Opulent Records Game Discussion

[OpulentRecords]

I wanted to start a new thread regarding this game to keep it the discussion clean.

This is thread is to define the layout of the game, and explain the specific job titles required.

For those of you that have sent me emails, PLEASE resend those emails explaining specifically the role you wish to play in the development of The Big Creak - Just Left Town (The Adventure Game).

In the link to the right, you will see the full layout breakdown of each of the locations within the game. http://www.opulentrecords.com/TBCgameLayout.jpg

Needed Developer Titles:
Background Designer - This individual must have a truly skilled ability to create high detailed backgrounds. We are looking for a higher end cartoon feel much like that of Runaway if at all possible.

Character Designer/Animator #1. - Someone with the ability to model 4 player characters after photos provided of the band members in a cartoon feel.

Character Designer #2. - This person will design the NPC's of the game, small twitch animations. Approx 15 NPC's will be needed. All of which will play large roles in the game.

AGS Programmer - Someone very familiar with the tricks and workings of not only the GUI interface but the scripting elements of the program as well.

Overall, the goal for this game is to try and develop something that doesn't look like it came from an AGS system while giving credit solely to AGS. We are looking for a profile piece. Upon completion of this project, we will then coordinate all who wish to aid in the marketing of the program in conjunction with my own efforts.

One thing is for certain, assuming this game turns out to be a high quality product of which people will truly enjoy (I have no doubts) I will make certain that the level of exposure for this game as well as the band through use of the game is extremely high.

In summary, this game will help in obtaining write ups by trade magazines that will hopefully tap into the gaming markets the likes of which may not otherwise get exposed to this group and their music. I feel strongly that the creative energies involved in this title will evolve into something of great value, not only to the band, but the creators and the AGS community as a whole.

I am very excited about this venture and I welcome all who have any interest in participation to email me with their interest.

Please describe the specific job function you would like to take on as well as a brief list of either URLS of example work, screenshots or the like.

Contact me at: bimmer@seidata.com
or, AIM me at: Opulent Records

Even if you plan to AIM me, PLEASE send an email as well...this way we have something to chat about.

All who participate must have AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) due to its ability to allow users to form their own chat rooms, perfect for initiating real time discussions and meetings.

Lets make some magic!!

[OpulentRecords]

Hmm, one email so far...

Is it something I said? heh

For the record, I do not expect this game to be completed prior to January. Regardless of when the game is completed, it will still serve its purpose although the closer to January the game is completed, the better off it will be as it will be more relevant to this CD release.

PLEASE, the most important part is for me to find a skilled background designer....

[scotch]

I think the main problem is you're asking people to create an advert for you, free of charge.  The kind of people you want working on your game are the best in the community, and they are generally working on more interesting projects already.
I'd recommend looking for some other form of promotion.  Although at least you aren't expecting it to be done by January now, which does make it seem a bit more sensible.

[jaz]

Personally I think that what puts most of the people off is the deadline.
What are you asking for is a game which should feature 17 high quality backgrounds and 19 characters including four player chars. That pretty much equals one third of a full commercial adventure game. And all this is supposed to be done within les than two months.

And as scotch has already mentioned, you want the people to make this one for free or just for pleasure of creating something worthy.
But hey: aren´t you paid for what you do at Opulent Records? I know this may sound a little bit harsh, but you have to understand that most of the AGSers make games just for fun and they don´t expect any profit for themselves or anybody else. And on the other hand they don´t have to care much about deadlines or technical side of their products.

Your project demands both: to be done ASAP and to be high level.
In other words, the conditions are like ones of the commercial sphere.

So, my conclusion is if you want the game to be created, you have to offer the people more than free tickets and probably be more realistic and cut the plot a fair bit to lets say 5 - 7 BGs. I see that four characters seem to be inevitable, but there could be for example just one puzzle for each.  

Ermm... anyway, if you´re interested, you can check out some of my old work here( it´s somewhere in the critics lounge):

http://www.agsforums.com/yabb/index.php?board=4;action=display;threadid=8978

I´m currently working on my project, but maybe I could contribute somehow.

Laters

[juncmodule]

I honestly expected you to recieve more positive feedback on this than what you have.

I guess there are more people in the same position I am in regarding the whole thing.

