So we were discussing in the "Suggestions for competitions and activities"-thread about the possibility of having an OROW this summer. It's been two years since the last one and it's about time :grin:
Voting for dates is now closed and as the topic title implies, this event will take place on
August 24th - 30th. Thanks for voting!
Quote from: old text
I'll be hosting it this year, and as I'm sure plenty of people want to join in I thought we could have a poll to try and decide the dates for when it should run. So I set up a strawpoll for just that. I think this summer would be best and it also shouldn't collide with the Background workshop (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=52252.0) so sometime July/August with 13th of July being the earliest seems a good idea. I set up the poll with that in mind, but please leave suggestions in the comments here if something else sounds better.
Also
OROW HYPE!!! :cheesy::cheesy::cheesy:
I'm in, and I've voted!
...
Absolutely NO idea what I'm going to do!
I'm tentatively in. I've voted for the week of 9-16 august because that's when I have a week off work. But I may or may not have much free during that week. But even if it's held during a work week I'll try to whip something together.
Voted! Hooray for democracy!
Voted! And *hyped* *hyped* *hyped*
*hyped*
*hyped*
*hyped*
*hyped*
Voted! (nod)
Thanks guys :grin:
Realized that I didn't put a deadline on the poll, but I'll keep the voting open until July 1st to ensure some preparation time in case a week in July gets the most votes. *edits first post*
Will there be a topic? In some game making events there is a topic for preventing people doing an early start. Might be interesting to see what people come up with if there is really just one week time, even for coming up with an idea/story.
Quote from: cat on Tue 09/06/2015 15:31:14
Will there be a topic? In some game making events there is a topic for preventing people doing an early start. Might be interesting to see what people come up with if there is really just one week time, even for coming up with an idea/story.
I'm personally against having a topic. I think that's one of the things that make the OROW special, to me at least. So I'm willing to go with just trust, however I'm definitely open to the idea of having a topic. It can often help drive inspiration. Also, you're definitely right in that it would be interesting to see how people tackle a topic. I'll leave this open to discussion: what does everyone think?
Quote from: cat on Tue 09/06/2015 15:31:14
Will there be a topic? In some game making events there is a topic for preventing people doing an early start.(...)
I agree with cat, there should be a topic.
Perhaps it shouldn't be too strict though, but a bit more free. That way it will still have the OROW spirit but it will prevent people from cheating.
I'm in favor of having a topic. But something short and straightforward, like "pirates" or "pocket monsters" or "calligraphy" (this is not at all inspired by the avatar images in this thread :P ), not something that requires several paragraphs to explain.
I agree. A topic, however vague and free, can help to trigger some good ideas. It's a lot nicer than just 'make any game.'
I think you're right. I very much doubt anybody would cheat, but it might ignite some creative spark. I'm convinced. :=
Voted, even though I probably won't participate (I can barely do a BG in a month! :-[ ), but sure wish to follow this and see how it turns out. :)
Anyway, since the first 2 weeks don't work for me, I voted on the remaining weeks (just so you know). (nod)
Errr..the top listed vote (August 10-16) is smack-dab in the middle of Mittens. Not that I'm going, so I don't mind so much, but some might who would want to participate!
...unless they're planning some sort of nefarious MITTENSROW!
I loved the last OROW so I'm definitely in, although, I'd be gutted if it was Aug 10-16 as I'm best man at a wedding on the 15th. :-\ Maybe I could take the week off work! (laugh)
I personally don't see the point of a topic, or at the very least, it should be insanely vague. If you offer a huge amount of prize money or massive exposure for the winners then a topic is a must, but this is a small competition between like-minded individuals and if someone cheats, they are only cheating themselves.
Yeah, if it's during Mittens then clearly the Mittens team will win :) Let's try a week later.
Oh, I missed that. A week later should be better, I can't change the poll now though so I'll add a note in the first post.
