weeks you'll see more games coming up,

happy coding

[MillsJROSS]

Statistics are nice and fun, but does is this a recuring pattern from previous years? And if you think about it, 7 for June, considering the month is only half done, shows that plenty more might be on there way.

It probably has something to do with people getting free time, like Spring break and Winter break, and all other forms of breaks. Perhaps we should also the ratio of posts in a month to that of the games, just to see if they relate.

Tons of games are also being created. It's a question of how many will be finished, eventually. I expect we'll see a good deal come in soon, now that summer is upon us. I, personally, have been working on my game when free time comes around, after a month or longer of doing dittly (well, I was trying to do well in my classes).

-MillsJROSS

[DGMacphee]

Mills: I do agree -- the amount for June is a 'pending' value.

And I can't really judge the previous years because I would also have to compile stats from Ezboards.

And there are a LOT of entries there!

[Sylpher]

More then likely a combonation of things. Finals, less time off work (more time off school. younger crowed although I don't hate you seem to be less productive. Prove me wrong though! Please.) But, yeah. I work at a bank and during the holiday seasons I got what felt like a day or two off almost every other week. since then the past six months I have had two. I am not sure if this is how it is for others but I know I am much more productive after I have been able to be lazy at home for a little while and get bored rather then trying to squeeze in a half hour here and a few minutes there.

As well if alot of games were made only a few months ago many of those people are now probobly taking a break. Look at march. If 22 people made a game those same 22 people probobly are not gonna release a game in April or May...Now we are a community of 1000 now but half of that is probobly only active and half of the half is probobly only working on games and half of half of half of that is probobly only seriously working on games at a heavy steady pace so that leaves what?

125 people or so...Divide that up by 12 and you got. about 11 games a month. So throw in inflation and deflation..as well when people started there games and when people have free time to work and boom. You got some months with more games and some months with less.

Now just let me get out the pie charts...

[plasticman]

this is just a small thought about these stats :
maybe i'm wrong, but it seems to me that the making of a game usually takes more than just one month. unless it's your first creation or a mags game, you need a lot more time to create a decent game, especially if you're doing all the work on your own.
so if i'm correct, the number of releases per month would not be very relevant.

[Sylpher]

True, but! It isn't looking at how long games are being made just breaking down releases from a month to month basis. The only other option that would work well I suppose is quarterly but if you took yearly or weekly then it is harder to understand.

Hm, that is confusing. Even though it takes much longer then a month to make most games we aren't looking at development time. Everyone starts there games at different points and some spend longer some spend shorter. Either way games get released at a fairly decent rate irregardless of when they were started. DG was just looking at the release and comparing one moth from the other.

Though you bring a point maybe more people start there games now during the summer and finally finish them up come winter...

[plasticman]

yeah, i understand what you're saying. it's just that if i started working on a game today, i could hardly tell whether it would be released during next fall or spring...
of course these stats are interesting, but i'd rather not draw hasty conclusions.
also, from what i understand the amount of users is growing steadily, so taking this in account would make sense.
in the end, i'd rather play one quality game once in a while instead of getting flooded with a dozen of rushed crappy games.

[MillsJROSS]

The reason one might release this games is because they might not be free to work on them until free time comes. Yes, it does take longer than a couple of weeks to make a game. But people aren't going ot finish a game when their too busy. They'll do it during those free weeks/days/months.

-MillsJROSS

[DGMacphee]

This is just a guess (i.e. I can't back it up), but I'd say on average it takes somewhere between a month to two months to make a game.

Some take only a week.

Others take a year.

From the space of time between a lot of game announcements to their release, I'd say on average it takes 2 months.

But like I said, it's just a guess.

[Matt Brown]

This is an interesting question, for those people who love stats. Check the game sin production forum, and if any of them have been made, check the dfifference between when the production thread started, and when the game was announced. very incomplete stats ot be sure, but might prehaps shed a bit of light on that.

I might actually check that, as I have a hunch that that timeframe may be a bit longer

not to jump on you DG, I'm just a bit curious now