Free Backgrounds..

[Mari]

I noticed there was some interest for backgrounds.. for those who would like to play with AGS but don't have time to make tons of graphics just to test it out.  I am trying to work on a project that will allow users to create custom backgrounds using basic room layouts, using standard and imported graphics (like custom wallpaper, furniture, etc).  Here is an example of a couple of backgrounds that could be made with this program:





So I have a couple of questions..

Do you think there is a need for this?

Do you think people will use it?

[Nikolas]

This is actually extrememly helpful and clever from your behalf...

The only downside I see is that it's the same "box" fitted with different wallpapers etc. Will the software allow different "designs" to be dressed up? In so, it's PERFECT! If not, less perfect, but the examples rock either way!

[Mari]

Well I want to be able to have a few different perspective views of the rooms, some themed stuff, (like castle, pirate ship, surreal, etc) and a landscape  one where you can add hills, distance stuff (castle, mountain, fairy cloud, etc) and trees and bushes.. stuff like that.. so far though I only have the one perspective done.. and I need help from a programmer.. to make a picture viewer that overlays graphics.  .. So far I just made the one room.

EDIT: yes I want to some how have it allow importable, walls, floors, objects...   Mainly because I don't think anyone wants to see 50 games with the same table, and stack of books in it.

[Emerald]

Sounds like an inspired idea. I'd definitely use it.

[Darth Mandarb]

I think this is a fantastic idea which, if carried out properly, could be a major step forward for those who want better graphics but can't achieve them on their own.

I think it should be possible to add enough room items with color variations, angles, etc. to make a near infinite number of room layouts possible thus avoiding oodles of games with the exact same backgrounds.  Would it be possible to alter wall colors as well?

This gives me tons of ideas .... fantastic man!  Kudos.

edit - somehow missed your last post which answered some of my questions.  Bang up job man ... if you need/want people to help with ideas and/or just testing sign me up

[m0ds]

Great stuff, could be a very useful tool! Especially if you're able to do some kind of similar thing with exterior backgrounds too! Good luck!

[monkey0506]

I think this is a wonderful idea. Especially if, as Darth said, it were possible to add color variations throughout. Art has never been a strong suite with me, so I would definitely use something like this.

[RickJ]

This reminds me of an RPG character creation tool I cam across a couple of years ago called Charas.   I think this is a great idea and that there should be an easy way of sharing resources created for it.   I think Charas has done an excellent job and that we could learn something from them.   

If we were to come up with a plan for doing something like the Charas folks have done with RPG characters but for backgrounds then some of our contests could be aimed at creating resources for such rooms and would of course be availe to our little group under some sort of Creative Commons license.   I have never understood why our competitions and activities do not now require contest entries  to be licensed in this way?

What does everyone else think about taking this to the next level?

[Mari]

Great!! I do need some help from a programmer.. I know a little bit of programing.. but not a lot.. please pm me if you're programming savvy

[Evil]

I think this is a wonderful idea. Especially if, as Darth said, it were possible to add color variations throughout. Art has never been a strong suite with me, so I would definitely use something like this.

Yeah, like a hue alteration thing would be great. A slider for adjusting hue, or a hex code input for walls or something. And as long as the styles are consistant, and all of the shadow were worked out, I think it would be a great tool. I might actually finish a game.

[paolo]

This is an excellent idea! Yes, I'm sure people will definitely use it. I wish I had thought of it myself.

I notice you said "could be made" - does this mean that these rooms were drawn in some other application for the sake of example, and that the project isn't under way yet?

[Mari]

it's sort of underway.. those were example backgrounds because I threw them together in photoshop, but I did it with a process that is easy to replicate, and I've already started the graphics process for it...  Originally I was going to make tutorials on how to make rooms (which I am still going to do) but I ended up being able to create so many variations so quickly with this process I thought it might be a good idea to make a background created.  I still need to figure out the limitations and such, and it's still in the development stages.. The resolution will be 640x480

As of right now, it looks like the application will be web based and users will be able to select from a database of user created objects and such.. so I'll keep you guys updated.

[Joseph DiPerla]

Oh for the love of.... This project must achieve completion. Now if we can only get someone to make one for characters, objects and animals and such, we would need to art skill what so ever...

Great job Mari! Keep it up.

[Uhfgood]

The only problem I see isn't so much the fact that every game will have the same graphics, but that the graphics put together won't seem to come together as a whole.  Lighting, palette, and what not.  It will look closer to a collage rather than a new background.  However be-that-as-it-may, it would certainly provide some quickie mockups so you could get something up and running rather quickly.  Also when you have your game finalized you can then go and repaint the background or have someone repaint the background to provide that consistancy.

[CosmoQueen]

I really like this idea. It would certainly help me out if I ever decided to try making a game.

[Mari]

Here is an updated graphics for the project:

[Ali]

This is a nice idea. I think it'll really help people who struggle with drawing or are working on MAGS entry. I also think people could use these rooms as a template to help work out perspective for their own work. Weirdly it brings the 'make my game' button one step closer to reality!

The new screen appears to show a variation in camera angle. It would be very nice if the user could determine that sort of thing.

[Emerald]

Problem is, you'll have to be able to draw characters and objects to match the rooms, or it'll look odd...

[Gilbert]

I think if this proves sucessful, someone would make free characters and objects (though the characters in all games may look the same this, it would be nice if there's also a similar project which will combine different parts of a character to create customised ones).

It's like the insta game idea.

[JpSoft]

Any new about this project? I believe i could help with programing if necessary (delphi 7.0). Also, a CharMaker for AGames in 2D looks like nothing difficult to create with some time (i believe it could be easier than the walkcycle generator, and once you have the character you only need create the animations). Maybe the chars will looks the same style, but will be better than the one i can create 

Jpsoft