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Creative Production => Competitions & Activities => Topic started by: Stupot on Wed 01/12/2021 01:23:21

Poll
Question: What is your favorite game of MAGS December?
Option 1: Gifting Spirit by Pax Amino votes: 3
Option 2: Santa Clause in A Flight to Remember by OneDollar votes: 6
Option 3: Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker by Pogwizd votes: 0
Option 4: A caixa by Cassiebsg votes: 0
Title: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Stupot on Wed 01/12/2021 01:23:21
Topic: Gift Trouble
Set by: heltonjon

The winner of MAGS December was:
Santa Claus in A Flight to Remember
by OneDollar.

Play that and all the other entries from the table below.






(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2586_1_thumb_200.png)Gifting Spirit (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2586/)
by Pax Amino
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2587_1_thumb_200.png)Santa Claus in A Flight to Remember (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2587-santa-claus-in-a-flight-to-remember/)
by OneDollar
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2589_1_thumb_200.png)Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2589-knorrig-the-gifted-troublemaker/)
by Pogwizd
(https://i.imgur.com/Ad2yczr.jpg) A caixa (https://www.mediafire.com/file/yb6mn0zp3ja3h4q/A_caixa.zip/file)
by Cassiebsg

Gifts can cause so much trouble. Whether it is a holiday gift, a friendship gift or a birthday present, so much can go wrong! For instance, how can you find the perfect gift? What happens when gifts are mixed up? What if you can't afford buying the gift you want? Sometimes it may be hard to deliver, or even to receive a gift? How can you get rid of an unwanted gift? Is it okay to rid yourself of your trash by gifting it? How can you change or complain about a gift without insulting the giver?

(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/d-gift-trash-can-render-full-unwanted-gifts-39070920.jpg)

What is MAGS?
Started in 2001, MAGS is a competition for amateur adventure game makers. The idea is to create a game in under a month, following the guidelines set by the previous winner. It aims to help you work to a deadline, improve your skills, and provide a kick-start into making adventure games. Regardless of skill, MAGS is for everyone. Voting is based on "favourite" games, and not the most artistic, or the best coded. If you have bad art skills, use it as a chance to do some graphic work. If you're sub-standard at coding, use it as a chance to give scripting a go. Ultimately, people will vote for the most enjoyable entry.

Rules
Entering MAGS is simple. First, conceptualize your game following the month's criteria (see above). Second, create your game fuelled only by coffee. Finally, post your game in this thread, including:

* A working download link
* The title of your game
* A suitable in-game screenshot

At the end of the month, voting will begin, usually lasting for fourteen days, and the winner chooses the next month's theme.

Remember that this is a challenge to see what you can do in a month, so any tinkering you do after that, including fixing minor glitches, is against the spirit of the competition. The exception to this is that you may go in and fix major, game-breaking bugs only during voting. We want you to have a game that voters can actually play and that runs on their machines.

So to reiterate, during the voting period fixing major, game-breaking bugs is okay, fixing minor glitches or making cosmetic changes is cheating.

Tips
Here are some ways to make sure you have a game to submit at the end of the month:
* Make a tiny game. Plan small, then cut it in half. Find shortcuts (e.g. if making walkcycles is time-consuming, make the characters static or have it in the first person).
* Plan to have your game playable and submittable with a week to spare. This way you have a week to fix bugs, add some flourishes and maybe even get someone to test it.
* Plan to submit it a day or so early. This way, if there are any technical issues with uploading, they can be sorted out in time.



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Need a little help with graphics? Perhaps The AGS Trove (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55998.0) has something you can use.
Don't want to go it alone? Try the Recruitment board (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?board=20.0).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: VampireWombat on Thu 02/12/2021 19:29:40
I'll see if I can actually succeed in making something. A cursed gift could definitely work for several possibilities.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Intense Degree on Thu 02/12/2021 20:42:20
Hey, nice festive theme!

It's been a while since I did any game making, this could be a nice one to try and get back in on. No promises, but I already have an idea or two...  (nod)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Ponch on Fri 03/12/2021 03:42:10
Nice theme! (http://www.barnrunner.com/pics/misc/Roger_Santa.png)

I have some time off coming up, so I'm going to try to make a MAGS game. I mean, what else can I do? Spend time with me family?  :wink:
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: ZapZap on Fri 03/12/2021 05:13:11
I have an idea and it's been a while, I hope I get enough time this month!
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: heltenjon on Fri 03/12/2021 08:57:52
I don't have any free time coming up, quite the opposite. But if I manage to draft my kids into doing the artwork for me, perhaps we can make a family project. I have the basic idea in place.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pax Animo on Fri 03/12/2021 21:25:39
Seasonal Greetings.

