ZylonBane on 14/1/2022 at 14:52
Quote Posted by Yandros
Even that is too much IMO, it would force the authors to think of something that wasn't possible in NewDark and find a way to force it into their vision.
Don't ALL themed contests force the author's vision in one way or another?
PinkDot on 14/1/2022 at 15:23
NewDark contest should be simply 'do whatever you like (and can)' kind of contest.
Just like in the old days, when we've seen entries like 'The Haunting' - not a classic Thief experience, yet interesting in their own way. Generally, things, that could not necessarily belong to the Thief universe (but no harm if they do).
Though if we were to go for any themes, I would suggest "Future". It could be interpreted in many ways and has a ND vibe in it.
Quote:
And if Sperry enters, he can't use OldDark.
And yes - use of NewDark would be a must. :)
FireMage on 14/1/2022 at 16:54
Quote Posted by PinkDot
NewDark contest should be simply 'do whatever you like (and can)' kind of contest.
Personaly, such a theme would be boring. The interesting part of a contest is the theme and the restrictions that comes with it.
If there's none, I would like to say : it's just waiting for people to make new FMs of their own and just publishing these at the same date...
And if someone tells me "yes but the rating?" well, thiefguild.com is the place for this.
I think it's strange to see how people are relunctant with forced-Theme and limits.
I would like to remember everyone that Themes and Restrictions of contest doesn't exist to annoy contestants, it's just to make it easier to make the mission in time : you don't have to spend time thinking about your own theme since the contest does it for you.
So if someone decide to launch a contest about a type of mission because this kind of mission is rare or underused, I would think it's an excellent idea and liar would be the one who would tell it limits too much authors as it was done before and the submissions were always unique and fun.
Snake on 14/1/2022 at 17:15
As NewDark has been around for 10 years, almost all missions released (and contests) in that time have already been utilising it’s features. So a NewDark anniversary contest really should include some kind of theme or ruleset, otherwise it doesn’t really celebrate anything in particular. How to define this is a much more difficult task but perhaps missions must at least break the limits of “OldDark” in some easy to measure way.
klatremus on 14/1/2022 at 17:59
I agree that contests shouldn't be too limiting, but some restriction is necessary to make it interesting, both for authors and players. The difficult but important aspect is finding the right balance. Since we've had several contests honoring the original stock material, why not encourage NewDark unique features and custom content? If it's a NewDark contest, to me it seems logical to embrace that. Perhaps one of the voting categories can be 'NewDark features', while the others can be the regular gameplay, design, story etc.
fortuni on 14/1/2022 at 18:29
Could someone with knowledge of Newdark post a list of the most important features of Newdark in comparison with Olddark. We all know authors can make bigger and more complex missions which includes the ability to use file bulging sized custom objects, what sort of map size difference and file size difference is now available between Olddark and the latest Newdark, and what other important features does Newdark incorporate that have revolutionized mission building but are generally hidden from view from players?
Maybe by posting the 10 or 12 most important improvements (whilst not being too technical) players who are not authors could make a more informed contribution to this discussion over and above suggesting this contest should include custom objects.
FireMage on 14/1/2022 at 19:08
Hmmm... Custom res is imo irrevelent with NewDark. Allowing it is just enough as we have many custom resource pack around. In addition, what custom would mean in the context of such a contest? Should it be HD?
It's a good way to give the host of the contest some headache.
Custom allowed with no limit is enough and if someone want to stick to stock resources, up to them! ;)
About NewDark feature as theme, it's again a rule kinda blurry. What NewDark did is :
- Adding Mtl files to give materials to textures
- EnvMap ie custom skybox-like textures
- Pyramids and Cylinders with more than 12 sides on bases
(tho we authors found out is cost so much cells it's better to stick to many wedges instead ; cells are in short just terrain surface split in triangle to render it)
- Increased the limit of brushes, objIds and cells so we can build larger maps/more detailed maps
- New Mantling ie climbing even thin surfaces
- Squirrel Script so we can make scripts more easily without the need to compile osm and deal with C++
- Adding custom HUD elements with scripts
- Having different kind of fog in one mission
- Having different light ambiant in one mission
- Using HD textures with more color than 256 (with also Alpha Channel for transparent ones)
- Better particles system
- Better Corona system
- Bloom effect on lights
- Multiplayer
There are certainly things I forgot to mention but I think I just quoted the essential ones... and I have to say even if it's a lot of features I quoted... that's indeed very technical and I'm not sure every author can afford joining a contest like this... :rolleyes:
fortuni on 14/1/2022 at 19:51
thanks for that list Firemage, seriously informative.
I didn't realise Squirrel script was a Newdark feature, but I wouldn't dare suggest we include ‘best use of squirrel' as a criteria for this contest.
But maybe Fog, Ambient, Particles, Corona and Bloom could somehow be included in the restrictions.
Authors could make any type of mission they wanted, regardless of size, using or not using custom objects, but a primary voting criteria would be based on looks, lighting and ambient mood. Such a open style contest would allow complete freedom of choice for authors with the winner chosen on the overall good looks of the mission and the mood it invokes in players. This would celebrate Newdark abilities without restricting authors in their preferred mission style.
vfig on 14/1/2022 at 20:09
what if instead of a vague newdark theme, we do a multiplayer mission contest? would celebrate a huge feature of the most recent newdark release, and provides a fresh new angle on missions for builders to sink their teeth into.
trefoilknot on 14/1/2022 at 21:19
Quote Posted by vfig
what if instead of a vague newdark theme, we do a multiplayer mission contest? would celebrate a huge feature of the most recent newdark release, and provides a fresh new angle on missions for builders to sink their teeth into.
I dig this idea, but is the latest multiplayer release stable enough for this? I thought it was still pretty buggy (maybe I'm working from old intel?)
