Heart of the OHR Contest 2012

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Pepsi Ranger
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Heart of the OHR Contest 2012

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Heart of the OHR Contest

2012 Edition

Yes, the time has finally come. Congratulations to those who have been waiting for it.

A Brief History as Written in 2010:
HotOHR 2010 Thread wrote:It seems that as times change, interests start moving in new directions, and the things that first captured our hearts and attention about indie-RPG design had since faded into obscurity.

Toward the end of the ‘90s and the early part of this decade [2000s], RPGs were king, and were incidentally, the only thing the OHR was capable of making. And then, as the decade continued, RPGs became less common, less desired, and soon the rate of releases made on the engine went from a sprint to a crawl.

Then, in about 2006 or 2007, the limits of the OHR began to change, and new life formed. Sidescrollers were now not only possible, but easier to make. Puzzle games, menu-based games, and even street fighting games were beginning to surface in droves throughout the course of three years. And during this time the course of the OHR RPG began to fall. RPGs were released on occasion, but the presence of one became rare, and almost surprising. And even then, the likelihood of it being a joke game was high. No, the integrity of the epic vacation gave way to a cheap day-trip, and by 2009 the nature of the RPG had become nearly absent.

[In June 2010], Surlaw and I were discussing the disappointment of creating huge games, which translates to many, many hours of development time (read: three years or more for some games), that people refuse to play because it requires them to fight random battles (that aren’t titillating 100% of the time), or read text (of any length), or spend more than a few hours of game time in order to finish it. Authors who put the level of time and attention that goes into a quality game, just to have it go unplayed because of an unwillingness to read (for example), are highly disheartened, and certain OHR gems have gone unfinished because the author experiences What’s-the-Point? Syndrome.

This, of course, has contributed to the huge decline of RPGs—and especially in the quality RPGs—in our opinion, and that should be shocking when one considers we’re a community focused on an RPG making engine.

Even James Paige once expressed a slight disappointment in the gradual reduction of games that actually use the default features to, you know, make an RPG.

That is what the OHRRPGCE was made for.

Now, this isn’t to knock the surge in alternative gaming styles. I loved Slimes. The games released for the 2009 8-Bit Contest were brilliant. But look at how many good RPGs came out in 2009. Okedoke, and, um….

It’s hard to say whether the modern RPG is dying or just in a slump, but we’d like to see this giant of yesteryear make at least one more stand in the community. So, I am proposing the “Heart of the OHR Contest,” which is a contest, quite simply, about making the best RPGs we can make with the engine that brought us here in the first place.
Rules:

-Must be an RPG. This is a zero rule. What categorizes as an RPG can be left open for debate, but at the end of the day it must be an RPG. In 2010, we saw one game stretch the limit of what we considered acceptable (Do You Want to Be a Hero?). For a complete list of the games that made the cut in 2010, consult the following link:

http://rpg.hamsterrepublic.com/ohrrpgce ... of_the_OHR

-NonRPGs not permitted. (See Above)

-Joke games not permitted (though funny ones are okay).

-Special scripting is okay (as long as it doesn't turn the RPG into a nonRPG).

-Game must have at least 30 minutes of playtime with a good chunk of that devoted to story (in other words, 30 minutes without level grinding).

-Updates to previous RPGs permitted.

-Updates to previous RPGs need at least 30 minutes of new content to be eligible. Changing a textbox to an old two-hour game and re-releasing it doesn’t make it eligible.

-Fan games and parodies discouraged, but not forbidden. Original stories preferred.

RPG Release Categories:

In 2010 every entry was lumped into the same category and judged under the same conditions regardless of originality versus the rereleased. This year I am altering the rules slightly to accommodate for release types.

Original Games:

These are the games that have never been publicly released prior to June 1, 2012. These are the easiest to judge since the ground is fresh. We had eight original entries in 2010, including the Game of the Year winner, Motrya. The winner of this category will get the top prizes.

