4K Challenge: Model05

ID:607
 
Jun 6 2005, 3:32 am
I'd like to welcome BYOND Version 3.5 and the new Memebers.BYOND section with a 4K Challenge. I figure it's about time we had another one, it's been close to 3 years. So here it is, folks. 4K Challenge: Model05

4K Challenge
Brought to you by Ryan Baker.
Deadline: 11:59 PM EST, July 21, 2005

Deadline for submissions to [email protected].

Rules of the Contest
  • Total size of .dm files must be no greater than 4096 bytes. (In Windows you can check the precise size of a file by right-clicking it and choosing "Properties".)
  • Game must have an underwater theme.
  • The .dme file may not contain any code beyond that which is automatically generated by Dream Maker.
  • Resources may be in a .rsc file, but the source code (.dm files and .dme file) must be included.
  • You don't need to include a .dmb file, because the project must be compilable from the files you do include. (Your game can't just copy a huge pre-made .dmb file over the compiled one and reboot!)
  • It is not necessary to create a Hub entry for the game, nor to include passport checking. Just send us a .zip of the project.
  • Because of the code size limitation, judging will not penalize for uncommented or ugly code. Gameplay, presentation, and robustness (i.e., buglessness) are the key criteria.
  • Grand Prize winner receives $20.
  • Two Runner-Ups receive $10.
  • Winning entries will be donated to to BYONDscape so they can do whatever they want with them.
  • A panel of judges will evaluate the submissions, possibly but not necessarily hosting multiplayer games for public access.
  • All executable logic in the game must be DM code compiled from the source files you provide. (No calls to external libraries.)
  • You may submit multiple entries.
  • Judging won't start until after the deadline, so if you submit a project and then make improvements before the deadline, you may re-submit it. (In your email, please mention that it should supersede the previous submission.)
  • The 4K limit only applies to source code. You can have data pre-stored in savefiles or wherever else you like.
  • For this contest, entries must be games, since gameplay (along with presentation and robustness) will be the primary criterion for judging.
  • You may use the 4K allotment to design a language interpreter that will execute games written in some other kind of code... if you can!
  • Windows' Properties panel will give you two "size" numbers for the file. We're just concerned with "Size". You can ignore "Size on Disk".
  • Since the Dantom CGI library is for all intents an official part of BYOND, it doesn't count toward the size limit.
  • Code in .dms files doesn't count toward the size limit.
Jun 6 2005, 8:03 am
Sounds good! I may even try making a game myself. I have a pretty good outline for one -- the only question is whether it would actually be fun to play...
Jun 6 2005, 8:10 am
Great. :)
Jun 7 2005, 3:38 am
Found the post about the 4k. Yay.

Also, I've got 2 questions. Yes, that's two for you mathematically challenged people out there. =)

1.) Does it have to be a game, or can it be like a tool? Such as a calculator.

2.) Can it be a game already made that's under 4k and hasn't been in any contests yet?
Jun 7 2005, 4:08 am
Well, as to the first question, it should really be a game because the judging will be completely based on gameplay.
Jun 7 2005, 4:53 am
In addition to Ryne's prize, BYONDscape will pay the three winning authors "article credit" (authorship shares for two successive quarters).

Just make sure your judges aren't crooked... BYONDscape doesn't need to be involved in any more scandals! :)
Jun 7 2005, 10:42 am
Can we publish 4K entries to the hub, or do we have to wait until after the judging? I'm wanting to go on and get other peoples oppinions before I actually submit it.
Jun 18 2005, 10:28 am
So are we allowed to have .txt or .css files that are used, that would have information used in the game?
Jun 18 2005, 6:43 pm
Yes, you can store information in data files to save space.