GMC Jam Discussion The Experimental GMC Jam #3 Discussion Thread

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Alice

Darts addict
Forum Staff
Moderator
What sort of dastardly experiment shall we commit today?



THEME:
DEAL WITH CONSEQUENCES
MIRROR IMAGE

TIME LOOP


What, where, when?

GMC Jam is a quarterly community event held on GameMaker Community. It is entirely a community event; neither YoYo Games nor Playtech are officially involved in this competition, aside from providing forum space to carry it out. It dates back to the times of old forum, where 21 editions were held (plus one bonus), and now it's a 3rd edition here! You can check the GMC Jam records in the GMC Jam Hall of Fame & Archive.

The Jam has three phases:
  • discussion, held in discussion topic; started about 2 weeks before the Jam (the discussion remains open during and after the Jam, too, until the next Jam discussion starts)
  • development, the core of the Jam, the 72 hours when entries are made and posted in games topic
  • decision, when community members vote for their favourite games and provide feedback to specific entries; it lasts roughly 2 weeks after the Jam, before the results are announced

This GMC Jam will run for 72 hours in the following timeframe:
January 27th (Friday), noon UTC - January 30th (Monday), noon UTC


Countdown clock

GMC Jam rules

The following rules will be used during this GMC Jam. Also, general Community Guidelines apply. There has been no changes since the GMC Jam #1, so if you participated in that Jam, you're free to skip over.

PARTICIPATION:
  • any GMC member is welcome to participate in GMC Jam and submit their entry
  • each entry must be made by a single GMC member or a team of up to 3 people; people outside GMC can be in the team, as long as at least one GMC member is in that team
  • each participant can make or contribute to as many entries as they want, but they can only claim rewards for one of them (unless the reward is given specifically for the entry)
  • each entry must have a single post in this Jam's games topic (opened once the Jam officially starts), and no two entries can share the same post
  • the Games topic post can be used to present the entry progress; it can also contain a devlog
  • by the time the Jam ends, each Games topic post must contain a valid link to the entry downloadable file

ENTRY:
  • the entry must be an original creation made in GameMaker specifically for the Jam, within the Jam timeframe
  • the entry might use assets (graphics, audio, scripts, extensions, Marketplace resources etc.) created before the Jam, whether by team members or someone else; however, the credits should make clear where the assets come from and which were made before the Jam
  • the creators of the entry must have rights to all of the assets; unlicensed use of resources is not allowed
  • the entry must be available as a Windows executable file, exported as a stand-alone file or as a ZIP; installers are not allowed
  • the entry might be exported to other platforms as well (such as HTML5 or Android), but the Windows executable must be available

THEME:
  • the Jam has a theme - a general idea around which the entry can be built
  • at the beginning of the Jam discussion there are 3 hidden themes, which will be gradually revealed during the discussion
  • the day before the Jam starts (at least 24 hours in advance) all 3 themes are revealed and theme voting begins
  • the theme with the most votes is officially announced as the Jam theme at the beginning of the Jam
  • there may be a draw or very little difference between two leading themes; in such case, both become the Jam theme and participants are free to use either and ignore the other
  • while incorporating the theme in the entry is not mandatory, participants are strongly encouraged to do so
  • the entry that uses the theme in the most interesting way can win best use of theme award; if the Jam has two themes, there is one award for each theme

BEST-OF AWARDS:
  • aside from the Jam-specific theme, the games can be rated on the concept, the presentation and the story
  • the concept is related to the core gameplay mechanics idea - whether the game rules themselves are creative and entertaing or not
  • the presentation is related to the overall polish - whether the entry provides the right experience through audiovisuals, and whether it's not disrupted by bugs and errors
  • the story is related to the events or motivation present throughout the entry; it can be told through dialogue and narrative, as well as implied through game design
  • the entries excelling at these categories can win best concept, best presentation and best story awards
  • furthermore, aside from entries themselves, their devlogs can be rated; the entry with the most interesting devlog can win best devlog awards