Rereleased Games:

These games have been unleashed on the community before June 1, 2012, and are making a second life appearance in the Heart of the OHR Contest. These will receive most of the same basic prizes as the original games, but cash prizes may not be as readily available. Any original game that was released for the 2010 contest will automatically default to this category if reentered for 2012. In 2010 we had four rereleased games.

OHR Legends:

This special category is reserved for the games that have been released prior to July 1, 2010, and resubmitted as Heart of the OHR entries that same year. Right now there are four games eligible for this category: Vikings of Midgard, Do You Want to Be a Hero?, Okedoke, and Tales of the New World II. Should any of these games be submitted this year, they will automatically default to the OHR Legends category. These games will only receive one prize.

Release Dates:

Unlike traditional contests, “Heart of the OHR” will not require a start time or an end time per se. Rather, this will adopt the “release window” technique made popular with Game-a-thon, in that any RPG released within the window is eligible (provided it meets the above standards).

Window begins June 1st and ends November 30th.

I will allow a one-week grace period for bug-fixing. Entries must be ready for voting by December 7th.

All deadlines will expire at 6am EST the following day.

Voting:

Voting will run from December 16 - December 31 (I'll extend this to a few extra days in January if any holiday vacationers need the extra time.)

Note that I will not close voting until I have a minimum of 10 votes, so if the deadline comes and goes and I have fewer than that, voting will remain open until the minimum is met. I want all contestants to have a fair playthrough and comment/critique/score for their games.

The way we handle votes will likely change from the 2010 contest. I am still considering an alternative method from the previous way.

For full details on how it used to be, consult the following post:

http://www.slimesalad.com/forum/viewtop ... 1778#71778

To see an ongoing discussion about what voting may become, consult this post:

http://www.slimesalad.com/forum/viewtop ... 9911#89911

Prizes:

Because RPGs are harder to come by these days (especially in contests), I thought it’s only fair to combat the odds with prizes that don’t suck. Therefore, various members of the community have agreed to give special bonuses to entrants and the winner.

Just by entering a game into the contest, the contestant will get to choose a bugfix or feature request to be put on the December 1st bug bounty. The winner will get to choose a second bug or feature request to be implemented ASAP (pending feasibility). Because the window is so large, James has agreed that no request is unreasonable at this time.

Here’s how it works:

During a time frame decided on by James, you may post your bugfix or feature request here so that he can start working toward implementing it. You may only choose one, so pick wisely. Once you choose your request, you are then expected to release a quality RPG (fitting the above standards) by November 30th to receive your entry prize. The prize, of course, is a ransom for the bug or feature request you posted here if it’s not implemented by December 1st. If your bug is not fixed by the deadline, then you get whatever James decides to pay for ransoms. And that’s just for entering the contest! The winner will get to request a second bugfix or feature once the votes are in.

Note: James is in charge of how the bug bounty system works, including what to pay out for failure to implement, and when requests will no longer be accepted. For questions regarding this prize, please ask him for clarification.

You may view the current requests here:

http://rpg.hamsterrepublic.com/ohrrpgce ... tBugs_2012

And the old archival requests here:

http://rpg.hamsterrepublic.com/ohrrpgce ... tBugs_2010

All release categories eligible for this prize.

The winner will also get a HamsterSpeak cover devoted to his winning entry or the game of his choice for the January 2013 issue. Artist is unknown at this point, but we’ll happily take volunteers. I’d also, if possible, like to offer the winner a second piece of artwork about his game for the magazine, but only if a second artist volunteers.

Highest ranked game will receive this prize regardless of release category.

Thirdly, the winner will receive either slime bucks or an increase to the stat of his or her choice for the Slime Salad Arena.

Both category winners will receive this prize.

Fourthly, the winning game will be featured for Slime Salad’s game of the month (pending author’s acceptance) for January or February 2013.

Prize eligible for original game category winner only. Rereleased game winner can negotiate for the following month if it doesn't break Game of the Month standards.