I would be willing to do the entire thing, backgrounds, characters, and programming. If it weren't for one thing; The quality you are demanding. It's just not realistic from an amateur community.

If you lower the bar on graphics let me know. I will help you as a fellow musician. I don't want tickets either. I'll do it not because I like your band, or whatever you promise. I'll do it to support some musicians. You must understand though, that is the best commitment you are going to get. What you get with it is my half-assed artistic abilities.

Check out my game Keptosh(the link in my sig). It is a little crappy as far as puzzles and character interaction, but I've been working on those skills. Check out a review of my game here:

http://www.adventuregamers.com/underground/display.php?id=279

good luck,
-junc

[OpulentRecords]

Ok, let me set a few things straight.

First, I never expected the game to be completed by January. But, due to the CD being released everyone just assumed this was the case and it is my fault for not being more clear.

Second, it has not been my intention to expect everyone involved to give me their best efforts for nothing. I am not personally looking to make any money from this game. What I had planned was to get a team of a few people who could offer their skills to complete the game and split any profits generated from donations of appreciative gamers amongst them. Myself not taking a cut and merely benefiting from the marketability of the game.

As for the 17 BGs etc, I could probably cut this into 9 or 10 backgrounds if someone were willing to offer their utmost in quality and skill.

Overall, what I am offering you is the chance to have someone like myself as well as a PR team of which are the PR team for some of todays most well known bands (They cost me $1,500 per month by the way) pushing the game along with the CD to press outlets outside of the outlets otherwise intending to be pushed overall.

I understand that many of you are mere hobbyists and I myself would love and actually plan to make a hobby ouf of this myself (hping to learn some things during the development process), however, I also assume there are a number of people here looking to be a part of a project that will accomplish more than random downloads from one website while becoming a part of something that could certainly exceed even my own personal expectations.

As for me getting paid by Opulent Records, I own Opulent. I started Opulent 3 years ago and have yet to make a dime. My first two artsits broke up and I was lucky enough to find The Big Creak a year ago and have spent well over $5,000 of my own money and over a year of my time to complete their new album and preparing for the release coming up in January. Basically, I can sum everything up by saying, it is my faith and belief of The Big Creak that enables me to move forward at risk to myself in hopes that there will be a day when the reward outweights the expense.

I am a risk taker. I am also known to make big things happen as many of you will see in the near future. I have contacts, connections and the ability to offer a great deal of support to those who work hard.

All in all, I'm doing my best and I hope to find other like minded people who can believe in me as I believe in the band.

Thank you.

[OpulentRecords]

Look at this!!

http://www.jeffpaige.com/adventure.shtml

This is EXACTLY what I would love to see in this game...

May even be very easy for the right person..

??

[Dave Gilbert]

I can't believe I missed this discussion! :o

I like your promotion idea - very original.  I am quite interested in helping out.  Look for a PM from me.

Look at this!!

http://www.jeffpaige.com/adventure.shtml

This is EXACTLY what I would love to see in this game...

May even be very easy for the right person..

I dunno, his last update was over a year ago, but I like his style too.

[OpulentRecords]

Here is another game engine that is used to make cartoon like games such as the one linked above.

http://www.hungrysoftware.com/tools/sludge

It's pretty darn neat!!

Too bad I know no programming at all..

A couple other gams I like, also made with SLUDGE tool.
http://outoforder.adventuredevelopers.com

[PureGhostGR]

I hope to find other like minded people who can believe in me as I believe in the band.

Everything you've said sounds very nice and good. However, how can you expect everyone here to trust a complete stranger?

Promoting your band to the public is no different than promoting your band here. You need to get people interested in it. Give more details.

[OpulentRecords]

What details would you like?
You can view the bands online EPk (with downloads) here:
http://www.sonicbids.com/TheBigCreak2

In Feb, the band will be performing for 6 different record labels in NY,
all of which have expressed serious interest in the bands new album.

I'm not sure exactly what all your looking for...

Just ask.

[Dave Gilbert]

I think he means details on the game itself. As in what's the plot? etc.

I just sent you a PM.  I live in NY, too.