VOTING:
  • after the Jam ends, all entries are gathered in a single ZIP with all entries for everyone to download
  • once the ZIP is available, the voting begins, and it lasts approximately 2 weeks; a longer voting period may be chosen when more than 70-80 entries are submitted
  • the voting period may be extended upon request by at most one additional week; however, not every such request must be granted, and one should show a reasonable progress with reviewing/playing the Jam entries
  • the voting is carried out in the Jam's voting topic, where each voter makes a single post for their scores and reviews
  • any GMC member may vote, whether they participated or not, but participants cannot rank or award their own entries
  • each voter must rank and post a brief comment on at least top 3 games; also, they can rank more games
  • each voter can vote for best use of theme, concept, presentation, story and devlog
  • each voter can vote for best reviewer, but in this case their opinion is entirely non-binding - the best reviewer is eventually chosen by the Jam host after the voting ends
  • aside from best reviewer award, there might be additional symbolic acknowledgements for outstanding reviewing, made with effort and care; in particular, when all or nearly all entries have a decent feedback, when at least 10 helpful and thorough reviews are made or when at least 10 reviews are presented in a creative or entertaining way
  • if some voters or participants are found to be cheating, their entries may be disqualified and they might be excluded from future community events
  • shortly after the voting period closes (preferably within 24 hours), the votes are summed up, and the final results announced; after that, all prizes should be distributed where applicable

PRIZES:
  • top 3 entries, as well as best-of award winners, get special banners and are featured in the Hall of Fame
  • creator of top 3 themed entries get the right to choose the next Jam's pool of themes; one theme per entry
  • aside from regular GMC Jam prizes, other GMC members can contribute the community prizes by messaging the Jam host
  • the community prizes can be given to any range of places, best-of winners, reviewers, personal favourites etc.
  • the community prizes can be nearly anything - custom graphics, soundtracks, gameplay videos, software keys etc.; as long as they are not monetary prizes and they don't break community rules
  • it is community prize contributor's responsibility to give the prize; they should make sure they can deliver their promise

Community prizes

Want to add your community prize? Send a message to the Jam host the details!
(note that you will need to handle prizes distribution after the Jam, please don't pass keys through me or anything)


Looking for a team

If you are looking for a team to join for this Jam, just send a message saying that you want to join a team, and briefly describe your skills. You will be added to the list here, for potential teammates to find you.

Spread the word!

If you would like to promote the Jam, please paste the following code in your signature. Also, please remember that your signature is effective only when you are posting around forums. You might want to go ahead and give feedback in Made with GameMaker and Work in Progress forums, or maybe participate in Programming and Community Tech Support discussions.

Code:
[center][url=https://forum.yoyogames.com/index.php?threads/the-experimental-gmc-jam-3-discussion-thread.17073/][img]http://i.imgur.com/2ASu3qF.png[/img][/url][/center]
Let's get the discussion started!
 
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M

McWolke

Guest
HYPE!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PROFESSOR OF CRAZINESS

- - - - - - - - - - - -
METAMORPHISM (?! :D)

- - - - - - - - -
CHEMISTRY

EDIT: Added another guess :D tried to kinda fit in that experiment theme
 

Micah_DS

Member
Woohoo! The time has come!

-

I actually want to bring up something kinda not-so-fun though..
the creators of the entry must have rights to all of the assets; unlicensed use of resources is not allowed
Just a friendly notification that stuff from Spriters Resource (e.g. Nintendo graphics) would actually break this rule, and it would also fall under one of the "please do not" listings from the forum guidelines.

The resources may be up for grabs, true, but it's actually all (or mostly) illegally ripped without consent from the original creators. So I hope everyone will ensure they have rights to their assets. There are plenty of other free-to-use resources out there though! Fear not!

