24 Hour Game Making Competition

After taking a small a break from club events due to midterms, November 13th marks the return of the 24 Hour Game Making Competition!

The rules are simple:

1. Based on a theme given at the start of the competition, make a game from scratch, using any programming language and/or API (excluding 'game maker' software programs) within 24 hours.
2. Games must be submitted to the club mailing address (uw.gamedevclub[AT]gmail[DOT]com) before the 24 hour deadline. Judges will attempt to run any games, but please provide instructions if the method isn't obvious.

At first, those were the only rules. However, the "from scratch" part of the first rule is a bit hazy, as, unless one were to actually mine for minerals, process those minerals, build a working computer, define a programming language, and then make a game, it technically wouldn't be "from scratch" (and even then, you took those materials from the Earth, cheater!). So, because various programming languages and APIs start at different levels of "scratch", competitors are allowed to use existing code, with two conditions:

1. If a competitor chooses to use pre-existing code, it must not be game-specific. For example, a sound-engine is a valid piece of pre-existing code to use; however, a piece of code that performs a jump action is not. (If you're unsure, send an email).
   
2. All pre-existing code must be emailed to the club mailing address (uw.gamedevclub[AT]gmail[DOT]com) at least 24 hours before the start of the competition, for approval. Approved code will be made freely available to any one on the club mailing list, and must be made freely available to anyone who requests it during the competition.

There is actually no way of us realistically restricting the use of the internet, so we're really relying on the honour system for people not to cheat. Please, don't do it. It's in the competition's, the club's, and ultimately your best interest to play it straight. Thanks in advance.

The festivities begin with the announcement of the theme, on Friday November 13th at 8:00pm in MC 2061. Prizes (in the form of video games) will be given to the competitors with the top games, kindly donated by Electronic Arts.

MC 2061, a computer lab with Linux machines, will be made available for the duration of the competition for competitors wanting to "geek-it-up" with fellow developers for 24 hours (a helluva good time!). However, since we're relying on the honour system anyway, competitors aren't required to stay in MC 2061 for the duration of the competition. Simply submit a game before November 14th at 8:00pm.

In previous years, there were actually people who had never written a game prior to entering, but who did very well in this competition, so even if you feel under-experienced, come on out. It's a great opportunity to get a completed game in your portfolio, and a wonderful chance to hang out with other game developers from all over campus.

So, to recap, the dates:

November 12th - 8:00pm - Deadline for emailing any pre-existing code
November 13th - 8:00pm - Start of the competition; be in MC 2061 to hear the theme
November 14th - 8:00pm - Deadline for competition; make sure to submit before this deadline!

Please note, if your completed game will not fit inside an email attachment (wow, big game!) there will be some form of external storage in MC 2061, where you may copy your game and it will count as submitted.

If you have any questions, please comment, or email the club address. Good luck, and may the best game pwn!

Cheers,
Sherban Gaciu
UW-GDC President