LudumData

Can a Ludum Dare game be part of a “franchise”?

[raw] LD24LD #24 11. Aug 2012 · 11:23 UTC · 12 days before compo start by Gaeel · 0

When I say “franchise”, I don’t mean a big commercial entity or anybody else’s property, what I actually mean by that question, is: “Would a Ludum Dare game that ties into a backstory or universe I have already created be considered within the rules?”

A little example to illustrate my point :

I’m currently working on a tabletop roleplaying game and a card game within a science-fiction universe I created, for the moment the working title is “Neurohack: Legacy” and “Neurohack: Mercenaries” (I found out that “Neurohack” is already something else, so I’ll change that soon, but I’m still calling it Neurohack as I play test the games with my friends).

Suppose I make a shooty game of some description for a Ludum dare competition, would giving it the Neurohack backstory and lore be considered against the rules, and if it isn’t, how do you feel about the idea?

(Note that I don’t have any specific game ideas for Neurohack yet beyond the fact that you’ll be shooting things with futuristic weapons and armor, so if I were to make a Neurohack themed LD entry, all gameplay mechanics would be built from the ground up.)

Comments

Axelhein
11. Aug 2012 · 13:01 UTC
As long as you make all the code and assets during the compo you should be fine
JH
11. Aug 2012 · 13:11 UTC
I think it is ok as long as you explain the backstory in the game and nobody is forced to play the other titles to understand what’s going on.

But then again it is a small but unfair advantage compared to the other participants who have to come up with a full story within the time limit.

My general suggestion for ‘Is it against the rules?’-kind of questions is: Don’t do it if you don’t have to.
11. Aug 2012 · 13:19 UTC
It does sound borderline illegitimate.
sorceress
11. Aug 2012 · 14:39 UTC
My interpretation the rules is like this:
Puzzlem00n
11. Aug 2012 · 16:55 UTC
I personally don’t think it should give you too much of a problem. It isn’t really that much different from having an idea for a game mechanic and then adapting it to the theme during the compo, which many competitors do often. Like the others said, as long as you aren’t using it to promote the other games, it’s fine.
Gaeel
12. Aug 2012 · 00:53 UTC
I just want to point out that I don’t actually intend to do this, I was just wondering about the notion.

I may end up doing it, but I most probably come up with something new as it is more fun.
dr_soda
12. Aug 2012 · 23:29 UTC
I don’t see a problem with it, personally. It’s no different in my mind than people who have a burning gameplay idea that they really want to tackle, and who want to find a way to wrap it around the given theme.