August MAGS

[SierraFreak]

What is MAGS?
MAGS is a monthly competition for all amateur adventure game makers. The idea is to use AGS to create a game in under a month, following the rules set by the previous winner.

For more information please visit the Official MAGS Website.

Why should I enter MAGS?
We're not here to tell you that you should enter MAGS, but merely allow it as a creative opportunity to help you work to a deadline, improve your skills, and generally as a good kick-start for the new comers (a.k.a n00bies).

MAGS is the perfect opportuninty to make a game, and the wonderful prize is to announce the net month's rules, and all competitiors get the game placed on the MAGS website.

MAGS is meant to be fun and is aimed at everyone, despite their skill. If you have poor art skills work on graphics, and vice-versa, as the voting is based on "favourite" games, and not the most artistic, you may get help for the competiton, but must not get anyone else to do any part of the game for you.

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This is my first attempt at directing other people to make a game, but I'm hoping that this will be a fun idea.Ã,  So this month's theme will be:

DESTRUCTION!

The game can be about anything you want, but I'd like the games to feature animations of stuff getting broken.Ã,  How about a bull in a china shop?Ã,  Maybe have a guy trying to escape from a building getting destroyed by a wrecking ball?Ã,  Or a scene at a demolition derby?Ã,  No, wait - that was done in Full Throttle already.Ã,  But you get the idea.

I'd like to see some cool animations this month.Ã,  As usual, graphical talent isn't as important as ingenuity and fun.Ã,  Let's just tear some stuff up.

Colors: any
Resolution: any
Inventory Items: any

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All entries need to be in on August 26th.

Please post a download link of your game entry to this thread, best with a screenshot. Thanks and good luck.

[Barbarian]

Sounds good and it should lead to some fun entries.

A couple of questions:

Ã,  Ã, If I've already been working on a not-yet-released game for a while, but it wasn't specifically made for a MAGS competition though...Ã,  however, if the game already contains the requirements of that month's MAGS rules (or the requirements could be added to the game), then could I still submit it as a MAGS entry?

Ã,  The game I've been working on, I was already planning on having a couple of "destruction" type of scenes in it... one scene may just be on a smaller-scale of destruction, and another scene I was thinking on a larger-scale of destruction. Also, doing (or not doing) some things may also lead to some other "destruction" type of results too.Ã,  When submitting screen-shots as you suggested, would you prefer screen-shots of the "destruction" scenes?

And just to let you know, in some of the scenes in my game, it may be an NPC causing the destruction, and in other scenes, the Player Character may be the cause of the destruction.

Ã,  Ã, Okay, I'll be working hard on getting my game released soon, and if it's ready on time and meets the requirements I may submit it as a MAGS entry too.Ã,  Ã, 

PS: Just wanted to mention, the main "villian" NPC in my game is an evil wizard who calls himself "Sedus the Destroyer". And in fact that's the name I chose for him a while ago.

[viktor]

cool. I'm going to enter. I'm not that good at animating but I'll come up with something...

[Klaus]

.

This is my first attempt at directing other people to make a game, but I'm hoping that this will be a fun idea.Ã,  So this month's theme will be: DESTRUCTION!

Ouch. So you posted new rules without a pre-checkÃ,  :o You should have better read the last line of the "Congratulations" PM you received after the voting...
Well, so now it's like that and I think we can go along with these rules, even if they are a little "thin". Also I'm not sure if anyone will come along with this theme in a "correct" way. But let's give it a try.

If I've already been working on a not-yet-released game ... then could I still submit it as a MAGS entry?

Actually you should make the whole game withing the given time limit. So it wouldn't be really fair to publish a game you might have already worked on "for years" (sure it won't be taht long). But actually noone can prove when you made this game. So think for yourself...

... would you prefer screen-shots of the "destruction" scenes?

The screenshots on this thread are mainly to make it easier to grab a picture for the MAGS site. So you can post whatever screenshot you want to. Of course the shots also promote your game but for doing this you can also post to the "Completed Game Announcements" forums.

