Neo Hazard

Nice. Probably gonna grab it after class then if I've got time. Thanks!

SO. I know this is technically grave digging but The Ultimate Evil Edition comes out tomorrow. I'm tempted to pick it up for PS3, as the little bit of the console version I played was a ton of fun. But that little bit (probably less than thirty minutes) is all the Diablo experience I have. Question I'm posing to you guys (if anyone has the console game of course:) Should I get this game despite never playing Diablo before?

Figure I should step back in again, my point was that I saw a lot of people on SAGE whining that their games, and themselves, were not automatically popular. To me, this is an awful reason to do anything, especially when making something like this. So the point of this thread was more why do you make fan games, and for the most part, the answer is for a learning experience. And that's good! Because when you have an engine like Sonic Worlds, you don't have to worry about the real heavy lifting, so much as focus on level design, and in turn, what makes a game good at all (not just a Sonic game, I might add.) I think it can also lend an opportunity to see what you can add in, similar to how DW mentioned Chrono Adventure and the mechanics/gimmicks it brought to Worlds as well. These kinds of things are interesting and ultimately make for a good learning experience. In the end though, my point of making this thread is to see why people make games at all. The remark about a one act demo seems like they're testing the waters, and if nobody cares, then they don't want to go on. But maybe that's just the outside looking in, not completely sure.

SAGE has come and gone again and with it, another set of Sonic fan games. But it's 2014, the age where people can actually make a buck or two doing what they love. Is it archaic to do what you love just because you love it? No... not at all. You see I kept hearing a complaint at SAGE this year that I hadn't before at any other: my game isn't popular enough and in turn, I'm not popular enough. Pro tip: just because you make a Sonic game, does not guarantee that anyone will ever care. And maybe it's time to ask yourself, why don't people care? Year after year, SAGE is flooded with one act demos that might have different sprites and layouts, but ultimately have the same "Green Hill" Zone-esque features and they sort of blend together because of it. Now don't get me wrong, the key isn't to just make something completely different for your first zone or your demo. Instead, assess WHY you're doing it in the first place. From a design standpoint, is it because it's the standard? Or because literally just about every Sonic games starts with green foliage and/or beaches? Maybe you wanna follow that path as a way of trying to integrate your game in, make it seem like home with the official titles. That's fine, but it also doesn't hurt to take risks. Maybe they'll pay off, maybe they won't. But more importantly, look at why you're even making the game at all. Long before people made things with the intent of money on the internet, they did it as what's called a "Labor of Love." That means you make something because you like it and you want to show the world you like it, not for fame, money, or any other reason. And that's what bothered me about SAGE. There were people who made fan games and were angered because "no one played or reviewed my game!! I'm not recognized universally!!" This is never a good reason to do something. Never be upset that you don't have peer approval for something, but be proud that you made something in the first place. And lastly, never pass off criticism as trolling or having a go. Especially at SAGE, 90% these are things that could improve your game and maybe make it worthwhile someday. Sonic fan games have been around for a minute now and people know exactly what can make them better. At the end of the day, step back and ask yourself, why am I making this. Why do I bother? And if fame or fortune isn’t an answer, you’re probably on the right track.

Figured since the actual SAGE forum is opening I'd throw this out there in case anyone missed it. Monday at 7:30 CST, I'll be doing a livestream, kicking off with fangames and eventually other things. If you'd like to be on the stream to discuss your game and have it featured, let me know below. You'll need to have Skype and maybe some good talking points about what you'd like to discuss (though the last one's not imperative.) If you have a special developer version, feel free to send that to me as well and I can play it in place of the SAGE demo. Also, feel free to post any games (fan or otherwise) you might like to see in the stream.

Here, son.

The chat just sort of ended early Tuesday morning, leaving me confused. I thought it went through Tuesday? Also, where can I get a recording of the last SAGEcast Show and Sonic Fights Robotnik 5 (and 6, did they do 6?) I can't find it via Logan's archive.

Looks as though I'll be pretty spotty as to when I can and can't make it this year, which kind of sucks. Scott Pilgrim comes out that Friday, and I've got other plans earlier in the week. I'll shoot for whenever I can I suppose. Hope it's as great as last year! P.S. Do a Time Extension like last year pl0x ;P

Right one looks awesome.

You could just drop Sonic in the name all together. Just sayin.'

OH MY GOD, DON'T FORGET NIGHTS. THE GAME IS SIMPLY RUINED IF IT DOESN'T HAVE NIGHTS.

This is awesome. Glad to hear Marcus again.

I was thrilled to see you had done the Starlight Zone, awesome work!

Excellent work. I love how cartoony the characters look, instead of the old over-the-top realism.

^This. Big Bang sucks.

Downloaded the demo to Dissidia. I was a little skeptical, but it's actually an incredibly awesome game, albeit over the top at times, but thats almost part of why it's neat to play.

Actually with Kalliera and Gens, Sonic 2 usually works pretty well online if you get a decent server.

This is awesome. I don't have an iPhone yet, but I'd buy this just for support. Might sound stupid but every little bit counts.

^This. Never mind missing SAGE, it's just good that you haven't lost your work. Best of luck to you, as I can say I'm awaiting a new demo as well.

Happy Birthday myan.

The updated visuals look amazing! Great work Overbound, this looks to be another awesome game at SAGE, can't wait to try it.

This isn't the first gaming marathon for Child's Play. Funny you mention about a Zelda marathon... Sonic was done as well, but by a different team. I didn't catch any of it.

Billy Mays was one of the few people I couldn't picture dying. This week really sucks.

50mb is by no means bad. I'll host that for life if needed.