The VG Resource

Project

LGCK Builder



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Brief Description

A free all-in-one game construction kit targeted to be both powerful yet simple to use. Provide an easy way to allow users to create just about any kind of games. We have selected a scripting language to expose engine functionality and allow users to extend the construction kit as needed. LGCK strives to be a compromise between fast execution and ease of use.



Target Aim

We're looking for people who want to help us create a demo game to promote the construction kit. We need 2D artists for background, art and sprites. If you can help us with branding (logos, icons, look & feel) that would be a good addition as well.



Compensation


This is a volunteer project. The scoop and length of the development process will provide active participants with valuable experience. References will be given upon demand.

Technology


Target Platforms:

- Windows (XP, Vista, 7)
- Linux (tested on KDE)
- Mac (tba)

Programming:

- C++ for the engine
- lua for in-game scripting

Talent needed


- artists (graphics, animation) URGENT !!!!
- testers (URGENTLY)
- additional C++ coders for the engine
- script writers for enhanced game functionality
- sound/music
- level designers
- documentation writers

There is a little for everyone even beginners. No prior experience required.

Although, above all, what this project needs the most is feedback.



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Team Structure

As lead programmer, I have already written more than 20 000 lines of C++ code for this project. The code is modular and can be easily divided up. Any additional people will be assigned tasks. Team will get to make suggestions and provide direction for future developments.

Contacts

lgckbuilder AT yahoo DOT ca
http://www.sassociations.net/cfrankb/lgck/contact.php

Previous Work

My programming experience goes back more than twenty years. Early work include games for the commodore 64.
http://www.sassociations.net/cfrankb/c64

Flagship websites
http://www.sassociations.net
http://www.episodeGuides.com

More details can be found inside my portfolio.

Website
http://www.sassociations.net/cfrankb/lgck

Youtube videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-xfLB05t54
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEquZ0h1yHc

Feedback

Comments, suggestions and constructive feedback are welcomed and encouraged.

Quote:This is a volunteer project. The scoop and length of the development process will provide active participants with valuable experience. References will be given upon demand.

please explain why anyone here should take this 'valuable experience' on your project as opposed to one where they'll be paid for their time and knowledge? you're not working on something that's saving lives here, what reason is there for someone to dedicate their time to your project for free? you clearly don't value artists very highly.

http://shouldiworkforfree.com/

We all need money to live. We don't live to make money. I have poured over two years of my own life on this project knowing that I will never make a dime out of it. In the process, I have learned interresting things, met equally interesting people.

The difference between this and a commercial project is the pressure. There is also the fun factor. People don't make remake of their favorite games for the money. They do so as expression of love. To me this has been a great challenge and true test of both character and determination.

You can't expect the people you're hiring to be as excited about your project as you are. People need a good reason to work for free. "You'll get exposure", "I'll give you a good reference" or "It's a portfolio piece!" are not good reasons. I'll get exposure and a potential portfolio piece out of basically anything I produce in my spare time; and 'getting a good reference' isn't really going to convince many people to devote time to a project that you yourself have implied to be a lengthy one.

When you need your shower fixed, do you ask your plumber to work for free because he'll get valuable experience in fixing your shower?

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Also, you're right that we all need money to live. Which is precisely why expecting someone to do time-consuming work in the long term for absolutely nothing in return is unreasonable. You're not a big name company offering networking opportunities in an internship; you're not a charity doing something life-changing that someone might want to help out with for free; you're just a leech looking to exploit artists that you hope are too ignorant about the worth of their own work to expect to be paid for a job.

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Maybe you should read this:
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/...hp?t=23924
and stop expecting people to give you shit for free.

(10-10-2011, 04:50 PM)Stabsinthe Wrote: [ -> ]You can't expect the people you're hiring to be as excited about your project as you are.

I can expect that some people will feel the same way and that's good enough for me, Just like they are people doing games for free because they love making games. They often group with others who feel the same way to advance large scale projects. The very existance of the Open Source community proves my point.

Quote: I'll get exposure and a potential portfolio piece out of basically anything I produce in my spare time; and 'getting a good reference' isn't really going to convince many people to devote time to a project that you yourself have implied to be a lengthy one.

And you know what? It actually works. People can use volunteer work to sell their skills when they apply for a job. It's much better than the stuff they have done all by themselves because there is an actual context they can discuss and plenty of material to answer follow up questions by interviewers.

Quote:When you need your shower fixed, do you ask your plumber to work for free because he'll get valuable experience in fixing your shower?

Look I got a day job too but I don't ask my employer to pay for what I do in my free time.

