10 replies to this topic

[Geminidragon]

Any one know or can make a template for a game like Space: Glory Through Conquest? I've tried but I continue to fail each attempt. So, I'm hoping to find a template for a similar game so all I need to do is put in the sprites and variable values. Any ideas?

Reference to the game: http://spacegtc.com/

Like that one except instead of each tick being 1 hr make it into a turn based multiplayer game you can play with a friend on a single computer.

[Meganinja]

Any one know or can make a template for a game like Space: Glory Through Conquest? I've tried but I continue to fail each attempt. So, I'm hoping to find a template for a similar game so all I need to do is put in the sprites and variable values. Any ideas?

Reference to the game: http://spacegtc.com/

Like that one except instead of each tick being 1 hr make it into a turn based multiplayer game you can play with a friend on a single computer.

If you want a game carefully made for you just to change the graphics on it, than you better do one of three things.
1-get a whole lot of money and pay someone to do it.
2-learn to do it yourself or by getting help on small features at a time (I know this sounds insane).
3-redecide and instead make a team request (in the proper forum) where you look for a programmer/designer and offer to make graphics for this type of game if they program it, showing what you are capable of making yourself (not what you are capable of stealing from other games).

In other words, you probably aren't going to get someone to make this game for you unless you are actually an active part of making the game too. That means you don't just take it at the final moment and quickly throw a bunch of stolen sprites into it. It also means that you actually make your own graphics, are actually part of the creation process they go through, and they get the credit they deserve for what they do.

Ask yourself this: would you spend weeks, months, or possibly even years of work on something you are just going to give to one random person on the internet for free when it's all done, to use however they pleased?

Also note that games like this are usually copyrighted. Making an exact replica with different variable values and graphics is not going to fly well if the original creators of the game find out about it. Finally, this forum is about Game Ideas and Design. That doesn't mean designing games for anyone who asks. In fact, I apologize if I'm mistaken, but I don't think there is a forum dedicated to that here.

Edited by Meganinja, 11 June 2012 - 05:44 AM.

[Geminidragon]

Any one know or can make a template for a game like Space: Glory Through Conquest? I've tried but I continue to fail each attempt. So, I'm hoping to find a template for a similar game so all I need to do is put in the sprites and variable values. Any ideas?

Reference to the game: http://spacegtc.com/

Like that one except instead of each tick being 1 hr make it into a turn based multiplayer game you can play with a friend on a single computer.

If you want a game carefully made for you just to change the graphics on it, than you better do one of three things.
1-get a whole lot of money and pay someone to do it.
2-learn to do it yourself or by getting help on small features at a time (I know this sounds insane).
3-redecide and instead make a team request (in the proper forum) where you look for a programmer/designer and offer to make graphics for this type of game if they program it, showing what you are capable of making yourself (not what you are capable of stealing from other games).

In other words, you probably aren't going to get someone to make this game for you unless you are actually an active part of making the game too. That means you don't just take it at the final moment and quickly throw a bunch of stolen sprites into it. It also means that you actually make your own graphics, are actually part of the creation process they go through, and they get the credit they deserve for what they do.

Ask yourself this: would you spend weeks, months, or possibly even years of work on something you are just going to give to one random person on the internet for free when it's all done, to use however they pleased?

Also note that games like this are usually copyrighted. Making an exact replica with different variable values and graphics is not going to fly well if the original creators of the game find out about it. Finally, this forum is about Game Ideas and Design. That doesn't mean designing games for anyone who asks. In fact, I apologize if I'm mistaken, but I don't think there is a forum dedicated to that here.

1.) Don't have the money or I would do that.
2.) Gave up on that a while ago. Mostly because people don't tend to want to be very helpful. Partly because I'm just not good at programming even with proper help. Hence why I tried using this program, which is disappointing because it still requires programming which is basically the opposite of what it is advertised as.
3.) I figured I may have been in the wrong forum but I'm new here so I wasn't sure. Game ideas is what I read and thought if I had an idea for a game this is where I posted it. My bad there. =/

Wasn't expecting to but figured it was worth asking. Like I said I'm not a programmer so I don't know how difficult it would be for an actual programmer to whip up a simple template. However, I'm not sure if you're intentionally implying that I was intending on stealing sprites or something but seriously... I never even remotely said anything along those lines. Don't be so quick to assume things XP

I'm not looking to get recognized or money with it, just a fun game to play with a friend. But yes I do understand your point and had considered it before hand. Like I said though I'm not trying to make money off of it or get recognized. Also, wasn't asking for the same exact thing, I was asking for a template that I could use to put my own sprites and numbers into. There is a big difference.