[Barbarian]

Actually you should make the whole game withing the given time limit. So it wouldn't be really fair to publish a game you might have already worked on "for years" (sure it won't be taht long). But actually noone can prove when you made this game. So think for yourself...

Thanks for clearifying that Klaus. I'm still a bit of a "newbie" in some respects here, and of course I wanted to be fair, that's why I asked about that first.

Okay, so if I did make a game for the MAGS, then I will start on something new and not use an "already-in-production" game.

Good luck to all members entering. 

[Remco]

i think i am going to enter this month, destruction, hmm, sounds ok with me.

[Czar]

Well, you'll have inspiration, now with this Paraguay mall centre incident.

[Remco]

yes, i have heard about it. But i dont think it will be a nice game.

[SierraFreak]

Klaus,

You're right, I should have read the last part of the PM more carefully, and I'm sorry for overstepping my bounds.  I just got a little overexcited about winning, I guess.  Thanks for understanding.

What I'm hoping this month is that people will make some cool animations.  Nothing is more rewarding than when you complete a puzzle and get to watch something fun.  It was mentioned in one of the puzzle design essays that I read somewhere.

By the way - what is your avatar?  It looks so familiar, but I can't figure it out.

[Mephistophilis]

Max "Will it involve Wanton destruction?"
Sam "We can only hope."
Not accurate but i don't care.
24 days to Destuct a Masterpiece, worth a shot.

[Akumayo]

I shall enter this one!!!  Destruction.... It kind of works for me......  by the way, are there any limits at all???

[Mephistophilis]

Nope... just has to Be Destructive!

[Akumayo]

SWEEET!!!

[auhsor]

What is MAGS?
For more information please visit the Official MAGS Website

It would be nice to have the link to thins site in the first post instead of having to go through Klaus's sig. Just so people know where to go for more info

[Klaus]

It would be nice to have the link to thins site in the first post instead of having to go through Klaus's sig. Just so people know where to go for more info

Quite correct and it would be there if I'd have started this thread as usual... But as SierraFreak "got a little overexcited about winning" (see above) things are a little different this time. Sorry...

[SierraFreak]

I modded the original post and added a link in the MAGS website mention.  Sorry 'bout that!   

[viktor]

Ok this is probably realy noobish of me but my entry is actualy finished. Although I was in a hurry I am quite pleased. But there is only one problem not all to many things get broken in the game. But don't worry things still go how do you say...
...KABLOEE (You'll understand after you finish the game) The reason for my quick finish is that I'm leaving next week for a week long journey and I started work on the project right away. But not even myself expected that I'll finish the game so quickly.
Well anyway here's the link:
www.slomskov-zavod.si/~kingofrock/JHBD.zip

EDIT: damn sorry I forgot to post the screenshot. Sorry

[ghostface]

Okay...first things first...victor...sweet screen...downloading game now...and I wouldn't consider you a n00b...not with all the posts you make. That was pretty quick to get a game out with graphics that clean andÃ,  :o. Looking for more games from you.

And SierraFreak...who are you referring to for the avatar question? If it is

Mephistophilis-Rockstar Games logo-GTA 3, Vice City, Manhunt, ring any bells?
Klaus-I believe thats Max Payne layered on a kickass background.
Czar-Alf of course!

P.S.-good idea with the destruction theme.

[SierraFreak]

Ghost - I was referring to Klaus.  It looks so familiar.  I kind of thought it was Tex Murphy myself.

I'm glad you like the theme!  I'm hoping there are some cool special effects coming out of this competition.

[Akumayo]

Here it is!!!Ã,  My entry!!!!

(My Tripod account was terminated because I violated something or other.... so I'm on geocities now.....  Tell me if this one works please, I think it does!!!)

Download link:
http://www.geocities.com/liberationcompany/operationreddice.zip

Site Link:
http://www.geocities.com/liberationcompany/liberationcompany.html?1092532888374

Screenshot:

Vote for me!!!

Oh, and now the game features a special appearance by Roger for those who win the game!!!!

