based on the idea mentioned in this thread thread I'd like to create a cooperative community project where we create a (of if successful more than 1 ;)) tileset for the ohrrpgce engine that we can use in our projects.
But before I'll fire the starting shot in a new thread I'd like to discuss a few aspects with you:Maybe we could do it as some sort of "chain thread":
The first participant creates an empty tileset with just a floor tile, walls and corners and posts it on the forum.
Additionally he/she creates a room out of them and adds an image of the complete room (1:1 ratio) to the thread too.
Then the next participants have a reference for creating assets harmonizing with the art style of the previous posters. They then create some assets on their own, add the new tiles to the existing tileset and post it together with a modified version of the room with their own assets included.
-> License
For simplicity I think we should use CC-0 as a license.
This enables everyone to use the tileset in both commercial and noncommercial games without the need to mention any names.
-> File type
This is something I'm quite unsure about.
1) bmp-file
The easiest would be a plain bmp-file with magenta coloured background. It could be easily attached to each forum post and downloaded when needed.
But with freedom comes responsibility. The image could be edited in any drawing application so there could arise problems with save formats, used colours and the worst if someone accidentally shifts the grid by just one pixel all following tiles could get broken.
2) rpg-file
A *.rpg file would ensure everyone uses the same colour palette. No one can accidentally mess around with tilesize or save format and it is easy to create a tilemap out of the tileset to see how the single tiles fit together.
But since the forum doesn't allow *.rpg-files as an attachment we would have to rely on third party filehosters (like Dropbox) but the files would be prone to get lost over time there.
If we use Bitbucket for the exchange we would not only have the benefit to keep every version of the tileset but also create a resource for everyone even outside of the ohrrpgce community.
But I fear that using a version control system could scare away some participants since using git and creating a pull request is something one has to learn before using it.
Also a *rpg file wouldn't be very useful for people outside of the ohrrpgce community.
3) Gimp xcf-file
Gimp supports indexed colour pallets, grids and has layers for arranging the different tiles and is free software that everyone can use. In conjunction with Bitbucket it would be easier for others to access the tilesets.
But the hosting issue is the same as with the rpg-file.
Personally I tend to go the *.rpt / Bitbucket way. If in doubt participants could mail me their work an I create a pull request for them.
But I'd like to hear your opinions on this. Maybe someone comes up with a better idea.