Not worried about copy right because none of what I asked about is stealing. I asked for a template to make my own game in a way that is similar to the design of that game. Not an exact replica.

Any way, despite your overly unnecessary and mostly misplaced tongue lashing, thanks for your reply. I guess.

Okay I need to edit this because I keep reading your reply and it feels more and more like each time you're putting words in my mouth. I don't know if you misread something or something but seriously... reading comprehension or a simple question could have cleared the matter up without insinuating things that aren't at all true. The *only* thing I may have done wrong was post this in the wrong forum. Even that was a simple mistake due to being new to the site. Really don't appreciate the tone of your reply.

Edited by Geminidragon, 11 June 2012 - 06:51 AM.

[Meganinja]

I do apologize for being a little bit rude. By the way, I was not trying to insinuate that you were planning on stealing graphics from other games when you got the template. I just wanted to let you know that if you planned on doing a team request, that you will need to be actually doing the graphics yourself if you want to be taken seriously by any programmer that you are trying to get to make a whole game.

Also, I understand that yes, programming is hard. I have been programming in gamemaker off and on for around eight years now, and I still don't really feel like I'm that great of a programmer. It takes a lot perseverance and effort, but it can be done. And people on this forum are generally very helpful if you ask questions that don't involve extreme basics or completely making things for someone. I have had questions of my own in the past and seen many people with successful answers to their questions. It is okay if programming is not for you, but quitting because nobody will help you insinuates that you are looking for help in the wrong places or asking questions without doing your own research first (or maybe it's just bad luck?). So I hope there is a better reason than that for quitting.

Anyways, if you are good with graphics and plan on doing your own, you should visit the team request forum, as you might be able to find some help there, or if you are very lucky, maybe there is a programmer already making a similar game that is looking for an artist. If you aren't good with some element of game creation, than I don't know what to tell you.

Finally, I'm sorry I misunderstood that you didn't want the game to be the same, but the way you describe it does insinuate a knockoff with nothing but changed sprites and edited variables.

Edit: Also, I do have a knack for way over-analyzing things. So sorry that my post came off wrong and as insinuating many things. What I was really trying to do was go through the possibilities and to make everything clear (obviously I failed at the latter).

Edited by Meganinja, 11 June 2012 - 07:09 AM.

[Geminidragon]

All cool. I wouldn't have a problem helping but the problem is that I really just am not any good at it. I have tried for a long time but I've made little to no progress =/ Trying Game Maker was pretty much my desperate attempt to solving my problem =/ But yeah, like I said I'm really not trying to get any kind of recognition here. Would be pointless since I don't have the kind of skills the would be appreciated here. Also, not a whole game, just a template lol.

I've only been using GM for ... maybe a week I think. I liked it at first but as I got further into it I began to become disappointed by the lack of some things. As an example, I would have though that of all things a simple way of putting in a user input box would be simple but I gave up on that as well because it again requires programming. I have had an overall pleasant experience with the people on this site. A bit of bad luck for sure but mostly just tired of trying and failing. The only game I've yet to "complete" with "programming" is a Stock Trader game in Python which is basically as simple as it gets. When it comes to ideas, they comes to me in torrents but it's frustrating because I don't have an outlet for the ideas. Best I can do is write them on paper and imagine how they would work in an actual game.

Oh no, I absolutely suck at graphics XD But I'm not trying to make a graphically demanding game. But yeah This is just the point. I feel like I should just give up because when it comes to the actual creation process I just don't have the aptitude for it. I'm an ideas guy, not a programmer =/

Yeah I can understand the confusion. I The idea I have was very similar to the game I referenced but these days basically all games are the same rehashed ideas with different variables and graphics. But no I have my own ideas for what I wanted to do with it. Copying a game is actually the exact opposite of what I want to do. Like I said I have plenty of my own ideas it's just getting them into a game that I've had the problem with. Copying another game wouldn't do anything to solve my problem. If I had the resources I would make something entirely of my own design but I was going for simplicity and I thought if I used the template of another game it would be easier to get it started. Then I could grow from there and turn it into my own work. With the help of others of course.