[viktor]

I get a trypod error when I try to download...

[CodeJunkie]

I get the same problem.

One other thing though- can entrants vote for their own games?  It might be a bit unfair if someone votes for their own entry while another votes for somebody's else's because they weren't sure if it was cheating.

[Akumayo]

I edited my post, the link should work now, sorry about that.....

[Klaus]

Ah, these are really some interesting theories about my avatar ...

I believe thats Max Payne layered on a kickass background.

I kind of thought it was Tex Murphy myself.

Well, it's neither the one nor the other. Actually it's not even an avatar as it simply shows ... me.

[viktor]

I edited my post, the link should work now, sorry about that.....

Ok now this is wierd. I DID download the game but I can't play it. When I open it in defoult setings on the opening screen the cursor dosn't show. When I try to use custom setings I can't open the setup becouse an error screen pops up.

[Ozwalled]

The setup file's not working for me either. But use the arrow keys. It's keyboard controlled, apparently.

Worth noting is the fact that the M key seems to bring a map up (not that you need it), but you don't seem to be able to Exit the map and go back to the game properly.

Gosh this game frustrating, though...

[viktor]

I just figured it out. To make the setup work you hawe to rename the exe file to AUGMAGS.exe

[Akumayo]

Sorry about all this....

Keyboard control is used
the map can be opened with M and closed with C (your buddy tells you that over the intercom)
I didn't remeber to say in the README, but you do have to rename the game file to AUGMAGS to edit it's settings....
I'm REALLY SORRY
(i'm not disqualified, am I???)

Oh, and, I will be out for the next 2 weeks or so, so I can't vote or anything....  but am I still eligible for the contest, I will be back the 1st I think....

[SierraFreak]

Ah, these are really some interesting theories about my avatar ...

Well, it's neither the one nor the other. Actually it's not even an avatar as it simply shows ... me.

Klaus, I'd be pretty happy if I was confused for either Max Payne or Tex Murphy.   

[Klaus]

So the deadline is coming closer now... Two entries are in already so for all the others that want to take part please submit your games within the next 40 hours (see timestamp of this posting). Then the voting will begin.

[Barbarian]

I was going to enter this month, but alas, things have been sooo busy with me lately (mostly work related), and then time goes so fast and I figured I better use my remaining spare time this month to concentrate on my game I've been working on the last few months as I'm getting really close to having a Beta version ready for testing.

And then the last week or so I've been having some strange computer problems which hindered my progress (I narrowed it down to some corrupt video drivers, so an install of the newest drivers seems to have fixed it for now).

So, hopefully in the future I'll be more prepared to enter a MAGS competition, but for this month it's a no-go for me. My respects to the people who enter and best wishes.

[CodeJunkie]

40 hours?  I'm not sure whether the time displayed above your post is the same for differing timezones, it says 17:36 for me.  If I live in GMT -00:00 will I be able to theoretically submit one minute before midnight at the end of the 26th August?
Anyway, my entry is nearing completion, although I may have to make some cuts to get it in on time.

[R4L]

Here it is!!!Ã,  My entry!!!!

(My Tripod account was terminated because I violated something or other.... so I'm on geocities now.....Ã,  Tell me if this one works please, I think it does!!!)

Download link:
http://www.geocities.com/liberationcompany/operationreddice.zip

Site Link:
http://www.geocities.com/liberationcompany/liberationcompany.html?1092532888374

Screenshot:

Vote for me!!!

Oh, and now the game features a special appearance by Roger for those who win the game!!!!

Damn thats hard!

EDIT: Can I enter the MAGS? My computer clock says its the 25th of August. I have my game started and if I can enter I will send some screenies.

[Klaus]

I'm not sure whether the time displayed above your post is the same for differing timezones, it says 17:36 for me.

No the time displayed is adjustable by each user - so it shows the time in your timezone (at least it shouldÃ,  ).
That's why I'm talking in hours and not about a special time.

40 hours? ... If I live in GMT -00:00 will I be able to theoretically submit one minute before midnight at the end of the 26th August?