Fifthly, if I’m not broke by then, the winner will receive some extra cash as a cherry on top. I’ll determine the amount by then, but it will probably be conditional on the number of games that are actually submitted.

If prize is awarded (I'm usually broke), it will be for original game category winner only.

Sixthly, anyone out there can add to the prize pot if he or she has something to offer, so feel free to help make this into a treasure trove of winnings if you want to, and if you have the resources for it.

Specifically I'd like to see:
-cash prizes
-fan art
-theme song about the winning game(s)

Note: Community member BMR has volunteered to produce fan art for the winning entry.

Seventhly, as an added bonus to the contestants, all entrants will receive a T-shirt, courtesy of Inferior Minion, with the Heart of the OHR, Castle Paradox, Slime Salad, and HamsterSpeak logos branded on the fabric. This way you can celebrate the return of the RPG, and become a walking advertisement!

Note: Although I have confirmed this with IM a couple of months ago, I have not heard a word from him in several weeks, so I am only assuming this prize is still on the table.

Eighthly, community member Momoka is offering bonus prizes to the game that can present the single best dungeon of the contest (per his OHR Dungeon contest, which I think is partly standalone but mostly integrated with this contest). This prize is not given exclusively to the winning entry, but to the one that has the best newly-designed dungeon. I believe this side contest is open to entrants in all three categories. Consult the official thread for rules and details: http://www.slimesalad.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5171

Note: If you would like to add to the prize pot for other specific design features, let me know and I will edit in your offers.

Ninthly, community member Mystic has decided to give $5 to four contestants who meet specific design criteria that he will look for mysteriously. Cross your fingers that you're one of them. Consult this post for specific details: http://www.slimesalad.com/forum/viewtop ... 4629#94629

Special Prize for OHR Legends releases:

Any game categorized as an OHR Legends release will receive a special trophy classifying it as such. This is strictly a prestige award, but it will remind future players of the game's longevity. This trophy will receive "levels" each time it's awarded to a specific game. OHR Legends releases should still meet the 30 minutes of additional game time rule to be eligible for the trophy.

So, as you can see, it would be crazy not to join and make something for the Heart of the OHR Contest, so take the chance. Nominating a bugfix or feature request confirms your intention to join. Just remember that there will be no ransom paid on unresolved bugs if you drop out. So make something and stick with it. Don’t procrastinate, either. Games that don’t meet the above standards will also forfeit the ransom.

Tips:

Release the best game you’re capable of making. The community doesn’t want to see or play throwaway titles anymore. Do your best to make a quality game. While you shouldn’t be intimidated by this, you still need to be aware that games like Wandering Hamster and Motrya are just as capable of making an appearance during the contest window as any game, so make it your best if you want the winning prizes.

Have fun. Please use this thread to post your bugfix or feature requests for James and the developers, and use it to announce your RPG releases starting on June 1st. And I’d appreciate it if this thread were stickied until the end of the year. Thanks.

I will update this thread periodically as new information comes. Good luck, everyone.
Last edited by Pepsi Ranger on Wed Oct 17, 2012 11:11 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Meowskivich
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Post by Meowskivich »

Sounds like a plan, but I'm a bit confused with the whole "James paige and bug fixes" thing.
Are you saying that the winners will get to have James fix the bugs in their games???
Or James gets to decide whether or not you can submit a bugfix?????
Or are you saying James gets to say how long a time they can submit bugfixes?
OR are you saying that we can only submit a bug fix once, and somewhere along the line James Paige gets to do something?!?
I'm royally confused about it, if you would be so nice as to rephrase.
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Post by RMSephy »

The bug fixes aren't for your games, but for the engine itself.

And it's not just for the winner. Anyone who releases a game during this time can request a bug request or feature for James to implement.

James gets to decide how much time he wants to take getting around to fixing the bug or implementing the feature. He also decides how much he'll pay you for compensation if he can't get around to fixing the bug.


