First game: upload or not?

[BlueAngel]

Hi
I have (almost) completed my first game ever and I want to ask you all what to do.
I was thinking of putting it up on the game page with a disclaimer that it was a first game to get (kindly) criticism to help me to get better at making game if anyone got the time to look at it and to make it easier for friends and family to found it.
Hopefully then they also would found AGS and make some game too. 

But now I have read all over that you shouldn’t upload your first game and it also says on the Game page itself. 

Please DO NOT add your first game that you made to try out AGS (unless you since developed it into a full game). By all means post it on the forums to get feedback and help you improve for your real game, but think to yourself whether the average adventure gamer would enjoy playing your game or not before adding it here.

Also looking at the game on the game page I feel discouraged and start wondering if I will ever make a game looking so good as those games do. But at the same time they are also inspiring and show what you can do with program.

Now I’m wondering should I put it up or not? Probably not.  And if not in what forum should someone post it to get feedback?

[cat]

Why don't you just post it in Completed Games forum section? People can give you critics there and tell you if you should add it to the games database.

[auriond]

Seconding uploading it in the Completed Games section. I think many people do it that way before adding their game to the games page. It's a good way to get feedback.

As for the rest of your post - Good looking games are nothing. I've had tons of criticism on my game (the one currently being featured on the games page). Don't get discouraged though. Maybe you can't draw, but as you'll see, drawing isn't everything. My personal weakness is gameplay design. Maybe your game will be more innovative, fun and enjoyable, and not as frustrating as mine!

Please DO NOT add your first game that you made to try out AGS (unless you since developed it into a full game).

First game doesn't automatically mean it's not worthy of the games page. I think that warning is just there to make sure over-zealous newbies don't put up half-baked things with default sprites.

[Calin Leafshade]

I put up my first game.

I think if you believe the game to be fairly fun to play and you believe there to be some narrative interest then you should upload it. The comments about not uploading your first game are really for people who were just playing around with the engine and didnt really have a clue what they were doing.

But i'd like to see your game so that we can help you become a better developer. I learnt alot by posting my game.

[Helme]

I wouldn't upload a first game that only has the purpose to get used to the engine.
But I would upload a game that can entertain people, even if it's only for 5 minutes and the graphics aren't that good.
I also uploaded my first game. And normally the criticism is quite kind for newbies.

[Danman]

Well I have played some games that the graphics is nearly scary so I don't think that really matters such as Brad Bradson I: Key Quest (by OsUltimo). I am going to upload my first game and I know
I will be criticized like anything for the graphics and game design but if it doesn't kill you can only make you
a better developer. 
and it is made from scratch. 

[BlueAngel]

Thanks all for your replys! 
I think I post in the complete games section like some of you said. I think it ok (for a first try) but maybe not so interesting for other then my family as it is mainly made as a joke for my brother 

[Dualnames]

a better developer.

When does that have to do with making enjoyable games. The only thing that matters is if the game is fun. Not if you can script it. Anyone can learn how to script, not many know how to draw or make a good game.

(I'm neither of these people)

[Danman]

When does that have to do with making enjoyable games. The only thing that matters is if the game is fun. Not if you can script it. Anyone can learn how to script, not many know how to draw or make a good game.

Well if you script,draw,write or anything your a developer if your posting a game isn't it  
and that if you make one game the next will be more fun or better.
Just that you can't get any worse (well.... you hope)  

I think I post in the complete games section like some of you said. I think it ok (for a first try) but maybe not so interesting for other then my family as it is mainly made as a joke for my brother

To Blueangel my game is for a Christmas present for my sister and I am going
post it too so if everybody says your game is rubbish you can just give them my link to my game then they
won't complain  8) .
(Coz my game is so bad my friends said it looked like 5 year old's drawing )

[Calin Leafshade]

a better developer.

When does that have to do with making enjoyable games. The only thing that matters is if the game is fun. Not if you can script it. Anyone can learn how to script, not many know how to draw or make a good game.

(I'm neither of these people)

sorry 'Dually'.

Are you now going to trawl through the forums looking for places to disagree with me :p

I believe making games is a skill and thus you can get better at it, alright? :p

Even if you are a 'bad developer' it doesnt mean you should stop but it just means you should refine your art.

[Ryan Timothy B]

a better developer.

When does that have to do with making enjoyable games.

He means developer as in a person who's making a game not just scripting one (sure the dictionary states that it means a programmer).  
Developing the whole game from scratch.  Develop: to cause to grow or expand

[Calin Leafshade]

a better developer.

When does that have to do with making enjoyable games.

He means developer as in a person who's making a game not just scripting one (sure the dictionary states that it means a programmer).  
Developing the whole game from scratch.  Develop: to cause to grow or expand

On which planet does the dictionary say developer means programmer RT? 

[Scarab]

I put up my first game.

I think if you believe the game to be fairly fun to play and you believe there to be some narrative interest then you should upload it. The comments about not uploading your first game are really for people who were just playing around with the engine and didnt really have a clue what they were doing.

But i'd like to see your game so that we can help you become a better developer. I learnt alot by posting my game.

Well Calin, I think we can safely say that you put in a fair bit more effort into your first game than most (I seem to remember a certain two weeks you took off work to devote to McCarthy.. ).

But the 'unpublished first game' principle can just apply to small test games and such (make man walk across room and look at door... Oh yeah baby )

[Ryan Timothy B]

On which planet does the dictionary say developer means programmer RT?

Computing Dictionary

programmer job
(Or "computer programmer", "developer") Someone who writes or debugs computer programs, for a living or for fun. "Analyst/developer" is a common equivalent job title, implying the added role of system analysis. The term may be qualified according to the type of software - "application programmer", "system programmer", etc.

I imagine in duals country they call it a developer. I don't hear it in Canada, but the dictionary surely does.

edit: Or were you being sarcastic Calin?

[BlueAngel]

To Blueangel my game is for a Christmas present for my sister and I am going
post it too so if everybody says your game is rubbish you can just give them my link to my game then they
won't complain  8) .
(Coz my game is so bad my friends said it looked like 5 year old's drawing )

Thanks Danman!

[ThreeOhFour]

I put my first crappy game up on these boards (Thankfully not in the database and nobody actually has a copy of it anymore  ) and was glad that I did.

As long as you put some effort in, people will play your game and think you're a cool person

[MisoSoup]

Ooh! Good question BlueAngel, I'm so glad you asked this because, as you know, I have the same dilemma.

I hope you do post your game (in the Completed Games forum) so I can see what happens and decide if I'm brave enough to copy you 

[Leon]

@ BlueAngel:
There will always be someone playing your game and give comments. Maybe not the most positive at first (depending on your game) but always critical and with tips on how to change or improve. That will give you the suggestion what to do next.

@Ben:
What was the name of that game?

[Peder 🚀]

Anyone can learn how to script, not many know how to draw or make a good game.

Anyone can learn how to draw or make a good game too .
I am a scripter and it is what I love doing the most but still Fallen Angel (my crappy MAGS game) had more positive comments on the graphics than anything else .

[Dualnames]

To be honest, when I've finished a game, I sent it to a couple of guys I respect, and if they all agree it;s cool, I post it.