Open-Source Group Projects?

[Sengir]

I have some code I'm never going to really use and it'd be a shame to let it go to waste, so I had an idea: start an open-source group project. I'm sure we all have those half-finished games, and this'd be a great way to get those projects done.

Pretty much someone would put up their unfinished code and start a list of parts that are left to do. People would then sign up for parts - much like a sprite project - and program those parts. The project starter then puts all of everyones work together, slap everyone's names on, and distribute it as an open-source game.

Of course, not everybody knows every language, so it'd be up to the project starter to help teach the other group members how to do things in that language. Code isn't always crystal clear, either, so it'd also be up to the project leader to tell the group members what everything does.

I think this would be an excellent way to get new people into game development, having them work on various different types of programming (like programming the fighting system or developing the NPC dialogue system) with a mentor helping them.



And if anyone is at all interested, I have an XNA Pokemon engine I could do this to. I'd be willing to teach anyone XNA and the game's design isn't set in stone, so you'd have input on that.

[Vipershark]

I'd be all for this if we can get a few good coders in here.

[Sengir]

The point is to not have a few good coders, but a lot of new/mediocre coders.

The project leader teaches the new/mediocre coders.

Does anybody else like this idea or think it's any good?

[lucas92]

I think this is a good idea, but I think that people with spriting talents could also help with the projects. However, the projects would need some kind of code updating system such as SVN...Count me in.

I know C++ and SDL. I've also done a little bit XNA but didn't like it so much because I think it is too much Microsoft and do not have a Xbox360.

Some project I've made but thought it was too boring so I abandonned it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGP1IVkI6og

[Sengir]

Of course spriters could help, the more the merrier. And yes, a code updating system would definitely be convenient.

And XNA was just my project, this is more of an idea for all of the veteran programmers with unfinished/abandoned projects that would also be willing to teach new programmers how to do what in whatever language the veteran programmer is offering.