Haha... well I can't blame you there since I do exactly the same thing I read your post a dozen times analyzing it trying to decide if you really were trying to be a jerk, misunderstood my intentions or what ever else lol. No, no you didn't fail. I did get the answer I was looking for it was just the tone that bugged me. And again I really wasn't expecting someone to pop in and be like hey yeah I'll do that for ya! lol I was just kind of hoping XD Being my last ditch effort and all.

But yes thank you, and sorry if I get a little overly defensive myself, for your reply. Now that I don't feel like I'm being given the third degree

Not to sounds pessimistic but yes I think I am just going to give up the idea of creating my own game. As I said I've got the ideas but I don't have the skills or resources to do anything with them without... well basically without charity from others. Normally I wouldn't even consider asking for charity but again as I said it was a last ditch effort. I'll stick to playing with my paper and pencil for now =D If I ever win the lottery or something though betchur butt you'll see me again though XD


Edit: Wow that got long XD Guess I'll consider that my early farewell letter haha

Edited by Geminidragon, 11 June 2012 - 07:30 AM.

[Meganinja]

Don't worry, you weren't overly defensive, you gave me the information I needed to make myself clear to you.

The way I see things, the most important thing in life is being happy. If programming or drawing graphics or concepts of some sort doesn't make you happy, it's probably not worth it to do. But it is worth noting that you have only spent a week with GameMaker. If you are willing, maybe you should give it some more time and see how things play out. If you don't, that's fine too. The important thing is that you do what makes you happy. And don't try to bite off more than you can chew by doing complex projects first. It's best if you start off making easy small programs and to go through simple online tutorials until you learn the basics. Then when you feel comfortable with the basics, make a small and simple game with an original element or two, and gradually do larger projects as you learn to handle them.

Anyways, good luck on what you choose throughout your life. I don't think there would be anything wrong with posting your ideas in this forum, as long as you aren't trying too hard to get someone to make them. Just explain them, and then at the end of the idea mention that anyone is welcome to use this idea for a game if they credit you for the base idea and let you know when it's done so you can try it. Actually, if your ideas are good, than it could be a pretty awesome thing. If they are truly amazing, someone might even contact you to design a game for them. It'll take a whole lot more detailed information than "similar to game X" though. And you would have to be explicit that the goal of posting is to share your ideas and not to try to get people to make the game for you so you can add sprites to it. But I would like seeing posts if they are explaining unique game ideas, even if they aren't actually being made at the time.

[Geminidragon]

Don't worry, you weren't overly defensive, you gave me the information I needed to make myself clear to you.

The way I see things, the most important thing in life is being happy. If programming or drawing graphics or concepts of some sort doesn't make you happy, it's probably not worth it to do. But it is worth noting that you have only spent a week with GameMaker. If you are willing, maybe you should give it some more time and see how things play out. If you don't, that's fine too. The important thing is that you do what makes you happy. And don't try to bite off more than you can chew by doing complex projects first. It's best if you start off making easy small programs and to go through simple online tutorials until you learn the basics. Then when you feel comfortable with the basics, make a small and simple game with an original element or two, and gradually do larger projects as you learn to handle them.

Anyways, good luck on what you choose throughout your life. I don't think there would be anything wrong with posting your ideas in this forum, as long as you aren't trying too hard to get someone to make them. Just explain them, and then at the end of the idea mention that anyone is welcome to use this idea for a game if they credit you for the base idea and let you know when it's done so you can try it. Actually, if your ideas are good, than it could be a pretty awesome thing. If they are truly amazing, someone might even contact you to design a game for them. It'll take a whole lot more detailed information than "similar to game X" though. And you would have to be explicit that the goal of posting is to share your ideas and not to try to get people to make the game for you so you can add sprites to it. But I would like seeing posts if they are explaining unique game ideas, even if they aren't actually being made at the time.