I'm bringing it up because usage of Nintendo resources has actually has happened a couple times. But I'm not trying - nor wanting - to point fingers or put any guilt on or anything like that. Honestly, I'm not even sure it crossed peoples minds that they didn't have rights to use those resources. It probably didn't. So I'm just saying this to ensure everyone realizes this.

And with that said, may the pre-jam party continue! :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: Yal
M

Misu

Guest
I GUESS MORE!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
R O Y T H E S H O R T R O Y T H E S H O R T
E X T R E M E L Y _ A N N O Y I N G _ A R T
D O _ N O T _ F I N I S H _ T H E _ G A M E
E P I L E P T I C - K I L L I N G _ G A M E
I _ B E T _ R O Y _ I S _ T H E _ T H E M E

- - - - - - - - - - - -
R O Y T H E S H O R T S
S U P E R N A T U R A L
O N E _ H I T _ K I L L
A L R E A D Y _ D E A D

- - - - - - - - -
D I S A S T E R S
C A T A P U L T S
T R A N S F O R M
U N I V E R S E S
C O O P E R A T E
M E T A M O R P H
 
First Jam I've gotten to do. Unfortunately, I'm really busy during this time, but I'm definitely going to try to set aside the weekend aside so I can submit something.

The thing I'm afraid will hold me back is graphics though. I'm going to look at the marketplace, and pick up any of the free ones just in case I can use them. Otherwise I'll have to plan to make a game using simple "laser" graphics. There are some methods I know to use really simple art that still looks really good, but for long term projects I prefer real art.
 
D

dj_midknight

Guest
Stoked. Was wondering when the next jam would be.

Try and get my partner ramped up and learning about how to actually create in GMS by the start so he can help.
 
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Shadow Link

Member
I've updated the countdown clock, get hyped! http://gmcjam.thegmc.com/

For any newcomers, this clock was made to eliminate confusion as to when the Jam starts and ends and has been used for over 20 Jams! There was constant confusion about certain countries being on daylight savings time, or how many hours to add/subtract to get GMT/UTC time (don't worry, you'll thank me later!). The clock measures UTC only and just displays a simple days/hours/minutes/seconds timer. It also will dynamically grab the theme from Alice's first post (as long as the HTML doesn't randomly change, it happens), so if it ever looks broken just check back here instead. I'm usually on standby if things go wrong, but since these now start/end during noontime in Europe, I'll probably be asleep (I'm in the US). When the Jam starts, it will automatically switch to a new countdown for how much time there is left, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to submit your games!

That said, Jam on! :D
 

Micah_DS

Member
Since the jam title-theme-thingything appears to be related to the GMS2 beta, I feel a strong desire to use GMS2 to make my game. Plus, I'm a fan of the changes from GMS to GMS2 and I really want to move on from GMS ASAP. Only thing that's really been keeping me in GMS is my need to relearn a few things, but by the jam time, I should be good to go.
 

Yal

🐧 *penguin noises*
GMC Elder
Hypeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~

Also, instead of using stuff from The Spiters' Resource, don't forget that there's OpenGameArt.org....
(and that I sell a bunch of high-quality tilesets and stuff totally not making a shameless plug here *whistles*)
 

Alice

Darts addict
Forum Staff
Moderator
Since the jam title-theme-thingything appears to be related to the GMS2 beta, I feel a strong desire to use GMS2 to make my game
Yeah, the primary idea behind this Jam is experimentation. Also, it applies not only to new GM:S, but, in a broader sense, playing around with new things and coming out of own comfort zone as well!

(it means no platformers from you, @Yal)
 

Micah_DS

Member
Alright guys, I expect to see weird, wild, unhinged pixels, slippery physics, stretchy fishes, ponybears, and glorious mounds of sparkling dirt.
 
F

fxokz

Guest
This time im not going to give up within the first 2 hours! Im going to participate and create something!

edit: I forgot to mention.. IM HYPED AF
 

The M

Member
Looking forward to this one though I might have a bit less time than usually.