I'd love to patriciate in this event and have already started drafting something out. One question though, can asset packs be used, I've had a quick look through some posts regarding using assets but didn't find a decisive answer.

Cheers. 
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Stupot on Fri 03/12/2021 22:21:45
Thanks for all the interest so far. This has really lifted my spirits.

It’s worth mentioning that, though the topic is about gifts, and we are in December, the games do not have to be about Christmas if you don’t want them to be.

Quote from: Pax Animo on Fri 03/12/2021 21:25:39
One question though can asset packs be used, I've had a quick look through some posts regarding using assets but didn't find a decisive answer.
Yep, you can assume, unless otherwise stated, that it’s okay to use pre-existing assets. There used to be a rule against it but we phased it.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pax Animo on Sat 04/12/2021 02:34:57
@Stupot

That's good to know, thank you.

Hopefully I can hit the deadline. It will also mark a personal achievement for me, first game release.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Sat 04/12/2021 10:53:58
Good luck to all who decides to give it a go.  :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Kastchey on Sat 04/12/2021 13:03:11
I have very little time nowadays but if someone could use a little help, like a title screen, character portraits or a single background for a one room game, send me a PM :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: eri0o on Sat 04/12/2021 23:06:38
I will probably only have free time back next year, but I am trying to come up with something that I can develop in a short time that fits the theme for this mags. Still hasn't figured something proper yet. :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: DBoyWheeler on Sun 05/12/2021 12:49:14
Oh to be able to do these again...

But the idea of a "hard to deliver" gift... hmm... I could see some treacherous terrain being the obstacles for delivering a Christmas gift.

Anywho, good luck to those participating.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: heltenjon on Sun 05/12/2021 14:27:17
Quote from: DBoyWheeler on Sun 05/12/2021 12:49:14
Oh to be able to do these again...

But the idea of a "hard to deliver" gift... hmm... I could see some treacherous terrain being the obstacles for delivering a Christmas gift.

Anywho, good luck to those participating.

A "hard to deliver" gift could indeed be a game about the bold post(wo)man who braves the forces of nature to deliver a package to someone living on a mountain ledge...I can see Donald Duck Cola Skunkette in that role.  :-D Or it could simply be finding and tracking down someone who has an unknown address, or perhaps the to and from is unreadable, so the player has to match the gift to the right person.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Shadow1000 on Sun 05/12/2021 15:38:06
After a few dry months it looks like we've got some serious participation this month! I look forward to playing, voting and posting dumb comments. Good luck to all!
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Sun 05/12/2021 23:02:27
I've got a small idea... so now it's a matter of having the free time (and at least I have 2 weeks free by the end of the month, so there's a good chance) and get some good puzzle ideas. Then it might turn into a game.  (nod)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: stylez75 on Mon 06/12/2021 15:52:47
I like the MAG Dec,

  Sadly I will not be able to work on my idea for this because of real-life holiday work orders. Although if anyone wants to take this idea and run with it. I can do my best to help support the graphics department.

Name The Giving Box.  - Or whatever

Concept:
        The last ten days till Christmas. Players will log into the game and get a chance to open the AGS box. This will be based on Real-Life days. Players will be asked a question based on the past year of questions being asked on the AGS forums. If the player can answer the question correctly. The box will open and give them a Random gift to open.  The gifts will be displayed on the floor of the room and at the end of the month, all players can take screenshots and share the gifts that they got from the AGS box.


At the end of the year. Players can post screenshots of the items they got that are displayed in the room.
(https://i.ibb.co/0C3nVJ7/GiveBox.png) (https://imgbb.com/)

Room Images in the link below. Just send a PM if you need help with gifts etc..
https://easyupload.io/kcpsjw
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: DBoyWheeler on Tue 07/12/2021 00:55:03
Quote from: heltenjon on Sun 05/12/2021 14:27:17

A "hard to deliver" gift could indeed be a game about the bold post(wo)man who braves the forces of nature to deliver a package to someone living on a mountain ledge...I can see Donald Duck Cola Skunkette in that role.  :-D Or it could simply be finding and tracking down someone who has an unknown address, or perhaps the to and from is unreadable, so the player has to match the gift to the right person.

The Cola Skunkette is named Panphila Baniliakola.  But thanks for thinking of her.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Tue 07/12/2021 18:26:57
Well, my vague idea has blossomed into a small story. And I have enlisted help for puzzle designing!
So guess I'm in!  :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pogwizd on Wed 08/12/2021 13:16:49
Together with my wife, we’ve got a nice idea for a game and will try to turn it into sth playable by the end of the month.

