HardyDev flirts with AGSers (07.07 - Akril talks Adventure in her own FEATURE)

[Igor Hardy]

Since January I run an indie adventure gaming blog (occasionally about other topics as well) called "A Hardy Developer's Journal". Outside of it being something I like to do for fun, I want to show in it that modern indie adventure games can be at least as cool, creative and relevant as other genre productions. Similarly, the stories and storytelling possibilities can be no less intriguing than in movies, comics etc. And AGS games are a big part of this of course.

I want the blog to constantly grow, improve, and experiment, but because of the time I can devote to it is shrinking, it's becoming very problematic to just provide new content regularly, even though I'm not working on it alone anymore (two of my friends have joined me in June).

So I wanted to ask if anyone would be interested in contributing. I'd really use the help of:

1) People who would be interested in writing articles about designing their own games and the challenges involved. The articles should be interesting, honest and educative.
2) People interested in writing about other people's games, who should be unafraid of being critical when needed.
3) Someone to deal with the webmaster/technical stuff.

Anyone interested please PM me, or send me an email to igor at hardydev.com. You should be prepared to provide some kind of example of your writing.

[LimpingFish]

Always nice to see another interesting blog.

Afraid I wouldn't be much help, though. My own blog has managed one new entry in the last eighteen months!

[Igor Hardy]

Always nice to see another interesting blog.

Thanks.

Afraid I wouldn't be much help, though. My own blog has managed one new entry in the last eighteen months!

I don't expect long term collaboration from everyone who would be willing to write something (although long term is certainly more valuable to me). Especially presentations of one's own game design work are very welcome (just as long as someone has truly something to say about the process).

[esper]

Boom. Headshot.  (edit: I don't know what this means)

As long as I have set stuff to write about I'd love to do it. I hate scrounging for topic matter.

[Igor Hardy]

Oh there certainly will be specific topics to write about. Or (almost) complete freedom if someone prefers.

I hope it's clear that the blog is supposed to be fun to work on, and I don't demand things like keeping schedules and availability (I just won't give press copies of new games and interviews to people who aren't reasonably quick, that's all ).

[Igor Hardy]

Never did I expect that people who ultimately decide to write guest articles on HardyDev will turn out to be the most prolific AGSers, already well known in the indie games scene, and having their own popular blogs with a wealth of game design information.

Yet this is what happened. Today Ben Chandler (Ben304) posted on our site his first article in a four chapter series titled "Design Taught in Pitfalls". I heartily invite everyone to read his advices, especially those like me interested in how does he make those great games (and 10 times faster than everyone else too). Huge thanks, Ben!

And next week we will present a game design article from another AGS celebrity and it will concern a very specific issue. But let's keep the details a surprise.

Note: We'll be happy to post articles of other game designers that would like to share their thoughts on their experiences. HardyDev is not some huge gaming site, but your writing will definitely give some more exposure to your games (unless your games already regularly appear on gaming websites and magazines like Ben's - but you can still write something for the fun of it then ).

[Calin Leafshade]

I occasionally blog about game development.

I'd be happy to write the occasional article if you'd like.

Par example: http://www.thethoughtradar.com/blog/?p=125
et (not game related but an example of my writing) : http://www.thethoughtradar.com/blog/?p=96

[Igor Hardy]

Thanks very much for the offer, Calin. I've sent you a PM.

[Dualnames]

I'd be happy to contribute on the first part (1).

[Baron]

Wow!  :o
    A review of the Winter Rose on the same page as one for Machinarium.  You honour me greatly!

[Igor Hardy]

Wow!  :o
   A review of the Winter Rose on the same page as one for Machinarium.  You honour me greatly!

I'd never consider there is something unusual about putting them even side by side. When you compare them as games and playing experiences, there's no exaggeration in similar extent of appreciation for both.

[Igor Hardy]

New guest article. This time TheJBurger shares his thoughts on Visually Directing The Player. And by doing so showcases some new scenes from Boryokudan Rue.

[Vince Twelve]

Hot Hot Hot

[Igor Hardy]

Josh's and Ben's articles received a mention on Rock, Paper, Shotgun: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/11/20/lessons-from-indie-adventuring/

[Igor Hardy]

New article: The second chapter of Ben Chandler's "Design Taught in Pitfalls": http://hardydev.com/2009/11/25/design-taught-in-pitfalls-2-taking-the-plunge/

Includes a completely new screenshot for IWWHIIWWHITOMIROTPG: The Game!

[markbilly]

I'm sure I could write an article on dealing with your first game being in the works for 4 years. It's a common experience I'm sure. Though I'd like to try and argue it isn't ALL that bad an idea to aim high first time.

[Igor Hardy]

The third chapter of Ben Chandler's "Design Taught in Pitfalls" is up for reading: http://hardydev.com/2009/12/12/design-taught-in-pitfalls-3-the-long-haul/

Includes a completely new screenshot for... ?


@markbilly Basically everyone is welcome to write for HardyDev as long as it is about adventure games/indie games. But if you're not a superstar game creator you may need to show to me a sample of your writing and discuss the article's topic with me before I can confirm I'll post it.

[Igor Hardy]

So this is it. The final chapter of Ben Chandler's "Design Taught in Pitfalls" has been finally posted: http://hardydev.com/2010/01/12/design-taught-in-pitfalls-4-when-do-i-stop/

Inside it Ben wonders, when, how & why to end the creation of your game.

Also, feel free to read the whole series right from the beginning.

Coming Up Next: An Interview with someone you might know (And it even isn't with me this time around!).

Coming Soon: New articles by other well-known AGS Forums members.

And lastly... Keep me site in mind if you're preparing an interesting game design article!

[Igor Hardy]

In part a response to Ben Chandler's Pitfall series and in part a general defense of the uncompromising approach to making games - markbilly has just posted The Idealist’s Way: Developing Your Dream Game.

And if you are still in doubt if going all the way and becoming the ultimate Indie is worth the risk of putting years into a project and being often beaten by the problems you face, here's something that might additionally inspire you: http://www.vimeo.com/8749745

[Anian]

...just wanted to say that hd is becoming a very interesting blog to read.