Some possible themes:

Live on the other side
The player is a potato

Stay at home
Just in time

Undefined
Wild west
 
T

TheUltimate

Guest
Ah, it's that time again isn't it?

Can't say at this point if I'll be able to join. At the very least I'll be sticking around and cheering everybody on. :)
 

Micah_DS

Member
My guess says: (sounds quite like "my guesses"... for some reason, I'm entertained by this... yeah, I can be lame)
Code:
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G L O R I O U S   M O U N D   O F   D I R T
H Y P E   T R A I N   V S   G O D Z I L L A
T H E   R O L E S   A R E   R E V E R S E D  ( but.. not not the hero )
G A M E   P H Y S I C S   A R E   D R U N K
T H I R D - P E R S O N   M E T A   G A M E
Y O U   O N L Y   U S E   T H E   M O U S E

- - - - - - - - - - - -
S T R E T C H   F I S H
P A I N   I S   G A I N
Y O U ' R E   D R U N K

- - - - - - - - -
P O N Y B E A R S
2   B U T T O N S
(used 'code' format because I like how it looks.. well, kinda sorta.. don't really like the other options which keep things aligned)
 
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Ninety

Member
I was gonna volunteer as an artist or musician, but I'm pretty sure I'll be away for those dates... :( We'll see!
 

matharoo

manualman
GameMaker Dev.
Are more points give to games made with less team? For example, suppose there are two games submitted for the Jam where the first one is made by a single guy but the second one is made by a team of three. Both games are equally great and have almost equal votes - will the one-man game be given more weight because it was made by a single person?
 

The M

Member
will the one-man game be given more weight because it was made by a single person?
That's for you to decide. Personally I don't mind teams; sure, you can work on several things in parallel but you need to communicate (often with varying time-zone differences) and cooperate which tends to slow things down unless you know each other well. Compare it to how much time people can dedicate to the jam; some people (like myself) tend to stick around for pretty much the entire thing while others may only have a few hours to spare.
 

matharoo

manualman
GameMaker Dev.
That's for you to decide. Personally I don't mind teams; sure, you can work on several things in parallel but you need to communicate (often with varying time-zone differences) and cooperate which tends to slow things down unless you know each other well. Compare it to how much time people can dedicate to the jam; some people (like myself) tend to stick around for pretty much the entire thing while others may only have a few hours to spare.
Well for me if I found out a good game made by a single person as opposed to an array of games made by different teams, I would instinctively like to give it more points. :)
I asked the original question thinking that there were some judges or something, but I just read the rules above and now I know that it's all about voting.
 
M

Misu

Guest
Actually no matter how many participants working on the entry (in this case, maximum is 3 per team) game evaluation is treated the same. We dont give more points to those who worked alone but we dont give more points either to teams. Its basically the same thing for each.

Now voting can be very subjective per participant. However, it is best to evaluate in a fair format that keeps scores just. (JUST is another word for fair in case some of you don't know that :p).
 
R

rui.rosario

Guest
No community prizes yet? Guess I'll start then!

This is a conditional prize:
If I manage to participate and submit a game in the Jam, then all entries below mine will get the source code of my entry, along with every asset.
If I don't manage to submit an entry to the Jam then the entry ranked 17th will get a week's worth of my time as a programmer (meaning a total of 40h of my work, which will be spread out as agreed upon).

Happy jamming!
 
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matharoo

manualman
GameMaker Dev.
No community prizes yet? Guess I'll start then!

This is a conditional prize:
If I manage to participate and submit a game in the Jam, then all entries below mine will get the source code of my entry, along with every asset.
If I don't manage to submit an entry to the Jam then the 17th entry will get a week's worth of my time as a programmer (meaning a total of 40h of my work, which will be spread out as agreed upon).

Happy jamming!
That's more of a giveaway than a prize ;)
 
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