I tend to agree with xil about topics. Introducing a topic can actually make people hesitant of joining: I know I would if the topic doesn't speak to me. For competitions like MAGS that is fine: you'll have another chance next month then. But OROWs only being once a two or three years at best that would be a disappointment potentially. And besides, even if people cheat: it's not about winning, it's about competing and having fun (and admitting that AJA is unbeatable at these things if he were to join :D). Just my two cents; I don't want to derail the thread and I'm still hyped, just letting you know. ;)
Indeed Wyz, well put. This is how I feel as well, but couldn't put it into words. I think however that you can have a topic that is vague enough to have it not hamper the creative flow and maybe still be a cause of creativity. Something like "A carrot must be a part of the game" where you could have a space pirate adventure where at one point you feed captain Rabbit a carrot, or have the game be about difusing a carrot bomb threatening to blow up new york. Maybe even a character called Arthur Carrot, A. Carrot for short can be a part of the game. An orow topic should really not hamper you at all.
And you're not derailing the thread at all, the topic is meant as "OROW 9 discussion, also you can vote on time". This is in an early stage and all these inputs are great :)
I think the poll should stand (although I admit I am biased because it's currently in my favour :-P ). It's supposed to be a gauge of what week is most suitable for the most people. Whatever the result there are going to be some people who can't do it for some reason, whether that reason be Mittens or something else. What matters is the number of people who can take part. The more the merrier and all that. (nod)
OROW has never had a topic, and I really don't see the point of having one now. OROW has always been about creativity, spontaneity, and seven days of madness!
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Tue 09/06/2015 23:35:35
Something like "A carrot must be a part of the game"...maybe even a character called Arthur Carrot...
Wouldn't that just give us a false sense security? Changing a character name, or substituting one object for another, wouldn't take much work and could easily be accomplished within the time limit. It certainly wouldn't prove that somebody didn't cheat.
Quote from: Wyz on Tue 09/06/2015 23:22:23
And besides, even if people cheat: it's not about winning, it's about competing and having fun...
Indeed.
Cheaters suck, but adding artificial constraints, on the off-chance that somebody
might cheat, isn't the way to go.
It's not about cheating, it's about having a theme. Setting a nice theme will encourage more people to join than just a "yeah, do whatever" event.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Wed 10/06/2015 01:07:21
Wouldn't that just give us a false sense security? Changing a character name, or substituting one object for another, wouldn't take much work and could easily be accomplished within the time limit. It certainly wouldn't prove that somebody didn't cheat.
Quote from: Radiant on Wed 10/06/2015 07:27:46
It's not about cheating, it's about having a theme. Setting a nice theme will encourage more people to join than just a "yeah, do whatever" event.
^This^
I've given this a lot of thought now, and I've decided that there will be some sort of vague topic. We have this discussion every single time there is an OROW (at least to my memory), and it would be interesting to try out. There are three reasons for it being a good idea:
1) It's nice to have something tying the games together. Even if it's just a carrot.
2) Something that seems to always happen is that the OROW starts, and people wonder why there's no theme. They feel uninspired and don't join.
3) While it's not there to prevent cheating, you could use it to prove you didn't cheat. Nobody's going to think anybody cheated, but if it's that easy to cheat I can see some people getting discouraged from entering. Like here you could build the entire story around carrots.
It's not there to prevent cheating, it's there to foster creativity. The fact is, I don't care if anybody does cheat, that's on their conscience.
A topic might be a bad idea, but then we will know that for future OROWs.
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 11:19:27
Quote from: LimpingFish on Wed 10/06/2015 01:07:21
Wouldn't that just give us a false sense security? Changing a character name, or substituting one object for another, wouldn't take much work and could easily be accomplished within the time limit. It certainly wouldn't prove that somebody didn't cheat.
Quote from: Radiant on Wed 10/06/2015 07:27:46
It's not about cheating, it's about having a theme. Setting a nice theme will encourage more people to join than just a "yeah, do whatever" event.
^This^
AdventureJam was a 2 week "yeah, do whatever" event and had 89 entries. Having a topic is just like voting on the days to do the event, some people will be busy, others wont, just like the fact some people will join because they are inspired by a topic and others will not join because the topic is restrictive and uninspiring.