Given how little time we’ve got at the moment, it may be silly to participate, but hey â€" we’re in :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Stupot on Sun 12/12/2021 12:34:27
How’s everyone doing? Any progress to share?
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: eri0o on Mon 13/12/2021 14:40:25
I am at my making an engine in ags engine part of the process but nothing is working yet unfortunately :/ I am slowly remembering AGS Script. :P

Unfortunately it's the only way I can work around not being able to produce art as fast as needed so I really want to go this harder way.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: SinSin on Tue 14/12/2021 11:52:36
I'm here wayyy too late, Good luck to all who enter.   :-D
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Racoon on Tue 14/12/2021 21:07:41
Oh man, I really feel like doing a MAGS again, but like SinSin I feel like am to late for this round. Maybe next month. Unlike the advertising, christmas is not really the quite time in the year it is supposed to be, but a lot of extra work load for me.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Tue 14/12/2021 23:48:53
Still working on this.  (nod)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pax Animo on Wed 15/12/2021 00:47:11
I may have something up and running by the end of this week, just tidying up some loose ends.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Stupot on Wed 15/12/2021 01:21:45
Incredible response guys. Thank you.

I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Those who can’t enter this month, it would be great if you consider joining in for January. I may even “leak” the topic a few days early to give everyone a head start.

Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Ponch on Wed 15/12/2021 01:50:48
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 12/12/2021 12:34:27
How’s everyone doing? Any progress to share?
I have one and a half rooms and one character walk cycle. it's almost a shell of a game!  :cheesy:
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: heltenjon on Wed 15/12/2021 08:34:23
I haven't started coding and won't have the time until Xmas, I think. However, my girls want to make this game with their old dad, so we will probably make the game, even if we will miss the deadline.

Great to see so many participating! Pax Amino, I checked your progress on itch, and your game looks very cool!
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: SinSin on Wed 15/12/2021 09:58:08
Quote from: heltenjon on Wed 15/12/2021 08:34:23
I haven't started coding and won't have the time until Xmas, I think. However, my girls want to make this game with their old dad, so we will probably make the game, even if we will miss the deadline.

This is the stuff I like to see.. get the kids involved ! 
Hope it brings you great happiness. 👍 

Good luck !
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Kastchey on Wed 15/12/2021 22:23:19
Quote from: Stupot on Wed 15/12/2021 01:21:45
I may even “leak” the topic a few days early to give everyone a head start.
I'd love this. I have a few extra days off late December, a couple more in January and the older kid is probably going to spend a few days with his aunt, so I may actually have a chance to do something creative for a change.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pax Animo on Wed 15/12/2021 22:42:34
@heltenjon

Hey, thank you.

I'm now close to finishing it off.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pogwizd on Wed 15/12/2021 23:05:22
On my end, the work is still very much in progress, but there is a chance the game will be ready for the deadline.
Here's a little peek into the game we are making:
Spoiler
(https://i.ibb.co/TrrGzX5/progress.png)
[close]
Before I joined I thought MAGS was fun... Now however I find myself staring at the monitor until late hours, while the rest of the family are sound asleep.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pax Animo on Thu 16/12/2021 10:47:29
Greetings,

My entry for this months MAGS.

Gifting Spirit

(https://imgur.com/qfIecV1l.png)

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2586/
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Stupot on Thu 16/12/2021 11:46:08
And there we have it. Our first entry. Thank you Pax Animo. It looks like a look of fun.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Shadow1000 on Thu 16/12/2021 15:38:37
Quote from: Pax Animo on Thu 16/12/2021 10:47:29
Greetings,

My entry for this months MAGS.

Gifting Spirit


https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2586/

I played this game 3 rimes last night. It is FAR from simple. There is SO much to do and figure out and each time I discovered more. I don't want to give anything away, but time management is essential. I'll elaborate more when it comes time to vote but amazing job for such a short period of time.

Question: is it even possible to get a perfect score in the time allotted??

Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pax Animo on Thu 16/12/2021 18:29:16
Quote from: Shadow1000 on Thu 16/12/2021 15:38:37
Question: is it even possible to get a perfect score in the time allotted??

Hey Shadow1000,

Thanks for your encouraging words.
As for your question, yes it is possible to get everything done in the time allotted. To keep in the spirit of the theme given for the competition it will be troublesome on the players first few tries to complete everything.
"It can be a difficult time of year for many, trying to make everyone happy, It doesn't always work out how you'd hoped due to time and or money."

But I do hope the game is not overly annoying or frustrating in anyway.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: OneDollar on Thu 16/12/2021 19:10:17
Hi AGS community, long time no see! I'm also hoping to put something together for this month, and ideally not take all of Christmas doing it...

I'm going to hold off on playing other people's games until I'm done with mine, but those screenshots from Pogwizd and Pax Animo's look great!
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Shadow1000 on Thu 16/12/2021 20:41:01
Quote from: Pax Animo on Thu 16/12/2021 18:29:16
Quote from: Shadow1000 on Thu 16/12/2021 15:38:37
Question: is it even possible to get a perfect score in the time allotted??