On the note of prizes, I'll draw porn for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 8th place winners for this contest. I don't promise it'll be GOOD porn (especially not for 8th place), but I'll draw stuff for you. If we don't get at least eight entries I'll draw something horrible.
Last edited by RMSephy on Fri Jun 01, 2012 2:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Bob the Hamster
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Post by Bob the Hamster »

I do plan to submit an update to Wandering Hamster to the "Rereleased Games" category.

Here is how the bugfix/feature request prizes work:

* You don't have to win the contest, you just have to enter an eligible game into the contest within the time limits

* You can request any OHRRPGCE engine feature or bugfix you want. (but requesting something really difficult doesn't magically make me able to do it)

* I will assign a cash value to each request, small values like $5 for very difficult requests, and larger values like $30 for easy requests. If I fail to implement your request, I will pay you the bounty. (this might happen if there are too many requests, or if some of the requests are too difficult)

* It is silly for two people to request the same bugfix/feature, but if you really want to, I won't stop you (it happened twice in the 2010 contest)

* I will be listing everybody's requests here: http://rpg.hamsterrepublic.com/ohrrpgce ... tBugs_2012 (You can also look at the <a href="http://rpg.hamsterrepublic.com/ohrrpgce ... 2010">2010 version of the same page</a> if you want to see what people requested last time, and what actually got implemented.)

* If I implement your feature or fix your bug before the contest ends, that doesn't mean you get a second request ;)

* The winners of the two categories (New Game, Updated Game) will win an additional request, but don't worry about that until after the voting is over.
Last edited by Bob the Hamster on Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:48 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Post by Meowskivich »

I see I see, makes a lot more sense now. Thank ye.
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Post by Pepsi Ranger »

Just to reiterate important information about the bug bounties, you will need to get your requests in early if you're to expect a fair response. At some point it will be too late to request them, so start thinking about what you want to see the engine fix or accomplish soon. James will eventually have to implement a cut-off date at his discretion.

Going off of the 2010 template, it's a good idea to explain what you want, and what game you plan to submit in order to collect your fix/feature or bounty. (You can change the game if you're working on more than one, of course, but it's nice to have an idea what we can expect come end of November.)

Don't forget, merely announcing a title doesn't guarantee a fix or a bounty. It only gives James something to work toward. Also, regardless of how many titles you have time to submit during the window, you can only collect one fix/feature or bounty for this contest, or two if you win it.

James, you'll have to clarify whether both category winners are eligible for a second request or just the original category winner (assuming you're playing favorites :)). Because the OHR Legends games (assuming we have any) won't be eligible for a vote, they won't be eligible for a second fix, but they can still qualify for the submission bounty (and the T-shirt if IM gets back to me soon) if they're rereleased on time.

Also, a reminder about late entries:

We had two late entries in 2010. Late entries will be accepted into the contest (until as late as December 7th), but will forfeit the paid bug bounties and possibly the T-shirts, though IM was gracious enough to give out T-shirts to the late folks anyway. Make sure you release something by November 30th to keep your entry prizes.
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Post by BMR »

I don't expect to have Legacy fully completed by the deadline, the story is a bit long (yes, it's all plotted out now), and with all the side-quests I have written (not all of these are plotted out, but a few are) I can only expect to have the game playable through the first two, perhaps three acts. Act 1 is finished, and I'm currently going through Act 2.

Is submitting a playable, but incomplete, game permissible if it has over an hour of gameplay? Apologies if this was answered already.
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Post by Baconlabs »

In other words, a demo? We get looots of demos here. I'm sure you'll be fine submitting one. Just do us all a favor and give your not-quite-finished story a decent conclusion, with a not-quite-final cutscene and everything. Don't cut off abruptly with an "end of story" or "demo finished" message.
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Post by Master K »

Ahahaha, HotOHR! I'm definately going to try and enter. I'm going to enter my current WIP, Illusions. At the pace i'm going, Illusions might be finished for the deadline, and qualify. 30 Minutes of story without Level Grinding doesn't seem to be to be so hard to achieve, even though I sort of want some in my game, so that things won't be pushover easy for the player.