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 11:19:27
1) It's nice to have something tying the games together. Even if it's just a carrot.
I think a carrot would be an example of something that is far too precise. My idea of a vague topic is not using something physical but to use something like a feeling or description (e.g. pain or colourful). This way people can interpret the theme and apply it across a wider spectrum. I also think that a topic vote would be a good way to go. Just like the days, if that's the time most people can do it then so be it, if my game has to have a carrot in it because 20 people wanted carrot as the topic, then fair enough, carrot it is!
Not fussed on the dates, so i'll forgo voting but... YAY OROWC! ^^
Good initiative, and I'm definitely in favour of a theme.
I think having to take certain criteria into consideration when creating something is great practise, and it also gives the entire competition a nice sense of unity. I love the "ah, that's how they managed to incorporate the laser shark into the the plot" feeling.
Quote from: Stupot+ on Wed 10/06/2015 00:31:54
I think the poll should stand (although I admit I am biased because it's currently in my favour :-P ). It's supposed to be a gauge of what week is most suitable for the most people. Whatever the result there are going to be some people who can't do it for some reason, whether that reason be Mittens or something else. What matters is the number of people who can take part. The more the merrier and all that. (nod)
Agreed, however in case of a tie I'll definitely take it into consideration and I've also left a note in the first post letting people who vote know about this.
Quote from: xil on Wed 10/06/2015 13:19:53
I think a carrot would be an example of something that is far too precise. My idea of a vague topic is not using something physical but to use something like a feeling or description (e.g. pain or colourful). This way people can interpret the theme and apply it across a wider spectrum. I also think that a topic vote would be a good way to go. Just like the days, if that's the time most people can do it then so be it, if my game has to have a carrot in it because 20 people wanted carrot as the topic, then fair enough, carrot it is!
True, maybe a carrot was a poor example. But I would honestly let you get away with a random carrot being in the game not having anything to do with the plot. :p
Either case, it should be more of a "key word" rather than a topic.
Voting is an interesting idea. Another idea could be to have the winners of the last one, Pablo and qptain nemo, decide in case they're not entering. I'll have to think about that.
It's awesome to see all this interest by the way ^^
I believe OROW traditionally has several categories that a game could "win" in? There is a famous contest that has a tongue-in-cheek "worst abuse of the rules" award... we could have something like that for people that do the silliest thing to include the theme :P
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 11:19:27
It's not there to prevent cheating, it's there to foster creativity. The fact is, I don't care if anybody does cheat, that's on their conscience.
Quote from: Radiant on Wed 10/06/2015 07:27:46
It's not about cheating, it's about having a theme. Setting a nice theme will encourage more people to join than just a "yeah, do whatever" event.
Well, it
was about cheating, as noted in earlier posts. And if the theme is revealed on OROW-Eve, then it kind of is about cheating. I still don't think we need one, though, and don't necessarily agree it will encourage more entries or foster creativity.
I personally like the feeling of a totally blank canvas looming up before me, with just seven days to fill it. I dislike the feeling of having to work an idea into something that conforms to a predetermined notion, however vague. Hence (one reason for) my lack of interest in participating in MAGS, and my attempts (successful and otherwise) to participate in most OROWs that I've been present for. But if people are in favour of a theme, then let's have a theme.
I vow to include it in the most pointless, throwaway manner I can conceive of! :P
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 21:10:00
Voting is an interesting idea.
We always vote, don't we? Didn't I win...something...way back when? To the Wiki!
EDIT: I did! Hooray!
Quote from: LimpingFish on Thu 11/06/2015 02:57:09
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 21:10:00
Voting is an interesting idea.
We always vote, don't we? Didn't I win...something...way back when? To the Wiki!
EDIT: I did! Hooray!
Bulbapuck was replying to my idea of voting for a topic :)
Quote from: xil on Thu 11/06/2015 02:59:01
Quote from: LimpingFish on Thu 11/06/2015 02:57:09
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 21:10:00
Voting is an interesting idea.
