Games in production?

[m0ds]

Hailed a relativley out of control forum by some, I think it's time to revamp this forum and ask that people start posting games that actually are in production. To qualify for a thread you should have a couple of screenshots at least - no menu screens!  :

There could well be an "Ideas Archive" forum in the future - it would make sense, (but would probably eat the bandwidth! <... ).

If you don't have any screenshots, then perhaps sketches, or an EXE of what you have to show already, etc.

If you object to this, please explain why.

[Lomax]

Wrong Forum! (jk)
Well, of course many people post about their games too early... but to be honest, I dont really think that hurts anyone.

[Bagpuss]

I'm only a newbie, but don't the rules already say you should have a couple of screenshots?  So all you'd need to do is be harder on those who break the rules.

[Darth Mandarb]

I'm glad somebody finally said it!!

I've been posting, "So ... no screenshots?" in [seemingly] every thread being opened in here (with some exceptions of course).Ã,  Not being a mod I didn't want to start a thread like this, but I sure was hoping somebody would!

I think threads that say, "I'm working on this new game ... it's going to be so awesome." and have no screenies (more than 1 even) should straight away be locked.Ã,  It would save bandwidth and irritation.

Well, of course many people post about their games too early... but to be honest, I dont really think that hurts anyone.

It clutters up the forums and wastes bandwidth (which comes out of CJ's pockets).Ã,  The rules are there for a reason ...

I know (and understand) how it's inspiring and you just want to share with the community your great idea but PLEASE wait until you actually have something to show ... not just an idea.

If you want to share your idea, use the Critics Lounge to get feedback on the idea.Ã,  An idea does not constitute a 'Game in Production' ... it's just an idea.

[BerserkerTails]

Hear hear!

I've practically memorized the URL to the Critic's Lounge due to the numerous times I've linked to it in someone's thread.

[Privateer Puddin']

Can we also make sure there is no MAGS games? I've seen them posted a couple of times, not lately but..

[Anarcho]

I agree!  with everything.

[Moox]

Agreed, If the situation gets serious maybe you could earn the right to post new threads. I believe theres an option in the admin section about that. Once a mod gets proof of production they can give rights, after the first game in production thread  you should know the rules so there wont be a need to change anyones rights.

[Tiki]

How bout we just burn all the n00bs in a large bonfire at the next Mittens?

Anyways, I think you're all right.  I'm sick of seeing the 'Lol, OMG!  I thought of a new game, and it will be 3D with 1000 rooms and everything!!1' every other post in here.   I think asking the admins before you could post sounds good enough, as long as they don't get flooded with PMs everyday.

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

I like the idea of just having ideas in the critics lounge (as they should be) without making it harder for someone with a legitimate idea to get it posted.  Just move all posts that don't have the screenshot or proof that they have something to go on to the critics forum and notify them to continue posting there until they have more to go on.  I don't see a need to get mean about it, but that's just my opinion.

[Lomax]

I like the idea of just having ideas in the critics lounge (as they should be) without making it harder for someone with a legitimate idea to get it posted.Ã,  Just move all posts that don't have the screenshot or proof that they have something to go on to the critics forum and notify them to continue posting there until they have more to go on.Ã,  I don't see a need to get mean about it, but that's just my opinion.

[Kinoko]

I couldn't agree more with all of this. I've had the same feeling lately of this forum getting filled up with a lot of "ideas". It makes it annoying to sift through when I come here really just wanting to know what the upcoming games are, not the planned ones. It seems like there are 10 new games posted here every day and then you read them all and think, "Well, most of those were just ideas/had no screenshots or significant progress/etc".

[Babar]

What is the harm in it? If someone posts without any proper information or screenshots, it is usually locked or moved to the critic's lounge anyway. Where is the problem? To earn the right to post is the same as the current rules: 2 screenshots and a plot. Sure, there are all the n00bs who post with their incredible "idea", but they grow tired of it fast, and leave the thread to rot. It could then just be locked. Posting the game here is a great booster for a lot of unsure newbies. They work harder once they see that their idea is well received. I think a stronger enforcement of the current rule should just be placed, where the poster must have 2 screenshots (not the menu) and a plot, or the thread will be locked

[jannar85]

An idea forum would be nice.. even though.. it should be a child forum in the critics forum, like that.
I have also seen someone just posting ideas here, and asked us what we think about it.


Delete threads who are just ideas.
Let the mod speak!

[Totoro@school]

No offence, but I think the bandwidth is mainly wasted because lots of people who are no moderators start discussing a lot with the newbies about the question wether they will be able to finish such a project or not. Such discussions never lead to anything and in the end everybody is feeling bad.  And why shouldnt people be allowed to announce their mags game? Some mags games became real classics. Remeber Buccanneer?

[Anarcho]

It's problematic because, like someone already said, you have to sift through tons of postings before coming across a game that is approaching completion...or even in production for that matter.

I think it's fine and fun to share ideas, and maybe there should be another forum for that, but if everybody just shares ideas in the "games in production" forum...the games that are actually in the works are lost in the shuffle.

[Andail]

We don't need another "idea" forum. If people want feedback on plots and dialogues, the critic's will work fine.

I do think Mods is right on how to improve this forum, though, I myself got pretty tired locking threads showing up just crap, vague ideas and stolen screenshots.

People come to this board to take part of serious projects, and they don't expect to waste their time browsing through pages of n00bish ramblings about games with 1% chance of getting released.

Include the new, harsher rules in the readme-thread.
The moderators of this board should be more active to make sure people follow the rules.

PS: I don't want to be stalking, but I just noticed that neither Snake or Nellie has been on this board for several weeks.
Local moderating is a pretty important doing, so I propose we either install a new local moderator, or encourage Nellie and Snake to be more active (and strict).
Someone like Darth Mandarb could do the job well; he's more or less moderating already, and does it very reasonably. This is if he wants to, of course.

[Ishmael]

I think stricker rules are in order. This forum is fille with ideas time to time, and all the real games fall to the third page, and no-one spots them anymore...

(The screenshot comment of m0ds' was pointed in my direction aswell, but I have a techdemo there nowdays)

I'm against posting MAGS games. They're short projects, and the thead will "die" in a month. Of cource, if the game does not make it to the MAGS, and the author starts to work on it as fulltime project, is a diffrent matter.

[AGA]

I do read this forum as often as possible, and deal with any problems I notice. But instead of posting "OMG, u broke teh rools!!!!11!!" in the thread, hit the 'report to a moderator' button, that'll make sure the problem is dealt with, just moaning at the thread-starter won't...

[Phemar]

I too am also sick of nothingness threads, although at one stage in my n00bish days i too was guilty of an idea thread. Needless to say the game never got completed.

I think at the top of 'Start new thread' field it should say:
Think about your topic:
1. Do you have at least 2 screenshots?
2. At least some characters?
3. Mapped and planned out the whole game?
Otherwise please don't post, it wastes CJ's money.