Not really. Add the 40 hours to the time of the posting. So for you it's August 26th, 9:36am. Okay?

Can I enter the MAGS? My computer clock says its the 25th of August. I have my game started and if I can enter I will send some screenies.

Of course you can. Still about 26 hours left...

To everyone: If you know you're close to finish a game but can not make it in time - if it's just some hours more that you need - just post this information. We can expand the deadline in special cases for let's say one day. But it's always difficult to do that as other participants create their games to fit the time limit and therefore eventually took out parts of the game just to finish it in time. So not everyone is happy about an extension.

[R4L]

26 Hours?! It's now 5:02 AM in NY, eastern time zone and I have 26 HOURS?! August MAGS don't last all August?

EDIT: I have a screenie for my MAGS game. Its called Ray and the Guitar. Ray Gunn is a rising guitarist, but recently, his guitar had fallen down and broke. He needs some money to buy a new one!


This is the room where he rehearses and does whatever. The guitar you see is the one he uses but it won't play in his Supa Amp 2000.

[Mats Berglinn]

Usually MAGS Never last the whole month because we got to vote for the winner before the end of the month so we can the next month's MAGS rules ready.

Is this your first ever MAGS, Rap4Life42o?

[R4L]

Yes it is. I was hoping I could enter soon, but 26 hours? That's plenty enough time but I don't know about a host site.

[viktor]

if the file size isn't to big (it shouldn't be becouse this is a mags game) I can host it for you.

[R4L]

Well, I am hoping the game is going to be only 12 rooms.

[Blane_]

  I suck at animation but I will do my best.
Since I can't do animated explosions that well I will probably make a GRAPHIC NOVEL section of the game
The game is called Dr. Dan and the office construction tragedy.
It will only have one character, not counting the Dr. Dan clone.
It will be a short game where you must get around his work building. He fell asleep last night and now their tearing it down. You must move all around the building to get things to either (A) Escape the building, or (B) Convince the workers to not destroy it. Both will give you different Graphic Novel endings.
Is this okay?

[viktor]

well personaly I think it isn't. The whole point of this mags competition is to animate.
But that's not for me to decide.

[Blane_]

well personaly I think it isn't. The whole point of this mags competition is to animate.

I was asking the person who was STARTING the contest! And besides, I did mention there would be some animation.

[viktor]

sorry bout that

[Blane_]

I have more news on Dr. Dan in The Office Cunstruction Conspiracy. I have finished the first room, which is Dan's office. The first room takes a good bit of thinking to leave, so I think the game will be fun.
There will be an extreme construction scene at the end of the game that I think will be cool.

[Blane_]

sorry bout that

It's okay.  8) I just was saying that I will do SOME animation.
The destruction is a cool part

[R4L]

YAY! My MAGS entry is done! It has two scenes of animated destruction. I hope it doesn't get disqualified.
http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/RayGuitarMAGS.zip

I think it was around 500kb. Enjoy!

EDIT: I added it to the main games page. Is that alright?

[Blane_]

what is the

Bad language/s-e-x/nudity/violence
rating?

[R4L]

Swearing- None
Sexual content-well, there is some refference to where the character says "...and she wanted to get to know me more, if you know what I mean!" but I don't think that would be considered sexual content.
Violence- rare. In August MAGS, you have to have people breaking stuff so, breaking stuff is violence.

[Mephistophilis]

Does violence not have to be directed at something living?
Due to laziness I have not entered but I have thought up the most amazing storyline in the world (Not really, but it's funny). So i may elaborate.

[R4L]

Well, what is your amazing story?

[CodeJunkie]

Just finished in time.
This is my first MAGS entry (and first finished game) and I've had a lot of fun making it.  My entry is called Korin's Mines.  It's about a snail called Eric who has to stop Korin, a strange evil man, from destroying the world with a new substance, Second Energy.
Note that this was not a half-finished July entry- the snail is there because I can't animate people 

Download: http://www.benfold.com/sim/KMines.zip
Hope you enjoy playing.