We always vote, don't we? Didn't I win...something...way back when? To the Wiki!
EDIT: I did! Hooray!
Bulbapuck was replying to my idea of voting for a topic :)
Oh. Then...I...(cough)...nevermind.:-[
Yay, I love playing OROW games. I also love telling myself that I'm going to join and then having that dream crushed by work and family life.
Quote from: Vince Twelve on Fri 12/06/2015 14:44:32
Yay, I love playing OROW games. I also love telling myself that I'm going to join and then having that dream crushed by work and family life.
Wait, you mean Resonance wasn't an OROW game ??? How long did you spend on that game 8-0
Spoiler
;) (laugh)
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 21:10:00
maybe a carrot was a poor example.
Nonsense. My game shall have a carrot! :=
Quote from: Ponch on Sun 14/06/2015 17:13:13
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 21:10:00
maybe a carrot was a poor example.
Nonsense. My game shall have a carrot! :=
Well now I just feel bad and whatever the theme I'm going to have to include a carrot aren't I!
Sorry, last few weeks of my master thesis so I'm not visiting this thread as ofter as I should. I'll try to stay updated as best I can.
Quote from: Radiant on Wed 10/06/2015 22:24:13
I believe OROW traditionally has several categories that a game could "win" in? There is a famous contest that has a tongue-in-cheek "worst abuse of the rules" award... we could have something like that for people that do the silliest thing to include the theme :P
I
LOVE this idea. :grin:
Quote from: LimpingFish on Thu 11/06/2015 02:57:09
Well, it was about cheating, as noted in earlier posts. And if the theme is revealed on OROW-Eve, then it kind of is about cheating. I still don't think we need one, though, and don't necessarily agree it will encourage more entries or foster creativity.
I personally like the feeling of a totally blank canvas looming up before me, with just seven days to fill it. I dislike the feeling of having to work an idea into something that conforms to a predetermined notion, however vague. Hence (one reason for) my lack of interest in participating in MAGS, and my attempts (successful and otherwise) to participate in most OROWs that I've been present for. But if people are in favour of a theme, then let's have a theme.
While some people wanted to include a theme because it would exclude cheating, that's not at all the reason we're having one. In fact, if we do go ahead with the whole voting thing it won't really prevent cheating. However as it might still be a concern to people it seems natural to postpone presenting the theme until the competition starts. I personally wouldn't mind deciding the theme now, my goal is not to prevent any cheating but rather to create a fun event for everyone, and it does seem that a majority wants to have a theme. Either way I think it's a good idea to try it as this discussion always comes up.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Thu 11/06/2015 02:57:09
I vow to include it in the most pointless, throwaway manner I can conceive of! :P
That's the spirit! xD
Quote from: Vince Twelve on Fri 12/06/2015 14:44:32
Yay, I love playing OROW games. I also love telling myself that I'm going to join and then having that dream crushed by work and family life.
Story of my life, except instead of work I have school and instead of family I have lazyness :p
Completely off topic, but I remember "Anna" being the first OROW game I ever played and it's kinda the reason I got super excited about this event in the first plaace, which in turn lead to my biggest pride as a developer: Makinga half-decent orow game. So thank you for that :)
Quote from: xil on Sun 14/06/2015 17:29:38
Quote from: Ponch on Sun 14/06/2015 17:13:13
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 10/06/2015 21:10:00
maybe a carrot was a poor example.
Nonsense. My game shall have a carrot! :=
Well now I just feel bad and whatever the theme I'm going to have to include a carrot aren't I!
Yes you do, only you though ;)
Ooooh. So tempting. Unfortunately for me, the dates currently leading the poll are right in the middle of a big work deadline chaos. But at least I'll get to play all the games you guys make!