Hey Shadow1000,

But I do hope the game is not overly annoying or frustrating in anyway.

Definitely not for me! If anything, you've completely nailed the ability to make a game addictive. If it says anything, I was playing till about 1:15 am last night!
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: heltenjon on Fri 17/12/2021 00:52:14
Quote from: OneDollar on Thu 16/12/2021 19:10:17
Hi AGS community, long time no see! I'm also hoping to put something together for this month, and ideally not take all of Christmas doing it...
Alan saves Birthdays?  :-D
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: OneDollar on Fri 17/12/2021 19:03:21
Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 17/12/2021 00:52:14
Alan saves Birthdays?  :-D
I guess Alan's birthday is in 3 days time... and I made that game 14 years ago 8-0

When did I become old?
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Kitty Trouble on Sat 18/12/2021 14:46:40
Random question, is MAGS limited in scope to adventure games? Or are non-adventure games made in AGS allowed?
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Sat 18/12/2021 19:47:03
non adventure are welcome as well.

The 2 main restrictions on this competition are: Needs to be made with AGS and fit the theme somehow...  :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pogwizd on Thu 23/12/2021 10:23:23
I haven't posted anything lately but the game is still in works. We flew back home for Christmas hoping to have a little bit of time, but instead of coding/drawing we have been mainly gift shopping... (I hate that bit of Christmas).

We are still in, though. Most probably the last days of December will be a proper crunch time for us  :-D
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: heltenjon on Fri 24/12/2021 02:09:05
Quote from: Pogwizd on Thu 23/12/2021 10:23:23
(...) but instead of coding/drawing we have been mainly gift shopping... (I hate that bit of Christmas).
Ah, research!  (laugh)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Retro Wolf on Wed 29/12/2021 00:51:20
It's been almost 3 years since I've released something.

[imgzoom]https://i.postimg.cc/NfKWPXxp/argon.png[/imgzoom]

It will be definitely be finished, might not make it for the competition deadline though.

100% Story based, multiple choice.
As Captain of the Argon, you have been tasked with delivering a mysterious cargo container.
Randomly generate your crew appearance from a selection of 100+ AI generated faces!

I used this to help make the faces: https://artflow.ai/
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: OneDollar on Wed 29/12/2021 18:06:23
I was hoping to get this finished before Christmas, but predictably everything took longer than I hoped it would. Hopefully you've all got some Christmas spirit left in you...

Santa Claus in...
A Flight To Remember
(https://onedollarproductions.co.uk/games/images/AFTRScreen4.png)

Release thread: https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=59660.0 (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=59660.0)
Database entry: https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2587-santa-claus-in-a-flight-to-remember/ (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2587-santa-claus-in-a-flight-to-remember/)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Thu 30/12/2021 16:53:20
I've had less time than I had hoped to work on this.  :-\
So right now all I can say is: I'll either deliver a demo (if I can get the 1st puzzle bug free) or will have to pass on having something worth showing tomorrow. :~(
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pogwizd on Thu 30/12/2021 19:31:55
I am happy to announce that our game, Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker, is ready and fully playable : ) I will release it tomorrow after we upload to the project some last bits and bobs like credits and title screens.

Am I right to think that the deadline is by tomorrow (so including 31st)?
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: heltenjon on Thu 30/12/2021 20:39:57
My daughters (10 and 12) are drawing, but we're not trying to meet the deadline. Our game will be finished when it is finished, but we _will_ make something and release it.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Stupot on Thu 30/12/2021 22:33:55
It’s going to be a couple of days before I’m able to find time to rig up the voting, so if anyone needs an extra day or two, that’s fine.

Look out for January’s topic, coming soon.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Pogwizd on Fri 31/12/2021 15:02:56
Alright... after three weeks of sharing one laptop, one baby, and doing all the Covid-paperwork and taking all safety measures in order to fly back home, as well as surviving Christmas, I would like to present you

Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker
Who said having a pet piggie is a bad idea? Well, you did. Just now. It's 10 minutes before the festive dinner and you find yourself in a pickle thanks to your pet. Or should we say 'pigle'. The lovely gift for your sister is gone. Will you manage to get it back in time?

Manual:
You control Timur, the main character, with mouse using only left mouse button. The right button is used only to click out from menus or to display inventory descriptions.
In settings, there is an option to disable mouse highlights when hovering over interactive hotspots - the game is rather short, so this way you may try to challenge yourself a bit : )


Link:https://lazy-squirrel.itch.io/knorrig-the-gifted-troublemaker (https://lazy-squirrel.itch.io/knorrig-the-gifted-troublemaker)

(https://i.ibb.co/qyQRn3Y/screenshot1.png)

(https://i.ibb.co/QHNJhJ7/screenshot2.png)

Enjoy! :)

Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/01/2022 02:39:33
Okay then, I just need to debug the one puzzle our game has, and I can deliver a demo entry.
So I'm taking the "extra day or two" extension.  (nod)

Cheers and happy new year.