I don't want to have to release another bad demo. I've already released many poorly made demos, so I want this game to make an impression.
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Post by Bob the Hamster »

Oops! yes, I edited my post to clarify that the winners in the two categories each get an extra request
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Post by Pepsi Ranger »

Thanks, James. Hopefully we'll have enough contestants this year to make your life difficult. ;)

BMR, I'll echo what Baconlabs told you. You can release your game in any playable state, but it is a smart idea to block it at a reasonable cut-off point if you have the beginnings of a second act but not a conclusion. A few years ago when I released a special preview edition of The Adventures of Powerstick Man: Extended Edition, I blocked passage to more than two-thirds of the game just so the player had a point to safely exit. You can certainly do that if you want to maintain any surprises for a future, more complete release. We'll probably respect you more for doing that, actually.

For anyone who's worried about minimalism, check out 2010's version of Apophenia to see what's still eligible for the contest (if not begrudgingly so). I do want to publicly discourage short games if I can do so without sounding like a jerk, but I will accept them if that's all you'll have time to make. Once again, the rule is "don't procrastinate." I don't give handouts to procrastinators, only to those who are naturally too busy to devote much time to this.

I do hope that none of you need to push the minimum boundaries here. The Heart of the OHR's dream is for more games like Wandering Hamster, Spellshard: The Black Crown of Horgoth, and Motrya. The release window is designed to help you achieve that. But don't pull out of the contest just because you think your game might be too short. I'll let you know if you qualify.
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Post by ncw64 »

I definitely plan on entering a new (hopefully less bad) game this year. The main hope is to keep the gameplay balance similar (I was pleased with how it came out) while improving the graphics. And obviously, it will just be a new game.

@James: I asked multiple times about it last year, but it seems my bugfix (or game, even though it was even made fun of by barnabus!) never made it onto the list for some reason :( i appealed this multiple times, and I understand if it's too late to get it looked at, but I don't really understand how nobody saw ANY of my posts about how I wasn't on the list haha!

Good luck to all the entrants, and this year I definitely intend to play all of the games since I'll be bored in my dorm room! :)
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Post by Stewitus P. »

I plan on entering this year, so Astroman and Landstander can job gloriously to Motrya, Wandering Hamster, and whatever it is Fenrir is going to release.

Although I have one- probably dumb- question. I'm redesigning the dungeon that was already released in the demo. It'll be larger and different and all, but does it count as new, or slightly old?
Last edited by Stewitus P. on Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Bob the Hamster »

ncw64 wrote: asked multiple times about it last year, but it seems my bugfix (or game, even though it was even made fun of by barnabus!) never made it onto the list for some reason :( i appealed this multiple times, and I understand if it's too late to get it looked at, but I don't really understand how nobody saw ANY of my posts about how I wasn't on the list haha!
I remember nothing about this! What was the game, and what was the request? I guess there is no reason I can't fix the situation now :)
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Post by Pepsi Ranger »

Stewie wrote:Although I have one- probably dumb- question. I'm redesigning the dungeon that was already released in the demo. It'll be larger and different and all, but does it count as new, or slightly old?
Hmm, that's an interesting question. Does it add new to the story? If so, how much?

Obviously, if you're adding more to the story anyway, then it won't really matter if the map is new or slightly old. But if you're asking because that's all you're making new, then that'll be trickier to address.

I suppose the best way to answer your question is to use a game like Tales of the New World I as a test case. During the contest window for 2010, MSW188 released Tales I with new graphics, improved gameplay, and so on. He retrofitted his entire game with an updated style. But after much debate I couldn't accept it as an entry because, although it looked newer, it wasn't newer, and it ultimately didn't meet the minimum update requirement.

So, if your changed map significantly alters the way the game is played and adds to the existing story, then I'm more likely to accept it as a rerelease. If you're just making a cosmetic fix that doesn't really change much of anything, then I'll have to reject it until (at least 30 minutes of) new content is added. Hope that clarifies things.
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