Holy crap, it's been four years since my last OROW and ten years since my first. So, this is basically the 10 year anniversary of OROW? WOOO! :=
Quote from: AJA on Tue 30/06/2015 20:14:16
Ooooh. So tempting. Unfortunately for me, the dates currently leading the poll are right in the middle of a big work deadline chaos. But at least I'll get to play all the games you guys make!
Sporting of you to give the other participants a chance!
Quote
Holy crap, it's been four years since my last OROW and ten years since my first. So, this is basically the 10 year anniversary of OROW? WOOO! :=
Wow really? That's awesome :grin:
And now an announcement: With voting closed I can announce that the
OROW will take place on August 24th-30th, thank you all for voting!
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Thu 02/07/2015 23:05:37
And now an announcement: With voting closed I can announce that the OROW will take place on August 24th-30th, thank you all for voting!
Excellent! I shall begin work on my game tonight! :=
Quote from: Ponch on Thu 02/07/2015 23:56:11
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Thu 02/07/2015 23:05:37
And now an announcement: With voting closed I can announce that the OROW will take place on August 24th-30th, thank you all for voting!
Excellent! I shall begin work on my game tonight! :=
What, haven't you even started yet? Haha, hey guys, we've got ourselves a goody-goody. (roll)
I'm going to make eight one-week games before the start date, and then not enter! ;-D
So I was wondering, looking over the past few OROWs, it seems that in the past entries could have been any genre as long as they use AGS, are to be submitted anonymously, can use pre-made resources and templates, and have a rather flexible definition of "one room".
...Are these rules going to be similar this year?
Quote from: Radiant on Thu 13/08/2015 17:33:28
...Are these rules going to be similar this year?
I think it would be a good idea to stick to the old rules. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Same goes with having a topic/theme. I find it unnecessary to try to unify all the entries and I doubt people will need a theme to spark their inspiration. What I look forward to most is the variety in the entries. Also if someone is a sad enough case to actually cheat in this little hobbyist contest, I say let them (not that this has ever been a problem). Having a one week restriction is a big enough limitation and in the past it has been nice to think up a design for the game before starting to work on it. Would be annoying to have to conform your design to a chosen theme at the last minute for no real benefit.
That being said, wether or not I'll have time to enter, and whatever the ruleset ends up being, I look forward to a new OROW! It's about bloody time we had one. :cheesy:
Quote from: Pablo on Thu 13/08/2015 20:43:47
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I really hate that phrase; it basically means "if it could be worse, don't ever try to improve it." Can we please not have that whole discussion about themes all over again?
Quote from: Radiant on Thu 13/08/2015 20:55:38
Quote from: Pablo on Thu 13/08/2015 20:43:47
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I really hate that phrase; it basically means "if it could be worse, don't ever try to improve it."
What it really means is trying to force an improvement/add-on/update on a working concept can lead to undesirable complications. All I'm saying is that at least in my opinion there hasn't been anything that especially requires improvement in the past, the competition has been very enjoyable as it is and there's nothing wrong with keeping up with traditions, and so far I haven't read any suggestions that would significantlty improve anything. However, if the majority of people want to change certain things, then great! Democracy is awesome!
Quote from: Radiant on Thu 13/08/2015 17:33:28
So I was wondering, looking over the past few OROWs, it seems that in the past entries could have been any genre as long as they use AGS, are to be submitted anonymously, can use pre-made resources and templates, and have a rather flexible definition of "one room".
...Are these rules going to be similar this year?
We will stick to the old rules. Non-adventure games are fine, so are pre-existing templates and resources and the game can technically be more than one room. I'll thouroughly go through the rules tomorrow when I make the thread in the "competitions and activities"-board.
Quote from: Pablo on Thu 13/08/2015 20:43:47
That being said, wether or not I'll have time to enter, and whatever the ruleset ends up being, I look forward to a new OROW! It's about bloody time we had one. :cheesy:
Indeed, starting the thread up tomorrow. SO HYPED :grin:
Thanks Bulba, that answers my question.
What about team work? Is it allowed?
Quote from: cat on Fri 14/08/2015 12:09:17
What about team work? Is it allowed?
Teams are allowed :)