Well good I'm glad. I know I do tend to assume people are out to be jerks on the internet. Though, to be fair, a lot of people on the internet *are* out to be jerks lol. You are absolutely right though. That is something people seem to forget too. If you're not happy with something you're doing then stop doing it. If I had the skills I'm sure I would enjoy programming, I know I would since the few succsses I've had with it were gratifying. Having the bug that is messing up your program and then finally finding it, figuring out how to fix it is a great feeling. Problem is is that it's far and few between for me lol. Starting simple was the idea but seeing as that gives me so much trouble I don't see things getting any less bleak for me =/

Actually, I think I do like this idea. Don't really care for credit but if someone was interested enough to do that I would be happy just having something designed around my ideas. Yeah, I would definitely have to hammer out more details for that haha I think I'll give that a go. I usually keep most of my ideas in my head so I'll have to take some time to actually type them major points all out. Now, just to be clear, when I am finished and ready to post it, which forum should I put it in? lol

[Meganinja]

Though, to be fair, a lot of people on the internet *are* out to be jerks lol

Agreed! That was probably what caused my initial reaction as well. To be even more fair I think we both did start out a bit rude, with you basically asking someone to make a game for you and me replying with a little bit too much spite and sarcasm, something I think I will work on avoiding now.

Having the bug that is messing up your program and then finally finding it, figuring out how to fix it is a great feeling

Sure is frustrating till the problem is finally gone. But the frustration of trying to fix a problem is part of what makes it such a joy when it finally works as intended. =D

Actually, I think I do like this idea. Don't really care for credit but if someone was interested enough to do that I would be happy just having something designed around my ideas. Yeah, I would definitely have to hammer out more details for that haha I think I'll give that a go. I usually keep most of my ideas in my head so I'll have to take some time to actually type them major points all out. Now, just to be clear, when I am finished and ready to post it, which forum should I put it in? lol

This forum is fine, I think, as long as you are not directly trying to get someone to make the game. Hopefully a Moderator will correct me if I'm wrong. You could probably find similar forums on many different sites as well if you wanted to expand your audience to other programs and languages than Game Maker. You never know though, doing this may make you find renewed interest in the finer details of game creation. If you don't want to program or do graphics, being a story-writer is also always a possibility.

[Yal]

if you ask questions that don't involve extreme basics or completely making things for someone.

This is exactly why I hate noobs. Good wording.



I was gonna close this when I read the first posts, but then it turned out pretty well. My advice: MAKE SIMPLER GAMES FIRST. You can't fly before you know how to land safely, and of course you gotta learn how to flap your wings before you try to take off from a building roof.

By the way, you're asking for a REALLLLLLLLY bloody damn impossible thing. A complete game with multiplayer support... if someone does that, they won't release it as a template; they'll sell it and make sequels using the engine.


Anyway, so about making simple games first:

- Start out making a Super Mario Bros.3 fangame [or a similar style game using your own characters]. Mimicking the jumping, most of the platforms/obstacles and enemies is fairly straightforward, but the 8 world maps and the player power-up inventory are pretty big challenges that you'll learn and benefit a lot from.
- When you're done with that, great! You've likely learned a lot. Tip: for moving platforms, you'd not use hspeed/vspeed directly, you'd use custom speed variables. That way you can move them exactly when you want to, which should be just BEFORE all other moving objects (players and enemies who can ride on them) move. Also, of course you check for stuff that'd be riding on you (or shoved around by you) and move them at the same speed you'd move before you move yourself, to avoid stuff getting stuck in you.

If you make a good world map (maybe with saving and Continue checkpoints that lets you restart a world from scratch at game over, but with shortcuts unlocked still being active), moving platforms, a player item inventory and a bunch of power-ups like flying and shooting, you've learned a lot of useful stuff.


As the next game, since you're looking into making a multiplayer game, I'd recommend some simple multiplayer game. Maybe do that Pong game that's in the Multiplayer tutorial, but replace the pong game with, say, a co-op Space Invaders where invaders spawn at the center of the screen and start to move towards the edges, and you gotta shoot them before they reach you.


When you've mastered that (making sure the same Space Invaders are alive on both players' screens may be quite a challenge!) you've learned a lot, and now you might start to make a more complex multiplayer game, such as the one you outlined originally.

[Geminidragon]

Though, to be fair, a lot of people on the internet *are* out to be jerks lol

Agreed! That was probably what caused my initial reaction as well. To be even more fair I think we both did start out a bit rude, with you basically asking someone to make a game for you and me replying with a little bit too much spite and sarcasm, something I think I will work on avoiding now.