Edit: Okay, I think I got all done and sorted out. Game is uploaded to Mediafire and screenshot is created... I'm just waiting for my partner in crime to give the "go ahead and post it" msg. As I want to be sure the puzzle now works as it should.  :) So hopefully it won't be too long before I post it.

EDIT 2:
Here's our entry! :)

Sandra T. Almeida & Elen Heart present:

A caixa

A box is delivered at the front door. Intrigued by it Roger picks it and decides  to check it.
But when he opens it, he gets more questions than answers!

Can you help Roger get the answers he seeks?

(https://i.imgur.com/Ad2yczr.jpg) (https://www.mediafire.com/file/yb6mn0zp3ja3h4q/A_caixa.zip/file)

This entry is but a small demo at this moment, but hope it piques your interest anyway. :)
Only one puzzle to solve. You will get a clear message when you have reached the end of the Demo.
Enjoy!

Download link: https://www.mediafire.com/file/yb6mn0zp3ja3h4q/A_caixa.zip/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/yb6mn0zp3ja3h4q/A_caixa.zip/file)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Ponch on Sun 02/01/2022 02:55:42
Well, despite a crazy crunch on Saturday, I only have 2/3 of a game done. So this one joins all the other "almost games" in my distressingly overstuffed MAGS projects folder.

Congrats to the other teams that were able to get their games together in time.  :cheesy:
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (NOW OPEN!)
Post by: Stupot on Tue 04/01/2022 01:40:27
Thanks to everyone for your entries. They all look fantastic.
It's now time to play the games and vote for your favourite one.

Vote using the poll above.






(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2586_1_thumb_200.png)Gifting Spirit (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2586/)
by Pax Amino
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2587_1_thumb_200.png)Santa Clause in A Flight to Remember (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2587-santa-claus-in-a-flight-to-remember/)
by OneDollar
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2589_1_thumb_200.png)Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2589-knorrig-the-gifted-troublemaker/)
by Pogwizd
(https://i.imgur.com/Ad2yczr.jpg) A caixa (https://www.mediafire.com/file/yb6mn0zp3ja3h4q/A_caixa.zip/file)
by Cassiebsg

Thanks again to everyone who made something, even if you weren't able to finish it by the deadline. Your participation really means a lot.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (VOTING)
Post by: heltenjon on Tue 04/01/2022 11:46:24
Here's some feedback:

Gifting Spirit by Pax Amino:
Spoiler
This was a lot of fun! At first, it seems like the list of stuff to do is impossibly long, but after a while you figure out how to do the tasks and it becomes more of a race to do stuff in the correct order and not run out of time. Besides the adventure parts, there are also object  hunts that remind me of those casual Find the Object games. At first I hadn't discovered that I could run by double clicking. The game was a bit easier after I read the instructions properly. The theme is well applicated by all the gifts the protagonist has to get hold of.
[close]

Santa Clause in A Flight to Remember by OneDollar:
Spoiler
Very polished entry with amusing Easter eggs and good-looking graphics and animation. Good and clear usage of the theme. I liked the puzzles very much. They were logical and amusing. (And I secretly want a sequel starring the goose.) Above all, the humour made me laugh a lot when playing this game.
[close]

Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker by Pogwizd and his wife:
Spoiler
Humour again wins the day. The puzzles are moderate to easy, but still very fun to solve. Good pixel art and strong writing - the characters are given personality even in such a short story.
[close]

A caixa by Cassiebsg and Elen Heart:
Spoiler
This may be a one-puzzle demo, but that puzzle is hard, at least for me, who seemingly lack the ability to think in three dimensions. So there is a bit of a challenge here. The top view is unusual, but kind of cool. I'm starting to wonder if the box in the title is the house, rather than the one delivered to Roger's door. The game looks _very_ nice!
[close]

I haven't decided which game to vote for yet. All the games are good, so it will be down to choosing among puzzles, characters and scope.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (VOTING)
Post by: Shadow1000 on Tue 04/01/2022 17:03:57
What a terrific turnout! I really enjoyed playing these games. Here are my thoughts:

Gifting Spirit by Pax Amino:
Spoiler
This game has EVERYTHING! Simple number matching to inventory puzzles to money management and most of all, TIME management. You will want to keep playing this over and over to get a better score each time as you solve more tasks and realize that some things have to be done by a deadline or before other tasks. There is an incredible amount packed into this seemingly simple children's Christmas game.
[close]

I believe I played it 7 times and got a lot done. I did not complete the game with a perfect score but I really enjoyed the experience.