I know the economy sucks but that's all the more reason to try different things. Take chances. Take risks.

Quote:Maybe you should read this:
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/...hp?t=23924
and stop expecting people to give you shit for free.

Why is this so personal?

Quote:Look I got a day job too but I don't ask my employer to pay for what I do in my free time.

Artwork is also a business. Just because hobbyists do it too doesn't mean that artists shouldn't get paid for their work.

What sort of grunt do you really think your references will have above those of paying clients? Really, I need to know. If I worked for money, I'd get a good reference and also I'd have money. You're offering less than any decent client would, and pretending you're giving more.

You're acting like you're somehow doing us a favour for deeming to let us have the opportunity to contribute to your project.

Well, I'd happily help test it out if you still need testers

(10-10-2011, 07:52 PM)Stabsinthe Wrote: [ -> ]

Quote:Look I got a day job too but I don't ask my employer to pay for what I do in my free time.

Artwork is also a business. Just because hobbyists do it too doesn't mean that artists shouldn't get paid for their work.

Exactly. Professional artist get paying jobs... we get to have fun. What is wrong with that?

Quote:What sort of grunt do you really think your references will have above those of paying clients? Really, I need to know. If I worked for money, I'd get a good reference and also I'd have money. You're offering less than any decent client would, and pretending you're giving more.

They don't. Which is exactly the point. You play the cards you are dealt with. If you are smart you can also bluff... The game of life offers many interresting opportunities.

Quote:You're acting like you're somehow doing us a favour for deeming to let us have the opportunity to contribute to your project.

You already have paying clients. Why does it matter if I get some free artwork and my project moves on to the next level? After all, I will never be paid for all the time I have put into it.

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(10-10-2011, 08:17 PM)[MachoBot RoboSavage] Wrote: [ -> ]Well, I'd happily help test it out if you still need testers

We can use all the help we can get. Welcome aboard!

Contact me privately: lgckbuilder AT yahoo.ca or through the feedback form.

And we can discuss the details !

You're trying to exploit beginner artists and hobbyists and in doing so actively undermining the status of professional creatives.

that's not a nice thing to do.

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I'll let my good chum The Joker field this for me:


thanks, The Joker.

(10-10-2011, 08:28 PM)Stabsinthe Wrote: [ -> ]You're trying to exploit beginner artists and hobbyists and in doing so actively undermining the status of professional creatives.

I'd agree with you if there was any money involved but there isn't. If it wasn't for my labor of love there woudn't be any project at all. This is different from an on-job training program where "interns" are unpaid labor taking up the spots in lieu of skilled workers.

Quote:I'll let my good chum The Joker field this for me:

thanks, The Joker.

I'll continue to speak from personal experience. I trust real life more than I do Hollywood. :p

why does your experience as a programmer have any relevance to how artists should carry out their business
artists beg to differ with you. as do designers, in that thread i already linked and you cheerfully ignored.

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i'm sure when christopher nolan started writing batman begins it was a labour of love for him too
does that mean heath ledger shouldn't have been paid

(10-10-2011, 08:58 PM)Stabsinthe Wrote: [ -> ]why does your experience as a programmer have any relevance to how artists should carry out their business
artists beg to differ with you. as do designers, in that thread i already linked and you cheerfully ignored.

Maybe you should read it too. It's actually much more nuanced that you make it out to be. Sometimes it pays to give, share and otherwise barter. My personal take is that if you make money off my work I want some too. Otherwise, I don't mind giving my time for additional experience too. That's how TFCD works for photographers and models.

Quote:i'm sure when christopher nolan started writing batman begins it was a labour of love for him too
does that mean heath ledger shouldn't have been paid

Nobody asked Heath Ledger to do volunteer work for Hollywood. On the other hand, if I was asked, I would try my hand at a speaking in role in a student film with no hesitation. Just once, for kicks and giggles.

this is
kind of a dumb conversation to be having for this long

long story short, this is a request in its most basic form.
I'm not saying that nobody will work for you, but there is a VERY low chance that you will receive (graphical) help from anyone here without monetary compensation.

Sorry to break it to you so bluntly, but that's just how it is.

edit- My better judgement tells me to lock this thread (since hey, it's a request) but I won't do it just yet since it appears that the OP is actually putting in some effort as well.

I also thought on locking this, but there is visible work from his side, so I didn't do it.

I think you're taking it too far.
While your point is valid zee, I think you're bashing him too much.
He's not demanding someone do all the work for him, and saying this'll be the best game/thingy ever and it'll make lots of money.
He says it's freeware, and it's just for fun.