GameDev.in, an online gaming community by Hashstash Studios, is rolling out the 7th Edition of BYOG- 48 hour Game Jam in association with NASSCOM and inviting game developers from India and across the world to test their skill by developing a game swiftly within 48 hours.
In a conversation with AnimationXpress.com, Kinshuk Sunil, Core Team Member of GameDev.in discusses the kicking aspects of BYOG.
What is BYOG all about?
BYOG is all about building your own game. It is a game development jam where people interested in making games, get together and simply make games. Considering the diverse and nascent nature of game development in India, instead of doing it at a physical location we do it online. It is similar to Ludumdare game jam and Experimental Game Project.
Is BYOG completely organized by Hashstash?
BYOG is organized by our community initiaitve GameDev.in, earlier Indie GameDev India. Hashstash only plays the role of providing legal and financial validity to this initiative. For all forms and purposes other than these two, everything is independently organized by volunteers and Hashstash has no role to play in that. Earlier BYOGs were organized by me and Yadu, while some friends helped from the margins. This year, one of our dearest friends and a gaming veteran from India, Shubhank Mauria has also joined the organizing team. Shruti Verma and the team at NGDC is also part of organizing these special NGDC-editions of BYOGs.
Can you elaborate more on the past seasons of BYOG and how has the response been?
The idea of participating in such game jams is relatively new. People have a certain amount of difficulty in realizing that the game they end up making is their biggest prize and are more inspired by material prizes that we may give away during the jam. However, the scene is growing well and we are happy to make a positive impact in these changes. Since July 2010, we have organized 6 BYOGs. While only 10 people participated in the first (which lasted a day), we had about 70 people participating in the last one organized with the NASSCOM Game Developer Conference last year.
What is the competition format like?
The jam is pretty simple. We first announce the dates for the jam so that people who want to take part can prepare and get ready. Soon we announce a bunch of themes for people to vote on (read more about current theme’s voting: http://byog.gamedev.in/2013/10/voting-for-themes-is-a-go/). We begin the jam by announcing the results of this voting and the top three themes are made available to people. People have to use at least one of these three themes and make a playable game in the next 48 hours, after which they are required to submit their games online (You, technically, get 66 hours in the currently planned sprint to finish your game). Usually, we have a community voting on the best games made during the sprint and they then get awarded some prizes, but that varies from sprints to sprints. We are still trying to crack this feedback model. In the sprints organized with NGDC, there is usually a jury of reputed game developers who awards these prizes.
Can you inform more about your association with NASSCOM?
This BYOG is being organized with NASSCOM and is part of the complete NGDC experience. And for NASSCOM it is very important to bring all game developers together on a common platform, which is what the NGDC is. They have been very gracious to us to offer this discount to anyone who submits a game at the BYOG. Think of it as a prize for everyone building their own games at the jam. And at INR 1000 (while the spot price for booking then will be INR 3000, ie. a INR 2000 benefit to claim), we think it is a good motivation to participate at the conference as well. It’s that simple. Other than the discount, the prizes and the jury is something they are taking care of for everyone. Shruti and her team deserve a big thank you and a heavy round of applause for all the effort they put into NGDC and BYOG, year after year.
What is the current status of this competition? And till when are you accepting entries?
The jam begins on Oct 25th and ends on Oct 28th. Entry to BYOG is free and All entries need to be made during that time and need to be submitted on 28th itself. You cannot submit any entry before 25th but submit entries till late 28th. All entries must be made around, at least, one of the final three themes. Currently, we are working with NASSCOM and deciding the final prizes, jury and other operational stuff.
Have the themes for the competition been announced?
Community voting on shortlisted themes is in progress and will happen till 25th. The announcement of the final themes is what kicks off the jam, so that won’t happen until the last moment. You can read more about the voting and the shortlisted themes here http://byog.gamedev.in/2013/10/voting-for-themes-is-a-go/. The top 3 voted themes will be the final themes for the sprint.
Any preferred graphic styles for the games? Does 3D or 2D get favored over the other?
Nope. We don’t think of games as 2D games or 3D games. We think of games as games that are fun to play and engage with. Your art style is your choice and it should work with the game (that’s what the jury might look at). So that is what you should focus on. You don’t get any brownie points for using a specific style; you get tons of kudos for making something aesthetic and beautiful specifically for your game.
So during this 48 hour challenge, a Game creator will have to keep sending you updates of the status of their project?
That is completely up to you. We will have an online resource center where you can come and talk to the other participants, share problems and get feedback and help during development. We will, however, encourage you to be as open about your development process as possible, because that will help you and others, and that is what a BYOG is all about.
What is your vision, aim with this competition?
The aim is simple: to make people comfortable with quickly prototyping ideas, getting feedback on them and being practical about game development. Also expose people to the sort of work being done around them and creating learning and collaboration opportunities.
Who all can participate in this competition and how can one register?
Anyone interested in making games can participate. In the past, we have suffered due to people thinking this jam is only for students, but that is not true. Irrespective of your career choices, educational qualifications or age group, you are free to participate in this jam. All you need is a little love for games. If in case you are not on Facebook that is also fine. Just ensure that you follow all the details on http://byog.gamedev.in and that you timely submit your game there. There aren’t many registration complications. All you need to do is join us on our Facebook event – https://www.facebook.com/events/164224527110139/
Three quick factors, which would be taken into consideration while choosing the winners?
It will be decided by the Jury which will judge the games at NGDC. Some of the things that usually get focused on are how well the themes have been integrated in the game, how solid is the game design, how tight is the experience, and how fun the game is.
What does a winner win?
We will be judging 10 finalists during the NGDC (yes, we are hoping we get more than 10 games made: D). Right now, we are working at providing them with access to conference expo and media showcase opportunities, but no final word is out yet. We will let you know as soon as we have something; indeed it will be awesome as always.
How can one submit the game?
You will basically need to host the game somewhere online (places like Dropbox are great havens) and provide us a link. We will be opening up a submission form for this with the sprint. Expect more word on this in near future.
How will such a competition help the Indian gaming market?
In many ways: First, it sensitizes people about the effort involved in making games. Then, it serves as a whetting ground for new talent. It also helps developers explore new ideas, new methodologies, and new processes. It helps in reaching out to people, showcasing your game. For example: the winner of last BYOG, went on to win Dare to be Digital 2013 and are nominated for a BAFTA One’s to Watch 2014.