Santa Clause in A Flight to Remember by OneDollar:
Spoiler
VERY impressive entry: graphics are stunning, the story is hilarious and the puzzles are far more sophisticated than the average MAGS entry. I have to confess that I did NOT just breeze through the puzzles so every time I got a bit further I said "Oh YEAHH!!!" in joy. I noticed that almost everything you click or combine has clear and detailed responses.
[close]

Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker by Pogwizd:
Spoiler
Well-done pixel art and animation. Lovely Christmas music and some fun puzzles. I had a lot of chuckles while playing. Thanks for accommodating the colour puzzle!
[close]

A caixa by Cassiebsg and Elen Heart:
Spoiler
- Graphics: I found the top-down view to be a bit hard to follow. I would not recommend making a complete game like this. Perhaps if there's part of a game where you need to see the big picture at once then a bird's-eye view would be appropriate. Otherwise I'd rather just see what I need to see for whatever I'm doing in the game. The art for the puzzle and essentially the "demo over" art is GORGEOUS and certainly looks like Elen's amazing art we've enjoyed in the past!
- Puzzle: not my speed. Could be other players like this kind of thing?

The concept behind the game is intriguing and once I got past the puzzle I really wanted to know what happens next, so the demo is successful in that sense. I hope this game is developed into a full release!

Oh, and I like that the title is in Portuguese :)
[close]

Voting for this contest was not easy because
Spoiler
Gifting Spirit and Flight to Remember are just so outstanding. I like the fact that Gifting Spirit has such a variety of things to do and to be honest, I can't think of anything I've played quite like it. Flight to remember is more of a standard AGS game but incredibly strong in terms of puzzle design, concept, story and art.

Ultimately, I had to ask myself which game I enjoyed more overall while playing and I told myself that Flight to Remember was just that much more enjoyable so it got my vote
[close]

Really good competition and it made my holiday season (which was actually extremely difficult) a bit more cheerful for a few hours. Thank you and congrats to all entries.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (VOTING)
Post by: Slasher on Wed 05/01/2022 13:29:58
4 entries this month.. not bad...

Will play all when I can.

Well done guys  (nod)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (VOTING)
Post by: Ponch on Sun 16/01/2022 01:24:46
Just finished playing all the games. Voted! Well done, everyone.  :cheesy:
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Stupot on Tue 18/01/2022 14:50:19
The winner of MAGS December is:
Santa Claus in A Flight to Remember
by OneDollar.

Well done OD. I’ll be in touch soon about choosing a topic for February.

I gotta say, all the entries look amazing. Well done to everyone who entered. I hope you will all join us for February. Look out for the new topic.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Shadow1000 on Tue 18/01/2022 19:52:38
Big contrats to OneDollar. It really was an awesome game and the players have spoken!
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: heltenjon on Tue 18/01/2022 21:45:30
Big congrats to OneDollar! Don't let 14 years pass before you make another festive game, now.  ;) I'll sign the petition for the sequel:
Spoiler
The Goose on the North Pole and the quest to get home.
[close]

Also big thanks to the other game makers. Awesome round with great games.

Retro Wolf, looking forward to see your project when you release it.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Pax Animo on Wed 19/01/2022 01:24:02
Congratulations OneDollar.

Well deserved.

Side note:

It's a shame that not many people vote on these competitions as a lot of work goes into developing and some entries deserve some more credit than given.
It's disheartening for a developer to get 0 votes, but given the lack of voters it's of course not the voters fault. (they are given options, they have to choose)

Not sure where I'm going with this but an option would be "not to show the actual voting results in numbers and just announce the decisive result".

I've seen this is becoming a popular feature in social platforms such as YouTube not showing dislikes, and I think but I'm not sure Instagram have taken a similar approach.

I'm not sure how i feel about this but i'm open to the idea.

Thoughts?

Thank you to the people that did vote.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Stupot on Wed 19/01/2022 03:04:18
Yeah, it’s an unfortunate combination of the forum poll system and low voter turnout.

But I think everybody here is mature enough to understand that getting 0 votes doesn’t mean their game was disliked by everybody. It just means the voters all preferred at least one of the other options.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Shadow1000 on Wed 19/01/2022 03:55:50
I agree that it would have been nice to see more votes. I think it's ok that the final score is shown in full. I also think that has there been a stronger voter turnout that the games that got 0 votes may have snagged a few votes. If you have enough voters, then SOMEONE will have preferred those two over the games that got the votes.

