IGDA Albany/Chapter Mod Project
International Game Developers Association
Bret Dunham, a designer from Vicarious Visions is starting a chapter game project in 2006. The project is in the early planning phase right now. Following is Bret's full description of the project (copied from the following forum post (http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthread.php?s=7f0bc86db8507d211e0e3e87dadcee0d&threadid=20079)):
Hello everyone. Kicking off the new year is a game mod project for anyone that is an IGDA member. It will have opportunities for anyone that would like to make a video game and is intended to help expose many of you to processes and methods required for a present day quality product. How we measure this quality will outlined later.
The project will be based around the source engine (valve software). The subject matter will be a Counter Strike variant involving 2 asymmetrical teams (they use different tactics and weapons). This will of course be multiplayer only.
We will attempt to re-use as much original Counter Strike content as possible and focus on game play rules changes to create effectively an entirely new form of game play.
Game play will involve one side that uses conventional military weapons and tactics (grenades, rifles and handguns) versus the opposing team that will use unconventional tactics and weapons. This side will be referred to as the "Holy men". This holy side will use suicide bombing, RPG's, swords and finally "Holy magic" to counter the conventional side.
This core concept has been established and will not change. The supporting rules and game play are currently subject to creation and/or change. Any one joining the team will be given a chance to take part in the final Game Design Document (some having more say than other).
The goals of the project are actually simple. First to start and finish a mod project with in a 6 month time period (this is paramount). Second, delivery quality work with in the time frame. Third will be a product that we feel is worthy of our time spent on the project. This to me means I would be happy playing this game 2 years from now and have pride in the team that did it. Actually, the reasons that inpired this was a growing feeling that the IGDA Albany chapter needed some "buzz". And this is my response. (:
Regular milestone meetings will be held (some call this green light meetings). It is possible for the project to be cancelled before completion if the team believes the goals will not be met (no ones getting paid). On that note I would also tell you we will use a 2 tier approach for work assignments and responsibilities. Tier 1 team members will be assigned mission critical jobs while tier 2 team members will be assigned non critical assignments. All leads will be tier 1 while new comers OR members that feel they are unsure they can be 100% committed will be tier 2. Members will be allowed opportunities to adjust this based on THIER needs. This project is not meant to run your life (:
Any one interested may contact me at Demonhill@mac.com
A formal meeting will be scheduled soon. I would like to have it happen before the end of next week but may need to accomodate college schedules.
As the team forms up I'll be handing over public announcements to other team members. So my postings here in the forum will be limited and further contact information may change.
~Bret Dunham
