Upcoming game competition

News & General Discussion
1

I just wanted to give a heads up about this pre-announcement for a game competition:

http://www.garagegames.com/blogs/80057/13959

It’s a technology agnostic competition (and in fact GarageGames has asked us to sponsor it), and has “multiplayer” as a requirement. It’ll be announced properly soon, but those who’re interested can start thinking about participation now.

From the website:

d.

2

I am researching more but according to one developer in the GG forums this contest is only open to residents of the United States. I will post more when I’ve fully read the official rules.

EDIT … This is unfortunately the case. The very first point in the official rules states …

“The 2008 InstantAction Game Developer Contest (the “Developer Contest”) is offered and open only to legal residents of United States and its territories (except residents of Puerto Rico) at least 18 years old at the time of entry.”

That also cuts out brilliantly skilled younger game developers like Dan, Forest and Jedd from competing.

Maybe we can try to get this changed?

3

Do the rules state that the games cannot be made by a team but must be created by a single individual? Although the rules state contestant in the singular, is there a requirement that the game be made whole by an single individual? On a quick perusal I did not see anything that limited third party assets to only US citizens. It seems perhaps non-US citizens might be able to participate via the third party route. Also, if teams or companies are allowed then non-US individuals might also be able to participate via the team/company route.

4

I’m certain that’s the work around … a small group tackles the project and submits it through a US team member. But the prize is a contract with Instantaction.com and I’m not sure how the legalities of that work out when it comes to $ etc.

I’d sure like that clarified though.

5

I can’t compete. D: Too young.

And I was gonna force myself to enter the next competition that came up too.

6

I’m in Japan but might be interested in teaming up. I know nothing of building a multiplayer game but might be able to contribute to a team with graphics, general game design or models.

7

that is bloody ridiculous and very disappointing! I was going to enter as well too.

Cheers.

8

I can’t compete. Too alien,

9

Yeh, this contest is restricted from a good deal of Unity users.

10

Maybe there is some unwritten law that from time to time there just have to be some USA only game competitions. This already was the case in the director days. If i remember correctly there were mostly different reasons behind each case but for a company who wants to address gamers and developers global, i quite don’t understand it.

Secondly i also don’t understand the focus on multiplayer only games as this eliminates nice game concepts as written already.

Does anyone else wonder why they sponsor the competition with only unity and there is not a single torque licence or a tool from a third vendor beeing involved so far?

11

I can’t compete. Too single-player.

–Eric

12

Accept your fate, i fall into the category european and single player… :O)

13

I can’t compete, too young. Call me biased, but I think that rule is a bit ill-advised.

14

i guess from a legal stand point. making it over 18 and USA citizens only cuts down on potential headaches, then again what does one pay lawyers for? Is it too hard for them to figure out a way to make the competition open to absolutely ALL?

Cheers.

15

Yes, this jumped out at me to!

It’s quite odd that a company that makes game dev tools is running a contest where the prizes are another companies game dev tools ?!?

I think it may simply be a case of the new owners of GG wanting to promote a tech they belive is better suited to their future plans (i.e. online, multi-player, etc.)

David

16

How long does the contest last?

17
  1. Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by February 10, 2008 to the following email address: gamedevcontest08@garagegames.com.
18

I can’t speak for GG but I know for the Director competitions that was due to an overly aggressive legal department worrying about just those headaches you mentioned. Yes, there are ways to sort out all the details but lawyers are costly and quite good at putting up road blocks in the name of protecting the company, maybe too good I suppose… :stuck_out_tongue:

19

Sad thing is the obvious entries will be Tribes clones with new graphics.

20

I guess there is some kind of legal reason for this. I think the winning of the contract maybe? Publishers hate dealing with parents of creative talent.

As for GarageGames promoting Unity tools? This is interesting. Are they trying to promote the development of an Unity Editor to the PC? Why this angel?

Or do they just think David and the Unity Crew are nice guys? (I would hope this is the case)

Realistically:
I think GarageGames is trying to enter into the publisher realm, promoting Unity would help that for them. Plus, they are pro Mac game development.

David, do they have interest in Unity Technologies Inc.?
(I know you guys are privately held so I do not expect an answer.)