Searching for help/assistance/motivation

Isegrim · Wed 13/10/2004 11:47:25

Hi!

About a year ago, I started using AGS and began making a game. I did some (~10) backgrounds and (~5) characters, developed a storyline, thought of some puzzles, did some scripting experiments... but with time passing I worked less and less frequently on the game and it has now come more or less to a standstill.
I do still want to complete it, but I haven't really had the nerve to work hours on a 3D Background or debug a faulty script.
At the moment I feel that I cannot complete a project like that all on my own...
I have no direct idea how (and if...) a partner could help, but I think that having help of other people would put me back into the mood again...

Maybe I just need someone to give me some advice how to organize and manage my work, and maybe ask me about my progress some time or another...

Unfortunately none of my RL friends is willing or interested to help me with that...

If you seriously think you could help me, please post and I will show you some pieces of my work to give a clearer impression.

Thanks in advance!

Dave Gilbert · Wed 13/10/2004 16:38:46

Hi hi,

This happens often. You're not alone.

Nobody can really give you your motivation back. I don't know how ambitious your original game idea was, but it you're doing 3D backgrounds it sounds like a major commitment. Some advice might be to put it aside for now and try to make something smaller just to get your feet wet. If you're concerned about making backgrounds and characters, you should give the "Reality on the Norm" series (http://ron.the-underdogs.org) a go. That's how I got my start.

Isegrim · Wed 13/10/2004 19:53:04

Thanks for your encouraging words, Dave...
I think my main problem is that I like to try out new things and experiment with them, but I never get anything really done unless someone (at uni or at work most of the times) tells me to...
That's why I think that I might really profit from some kind of team partner.
Also, about the smaller project to go first: My game-idea is knight-themed and there will be a tournament at the end. I thought of making the tournament semi-standalone (I have in fact made some kind of working demo already), but still I'm stuck right in the middle of it...
Ah, well... You know what I mean, I think

Vel · Wed 13/10/2004 19:59:01

I often get motivation from people who would enjoy the game Im making, there is nothing more motivating for me than a "When's your game finished, Vel?"

When's your game finished, Isegrim?

Scummbuddy · Wed 13/10/2004 20:59:20

to get myself back in the mood, i go back and play the games that gave me the inspiration to find ags. while im playing the games, i regain the feeling of "hey, i can do this, and i want to."

Blade · Fri 15/10/2004 17:51:40

I know very well what you mean. I fear I'm gonna experience something like that soon. Hey, I'd like to see your game. I'd like to play it...
Maybe a partner could jelp you, but you can do this alone. What you need is knowledge that someone would like to see it and play. Hey, guys at this forum! Would any of you like to play Isegrim's game? If yes, say it! I think it may be a kind of motivation - someone is waiting for it.

edmundito · Fri 15/10/2004 19:38:27

Make sure you're fully awake when you want to work on your stuff... otherwise, just take a nap. That's what I did a second ago.

Rui 'Trovatore' Pires · Sat 16/10/2004 12:14:47

You have to fall in love with your project. Really. You have to love it. It must be fun for you, or it won't be fun for anyone.

If at any time you feel it's being a CHORE and not FUN, take a break. Do other stuff. Then come back, but spend some time thinking about it, the things you want to achieve, Eventually you'll rediscover the love you always felt.

Babar · Sat 16/10/2004 12:43:45

That does not always work either, redruM. For example, I really want to make a certain game. I know I want to make it, and I try, but after a while, I get bored at certain parts. I think: "ok, I will leave it for a bit, and get back to it later". Three months later, I have not done a thing.
You need just a little bit of push in making a game, unless it is a crap 2 room 2 hours-in-the-making game. My advice is not to get bogged down on any one part. If you have been making backgrounds, and start feeling like leaving it, try adding to the story. If you have been doing sprites and have had enough, mess around with another part of the game.
Start with something small. You can leave your big game idea for a while and maybe participate in a MAGS.

Rui 'Trovatore' Pires · Sat 16/10/2004 12:45:21

It worked for me, mostly. If it's a real labor of love, it just keeps going. That's how I kept Larry going.

Isegrim · Mon 18/10/2004 12:43:22

Whoa, thanks for your replies, guys!

I think, when I have finished the BG I'm working on right now (yes, I started work again), I'll put a thread into the Games in Production board, show you all what I'm doing and I'll hope to see you guys there to tell me what you think!

Blade · Mon 18/10/2004 17:30:41

That's it. And after you get some screenshots here - work on releasing a demo. And if you have a demo than you're probably in an advanced stage of your game.

Dave Gilbert · Mon 18/10/2004 19:53:09

Personally, I like to do all my pre-production planning away from home. I go to a coffee shop or a library or a bar, order a coffee or soda (no alchohol), and just write things down on paper. It's kind of weird, but being around lots of people helps me focus. There are too many distractions at home. It's too "comfortable" and it's harder for me to write there.

Another bit of advice if you are in pre-production. Buy a small notebook - something small enough enough to fit in your jacket. You never know when inspiration will strike you. Even if your idea sucks, write it down. You never know what will occur to you when you refer to it later.

Pelican · Mon 18/10/2004 23:15:22

Personally I quite enjoy writing, not just story and dialogs etc. but just writing for the sake of it. So I make planning the game something enjoyable, and also get a good idea of structure and framework right from the beginning.

As for actually making a game (ok, I've only made one!), whenever I got a bit narked with one aspect I would do something else. Like when I was getting frustrated with doing the backgrounds, I just stuck in some dodgy 'placeholder' graphics so I could get on with other aspects of the game, or just taking a break to watch t.v. Still, I think most of my motivation was because it was for the MAGS, and I had a time limit. Maybe if we set up a little prize if you have your game finished for <insert date here>?Ã,Â