LudumData

New Here, Looking Forward to my First Ludum Dare

[raw] LD25Uncategorized 27. Nov 2012 · 22:09 UTC · 16 days before compo start by Gravity Games · 1

Hi, Gravity Games here, and I can’t wait until the next Ludum Dare! I do however have a few questions about the rules if you don’t mind.

1) I saw in the rules that we ARE allowed to use base code if its mentioned before the dare, but how far would be considered base? Like, a basic routine to open a window and draw graphics? A basic engine with a level editor (though I’m assuming that this would be a little bit too far to be considered a base).

2) Continuing the above question, I have a level format that I tend to use for every project I start. I was wondering if it would be okay to copy and paste the same code that reads these files, or would I have to recode the same format from scratch. Or would I have to make a completely new format entirely?

3) Continuing from the level format question, I already have a level editor for this format. Is it against the rules to use this level editor presuming I use the same level format? If so, would it be acceptable to program a new editor, or should I just type in the levels with a text editor?

4) Is it against the rules to submit a game to the dare, continue to work on it for the rest of the hours of the jam, and then resubmit it for the jam?

5) Finally, I’ve never completed a game before (not 100% anyway), much less in 48 hours. Quite obviously this is a big challenge for me, so how would I start practicing? Would you recommend going to past ludum dares and completing them, or is there an ongoing challenge I can use for practice?

Tags: help, question, questions, tips

Comments

27. Nov 2012 · 23:42 UTC
Well, I don’t know much on the subject, (This is going to be my first ludum dare too), but I’m pretty sure the level editor would be ok, since people have been using sfxr(Quick sound effects program) quite a lot recently.
tunnel
28. Nov 2012 · 02:43 UTC
sfxr is available for anyone and made for ludum dare so its alloud. If your level editor is available to someone like me to use, along with the code to load it(if you want to use your same code) and you announce this I think its fine, though I haven’t succeeded in many ludum dares so I can’t be sure. Minor base code is probably fine also, depending how far it goes.
Gravity Games
28. Nov 2012 · 11:20 UTC
@tunnel Well, since there’s no GUI, and its made specifically for my stage format, I don’t really see a point unless people are willing to use the same format and are really patient in learning how it works (I doubt its really an optimized format due to being simply a text file with a bunch of values…). However, I was planning on releasing a version with GUI along with my main project anyway, so I guess it could be updated from the strangled, tangled mess that it is now when that happens.
Nsmurf
28. Nov 2012 · 17:21 UTC
1.) I think that almost all base code is allowed, but I’m not sure. For example:
tunnel
28. Nov 2012 · 20:21 UTC
update to my answer:

its not so much so people can use it… one of the special exceptions of the rules states

“Base code and personal code libraries are allowed, but should be declared and shared with the community prior to beginning your entry. To do this, make a blog post.”

which would mean you would need to release your map loader for your game, but not your mapper. Reading through the rules I think that stays yours. but I want to know more about your map file now.
goerp
01. Dec 2012 · 16:33 UTC
The previous LD was my first. I didn’t set out for the jam but had so little content I continued and submitted for the Jam.

But I think you should AIM to make your game in 48 hours. If you have the Jam in the back of your mind as backup, it will be less likely you can finish in 48 hours.

The game probably wont be 100%, but that goes for most games that are entered. You can always continue afterwards (and maybe use it for the october challenge).