Maybe next month we should offer doughnuts for anyone who votes?
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: heltenjon on Wed 19/01/2022 08:22:50
I also think it's nice with feedback for all the games in the manner Shadow1000 and myself have done above. That way, I'm allowed to say something positive about a game I liked even if I didn't vote for it. Plus, I find it interesting what other people have to say. They may have noticed something I've missed.  For the devs, any construcitve feedback is probably welcome.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: cat on Wed 19/01/2022 08:55:53
I only played Pax Amino's game (I think it was finished first) which I highly enjoyed and didn't have time to try the other games. That's why I didn't vote.
The problem with a Christmas-themed contest in December is, that the games will be finished when Christmas is actually over. Playing Christmas games in January isn't that much fun.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: heltenjon on Wed 19/01/2022 09:33:47
Quote from: cat on Wed 19/01/2022 08:55:53
I only played Pax Amino's game (I think it was finished first) which I highly enjoyed and didn't have time to try the other games. That's why I didn't vote.
The problem with a Christmas-themed contest in December is, that the games will be finished when Christmas is actually over. Playing Christmas games in January isn't that much fun.

I'm to blame for that, as I set the theme.  ;) I actually discussed this a bit with Stupot before announcing the theme, and your objections here was indeed one of the arguments against. I tried to tweak it for allowing non-festive interpretations, which one of the games have done. I guess the optimal timing for getting a lot of plays would be to have a Christmas theme in November, releasing them and having the voting period in early December. That would require the winner for September to choose such a theme, though, and one doesn't always think of Christmas that far ahead.  :-D

Perhaps when my daughters and I are finished with our game (with this pace, maybe in the Summer), I ought to wait until next December to release it...  :-D
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: OneDollar on Wed 19/01/2022 21:24:40
Thanks for the competition everyone, it was great to have so many entries! I'll try and come up with an interesting topic for February, hope to see you there...

Quote from: Pax Animo on Wed 19/01/2022 01:24:02
It's a shame that not many people vote on these competitions as a lot of work goes into developing and some entries deserve some more credit than given.
It's disheartening for a developer to get 0 votes, but given the lack of voters it's of course not the voters fault. (they are given options, they have to choose)

Not sure where I'm going with this but an option would be "not to show the actual voting results in numbers and just announce the decisive result".
IIRC a long time ago MAGS voting used to work like this, but it was set up through a separate website and sounded like a pain to manage. I don't know what options you have with a forum poll, but it makes voting a lot more streamlined to have it in the same thread as the entries. Can't really comment about the lack of voting because I haven't been properly active on these forums since 2015... I agree with heltenjon though, its the written feedback I find most helpful and its interesting to see what people liked and didn't like about all the entries. Speaking of - I commented on Gifting Spirit and Knorrig the Gifted Troublemaker in their completed game threads, but as A caixa hasn't got one (yet):

A caixa
Spoiler
I thought the overhead perspective was interesting, it certainly made the game stand out. As it was only a demo I don't know how well it will work for the full version, but if the goal is going from room to room chasing the spirit(?) and solving full screen puzzles like the one in the demo it's a smart way of moving around the house without needing bunch of separate one room screens. The box puzzle is a little hard to visualise, especially when you have to flip it upside down, but it works. Appreciate the coding/graphics work that would have gone into making it too. The demo ends on a good cliff hanger, I'm curious where you're going to take it next.
[close]
Hope you end up finishing it, same to Retro Wolf and heltenjon for their games.

Quote from: cat on Wed 19/01/2022 08:55:53
I only played Pax Amino's game (I think it was finished first) which I highly enjoyed and didn't have time to try the other games. That's why I didn't vote.
The problem with a Christmas-themed contest in December is, that the games will be finished when Christmas is actually over. Playing Christmas games in January isn't that much fun.
Quote from: heltenjon on Wed 19/01/2022 09:33:47
I guess the optimal timing for getting a lot of plays would be to have a Christmas theme in November, releasing them and having the voting period in early December. That would require the winner for September to choose such a theme, though, and one doesn't always think of Christmas that far ahead.  :-D
Yeah, I felt very aware of this. I was desperately trying to get my game done before Christmas so people might actually play it (and so I could have a break) but I underestimated how much time I'd need. Guess we should set diary reminders for the September 2022 MAGS, then the winner can pick a festive theme for next year?
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Pax Animo on Wed 19/01/2022 23:56:03
Quote from: Pax Animo on Wed 19/01/2022 01:24:02

It's disheartening for a developer to get 0 votes, but given the lack of voters it's of course not the voters fault. (they are given options, they have to choose)

Quote from: Stupot on Wed 19/01/2022 03:04:18

But I think everybody here is mature enough to understand that getting 0 votes doesn’t mean their game was disliked by everybody. It just means the voters all preferred at least one of the other options.

Maybe the word "Disheartening" was the wrong choice of words, maybe "Discouraging" would have been a better choice, given the fact that the overall interest in MAGS has dropped rather dramatically to the extent in some months having 0 contributors.

I'm just wondering if people are maybe put off with the voting system.