Having the bug that is messing up your program and then finally finding it, figuring out how to fix it is a great feeling

Sure is frustrating till the problem is finally gone. But the frustration of trying to fix a problem is part of what makes it such a joy when it finally works as intended. =D

Actually, I think I do like this idea. Don't really care for credit but if someone was interested enough to do that I would be happy just having something designed around my ideas. Yeah, I would definitely have to hammer out more details for that haha I think I'll give that a go. I usually keep most of my ideas in my head so I'll have to take some time to actually type them major points all out. Now, just to be clear, when I am finished and ready to post it, which forum should I put it in? lol

This forum is fine, I think, as long as you are not directly trying to get someone to make the game. Hopefully a Moderator will correct me if I'm wrong. You could probably find similar forums on many different sites as well if you wanted to expand your audience to other programs and languages than Game Maker. You never know though, doing this may make you find renewed interest in the finer details of game creation. If you don't want to program or do graphics, being a story-writer is also always a possibility.

Agreed. It's too easy to get too quickly angry on the internet =/ Though, we are all just human =/ lol

Yep, back when I was finishing up my stocks game in python I remember spending three days trying to figure out what a problem was, then another 3 trying to figure out away around it. It's frustrating but a good puzzle is always appreciated. Assuming you can finish it that is. Otherwise it's just frustrating lol.

"This is exactly why I hate noobs." This is exactly why I hate elitists. When ever I see a comment like that on the internet I facepalm and lose that much more faith in humanity. I look down upon people who look down upon others who are not as skilled as them in a particular area of expertise before I would ever get snobby with someone for not being as skilled as me at any particular area of expertise(Yeah, bring it on grammar nazis ). Though, to each their own right? I'll stick with Meganinjas advice any way though so thanks. I honestly don't believe I am capable of developing a game even as simple as a SMB like game =/

Just for clarity. I actually went to ITT Tech for a year for computer programming. Dropped out because I couldn't keep up. Though I did pick up the basics of programming in Python I haven't been able to advance my skill in that even though I've attempted to work on my own projects for over 3 years now on and off with it. I was hoping GM would make things a bit easier but I've experienced the same mental block on learning even the slightly more than basis basics of it. I've mastered making buttons that take me from room to room pretty much in the week I've been using it XD

So yeah, I really do appreciate the advice and I do apologize for my less than perfect demeanor but as I said earlier, I am just human after all lol. Oh, and it's almost 7 here and I haven't slept a wink all night DX Bein a bit more grouchy than normal I am sure

Edit: One more thing. The last thing I would want to do is rip off ZeroSum games. Space:GTC was my first favorite online multiplayer game and I still enjoy playing it today. Even though it is a free to play game I have bought basic membership time simply with the purpose of supporting them. But yeah okay I really think I ought to go to bed now.

Edited by Geminidragon, 11 June 2012 - 10:40 AM.

[Meganinja]

I honestly don't believe I am capable of developing a game even as simple as a SMB like game =/

The question isn't whether you are capable, as practically anyone is capable of something like this. It's whether it's worth the amount of effort it might take you or whether you are motivated enough to do it in the first place. Don't downsize your capabilities as a person, as people aren't really as different as you might think. Instead, think about what you would be most happy putting your energy into.

By the way, I found the forum rules for Game Ideas and Design (they were in the obvious place that I didn't really expect them to be, on the top of the screen in the forum) and part of it says this:

Please DO NOT post topics like these:

• Advertisements for your game - If your game exists, post it in the WIP forum. If it does not exist, don't advertise it.
• Gimmicks such as competitions and contests - Attention-grabbing tricks are annoying.
• Questions like "What would you like in 'X' type of game?"...or..."Would you play 'X' type of game?" - Don't ask others to design your game for you. Instead, describe your own ideas and then ask for suggestions.
• Just offering ideas for other member - These topics don't encourage discussions. Instead, advertise for your idea-making talents in your signature.
• Questions like "Has somebody made a....?" or "Is this game possible?" - If you're looking for a game, Game Jolt, TIGdb, FreeIndieGam.es, Pixel Prospector and YoYo Games are good places to start searches.

So I guess according to the bold point it's not technically okay just to post your ideas. If you post them here, you actually need to be looking for specific feedback. Although I am sure there are other forums on other sites that would allow you to post your ideas for others just for the sake of it. Personally, I think it's a pretty stupid rule, but I'm not a Moderator or a rule-maker, so my authority doesn't really matter here. So if you post any ideas here, make sure you ask for specific feedback.

Edited by Meganinja, 12 June 2012 - 08:37 AM.