[Klaus]

Time is up - already 3 hours over, so let's start the voting.
Due to your postings and e-mails there's now an additional check of your voting click.
So be sure to also confirm that new request.

For voting please visit the MAGS site or make your choice right here:

Ray and the Guitar by Rap4Life42o
Operation Red Dice by Akumayo
Korins Mines by Simon Benfold
Jail House Breakdown by Viktor

Please vote only once and be sure to have played all games before sending your voice! Good luck to all participants.

[CodeJunkie]

Can the creators of games vote for themselves?

[Klaus]

Can the creators of games vote for themselves?

Yes they can. But of course as written: Please vote only once!

[Mephistophilis]

I'm not telling my amazing story cos you'll steal iT! they always try to steal me Luc-Stories! I don't know if I'll finish it so Curse hype.

[viktor]

is here any way to actualy see if someone is wining. Like some % or somethin...

[BlackMan890]

 :'( i won 0 games

Jail House Breakdown by Viktor
: i was stuck in there so i couldn't see how the big destructive animation is

Ray and the Guitar by Rap4Life42o: i didn't get far(got to the car, no longer) and i could see the graphics VERY simple

Operation Red Dice by Akumayo: I couldn't start the game

Korins Mines by Simon Benfold: This game i got to the guy but no longer, i could see your animation and found it interesting

[R4L]

Well, i lucky to get 1 vote, cause I am gonna vote for someone else. I see other people had put more effort in their games so they deserve it.

I tried hard on my game, I really did. But I believe those "Simple Graphics" will keep some people away.

blackman890" maybe you should actually finish a game to fully enjoy it.

[viktor]

Well, i lucky to get 1 vote, cause I am gonna vote for someone else. I see other people had put more effort in their games so they deserve it.

I tried hard on my game, I really did. But I believe those "Simple Graphics" will keep some people away.

blackman890" maybe you should actually finish a game to fully enjoy it.

don't say that. We all know that it's not all about the graphucs. It's about the idea and the depth of the game...

[Klaus]

is here any way to actualy see if someone is wining. Like some % or somethin...

The first version of the online voting system offered this feature (and it's still just one click to activate it). But we later decided to keep the votes hidden until the end - so the final result is more surprising. Also now the new revamped winner announcement movies wouldn't make sense if you could already see who's on top before.

[CodeJunkie]

I just want to mention that there is a bug in my game which could end up making it unsolvable.  It's in the room with Korin in, though I'm not to sure what causes it.  It doesn't happen all of the time (never happened to me), so just save the game as soon as you go in and you'll be fine.
Sorry to anyone that's been affected by this bug  - there is actually a saved game I accidentally left in the download which you could use, but it will also skip past a few puzzles and bring you very near the end.  I wouldn't recommend using it though - it only takes minutes to replay back to there.

[Klaus]

Again voting time is over and again there is one clear winner in this month's competition.

Max and Maggie will tell you in the new Winner Announcement Movie.
You may want to download it here (1MB). Sorry for the filesize.

If you better do not want to get the file you can also check out the winner by visiting the MAGS site.
Congratulations to the winner... Please check you PM, thanks.

[viktor]

I just wanted to ask if it is alowed to take part in the next competition right after I took part on this one. I just thought it was so much fun that I would like to hawe a nother go at it.

[Klaus]

I just wanted to ask if it is alowed to take part in the next competition right after I took part on this one. I just thought it was so much fun that I would like to hawe a nother go at it.

Of course. You're always allowed to take part.

To this month's winner:
Don't forget to soon PM your new rules to me as they should be posted tomorrow! Thanks.

[Oliver]

Yay, The game I voted for won!! Woo, congrats!!

[CodeJunkie]

Big thanks to everyone who voted for me!Ã,  I'm still thinking of next month's rules but don't worry, I'll PM them shortlyÃ, 

And I'll see if I can fix some of the glitches I didn't have time for in the monthly release so that I can post a revised version on the announcements board.