I get how it works, I'm just thinking there seems to be a feeling of pressure behind it and if that's somewhat off-putting to beginner developers or experienced developers bothering to take the time to get involved.

Ultimately, I'm trying to think of ways to get more people involved. 

I didn't know about this thread, https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55974.0
So forgive me,  maybe I'll post further there.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: cat on Thu 20/01/2022 08:12:38
In another forum, there used to be competitions and we had the same problem with voting. Everyone could just vote for one favorite entry, so one entry that everyone considered second-best did never get any points. We changed the system in a way that you could give points from 1-10 (and 0 for your own entry), which was a much fairer system.
Another option is to do it like some of the art competitions here in the forum, where everyone votes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
However, this would either require some external voting facilities or public votes by forum post.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Pogwizd on Fri 21/01/2022 12:57:33
Big big congratulations to OneDollar :)

As for the voting turnout, I can't really say much. Correct me if I am wrong, but my guess is this community is mainly made of  30+year-olds with lots of personal stuff going on. I am one of those people and I simply have little time to play games anymore (I have barely found the time to code the game over nights). I've downloaded all December MAGS entries but not played them yet... Which means I didn't vote because I would not know what to vote for. I guess others may be interested in MAGS games but play them in their own time, too, and for this reason they didn't cast a vote? Which would suggest that they are interested in the games but simply have no time to play them before the deadline. I know that it's not obligatory to play them all to cast a vote (or am I wrong?), but I personally wouldn't like to vote without checking all entries.

Are MAGS competitions in any way 'advertised' on AGS Discord channel? Maybe this could drum up more interest? Just a thought :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Stupot on Fri 21/01/2022 13:49:05
Quote from: PogwizdAre MAGS competitions in any way 'advertised' on AGS Discord channel? Maybe this could drum up more interest? Just a thought

I occasionally post the new topic in the Discord and Twitter but it goes largely unnoticed, so I don’t do it so often any more. I know the IRC folks usually keep a link to the latest topic stickied so you see it when you enter the chat.
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Fri 21/01/2022 18:40:04
I have no problem with getting zero votes, at the end of the day all we are asked is to vote for the one you enjoyed the most. Which means that it's just that. Doesn't mean the others are worth zero. And yes, the less people that vote, the least chance is to get votes on all entries. But that's just the way it is.

I don't think that spreading points or using outside voting, would help either.
Right now it's just play the games, that often don't take much more than 10-15 min each and click on the favorite. That simple! An yet people still can't find the time to play them.

I do get Pogwizd's point, I've been falling in that category the latest year.  :~( Just have little time, and been taking overtime at work just so we can meet dealines.
I do however, think one should feel the obligation to play the other games and cast vote, if one has entered the contest. So yeah, I have played all and voted. I'll give feedback when I have some free time and clear head for it, but right now I'm not there.

And I confirm what Stu said about IRC.  :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: eri0o on Fri 21/01/2022 19:02:16
(the IRC is still active? I miss being there)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Pax Animo on Fri 21/01/2022 22:26:31
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Fri 21/01/2022 18:40:04
I have no problem with getting zero votes, at the end of the day all we are asked is to vote for the one you enjoyed the most. Which means that it's just that. Doesn't mean the others are worth zero. And yes, the less people that vote, the least chance is to get votes on all entries. But that's just the way it is.

Yep that's the way it currently is, well pointed out.
Maybe there are other ways to approach the voting system.

I'm trying to keep an open mind on this rather than just shutting it down to "But that's the way it is."
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Cassiebsg on Fri 21/01/2022 22:59:10
I mean, that I don't think that making voting more complicated will get more people to vote.
The only way anyone will cast a vote is if they can find the time to play all entries (even if they just play 5 minutes for each entry, and not finish the game, since that could at least give an idea of how the game plays, graphics, sounds, atmosphere, etc.)

The problem is getting people to spend that little time...

Yes, eri0o, IRC is still a thing. :) Feel free to drop in whenever you like, we'll be there.

Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Shadow1000 on Mon 24/01/2022 16:04:09
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Fri 21/01/2022 22:59:10

Yes, eri0o, IRC is still a thing. :) Feel free to drop in whenever you like, we'll be there.



Ok, I'll bite. What's IRC? :)
Title: Re: MAGS December "Gift Trouble" (RESULT)
Post by: Pax Animo on Mon 24/01/2022 16:35:13
Quote from: Shadow1000 on Mon 24/01/2022 16:04:09
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Fri 21/01/2022 22:59:10

Yes, eri0o, IRC is still a thing. :) Feel free to drop in whenever you like, we'll be there.



Ok, I'll bite. What's IRC? :)

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/community/irc/

"The Every Texting Abbreviation & Online Acronym You'll Ever Need to Know"

Is mind blowing.