[OpulentRecords]

Ok, here is a press snippet:
"The Big Creak has returned in full form with their quirky, yet sincere brand of world/roots/funk-influenced pop/rock. Comprised of eleven tracks, Just Left Town radiantly showcases the creativity, depth and maturity of a band in The Big Creak that is really starting to come into their own and is an entertaining, inspiring record that should not only appeal to fans of Ben Folds, Dada, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Dandy Warhols, and Nada Surf, etc., but can be enjoyed by anyone who truly appreciates good music."

Overall, the band is a poppy/rock foursome with a comedic value on stage and in their songs.

The theme for the game is Just Left Town, of which will be made up of challeneges for the player to control the band members in completing certain tasks enabling them to:
Get management
Get CD's
Sell CD's
Play Live Shows
Get Radio play
Get a Record deal
all of which will end up in giving the band the ability to....Leave their hometown!

I want people to be sucked in by the quality of the game enough that they will actually laugh through its play.

Nothing in the music business happens as it should, and as such, living the life of a musician in a band trying to get out of their hometown can only mean one thing...cooky chaos.

Quirky puzzles that make you slap your head after finally solving them. Jokes hidden in puzzles all a result of the way the band actually is or based from things they have done.

[PureGhostGR]

Yeap, the site was pretty much what I had in mind. Also I found your previous thread were you introduced yourself and your project. So I guess my post was based on lack of knowledge. (or observation)..

Just a small idea..

Would a cartoony game suit the band? I would expect to see something more fresh and arty. I am thinking something looking and feeling like a videoclip yet playing like a game would be good.
Some sort of a ground breaker, that will get the gaming press interest and the publics at the same time.

Some sort of a broken, half working monitor.. with subtle lighting effects and photomontages...

plus, this is something that could be completed in 1/4 of the time.

[jaz]

Hi Opulent,

dunno if my post offended you, if so I do apologise.
But anyway, at least this discussion started to roll

Eh, what I wanted to say is that I have downloaded the BigCreak tracks from Sonicbids and I loved it.

Also you sounded like some PR guy from a big record company but as I see now, you are kinda indie too! And those guys sure have talent.... so why not to help ´em, right?

Anyway, if you are willing to cut the number of BGs and if you like my style - I can make it more cartoony for sure - let me know.

Also it would be nice if you could post some description of BGs, hotspots, objects and stuff, you know.

[OpulentRecords]

No no,
you didn't offend me at all.
I could just tell that I haven't been as clear as I should have been and wanted to set everything straight.

As for me being Indie..
That's exactly what I am.

I have been developing businesses for a while now, and in the past, I had gotten lucky a couple times and got to the point that I decided to leave corporate hell and delve into something a bit more exciting, risky and interesting...that was 3 years go. Now, I'm tapped out, broke, hungry, praying for a miracle and loving every second of it!!

Currently we have someone who want's to handle the dialogue/writing and someone to handle the scripting.

I am looking for that one artist who can really grab my attention with regard to the characters and background art.

Feel free to post screenies here of any of your work and I'll check it out.
Make sure to check out the games I linked to above for an idea as to what Im most looking for.

If you would like to make up a concept to show, heres an idea.
Create a scene of a record label office (with comedic themse of course) with a record label executive in the scene and one of the band members as it would appear in the game.

That should give some of you a chance to show your stuff if your other works are old and outdated. (We all get better).  

Thanks a bunch!

[OpulentRecords]

Ok, the background artist has been found!

Thank goodness.

You can see some of his work here:

Village Scene
http://images.deviantart.com/i/2003/47/8/e/Guild_of_the_Bear_Clan.jpg

Animation Of a Man
http://images.deviantart.com/i/2003/47/6/8/Sprite_animation_test.gif


So, the game is on.
Those of you who contacted me will soon be contacted.

I am going to try and complete the puzzle/quest list tonight while describing each location etc. Then, we can begin the story and dev/prep.

[Matt Brown]

hmmm, I do not have premission to look at those links...

my browser just says something to the effect of 404'D!!

[OpulentRecords]

Odd, they dont work for me now either...

Here is his DeviantArt gallery profile.
http://overcome.deviantart.com

[shbaz]

One of those copy/paste issues.. go to the main site first, then paste the entire link.

I made some 3d rooms but it took longer than I expected because of pressing school issues, and this guy is way better than me anyway, so I'm going to keep them for my own game. Good luck! I can tell this could be an awesome game.