December 31st, 2007
Tomorrow, January 1st begins the annual Super Game Bakedown, a month-long January event similar to NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) except to encourage people of all levels of experience to try their hands at creating a videogame in one month, rather than a novel. Tools to aid in coding abound, so there’s no excuse. If you don’t feel inspired yourself, perhaps you know someone who would be. Pass it on. This challenge was conceived and created by my son, Alan Gordon, a computer science major who’s been coding since age 8. Here’s the FAQ from the Bakedown website:
What is this?
Super Game Bakedown is a new game development event to get people from around the world set out to design, develop, and complete a videogame in one month. Your job is to make the games. Our job is to help.
What does “Bakedown” mean?
Bakeoffs are heated battles in an oven. Breakdowns are high energy impromptu dances. Baking is fun. Down is a direction. Bakedown means whatever you want it to mean, and that’s the point. We don’t want to tell you what kind of videogames to make. We love to watch the creation process, and all we want to do is allow you the most freedom as possible.
Why January?
We were going to do it in December, but everyone is frantically busy with the holidays that month. Nothing happens in January.
Nobody can make a videogame in one month!
Not true! The fine people at the Experimental Gameplay Project made over 50 games in as many weeks, and even were kind enough to write an article about how they did it. It may take years to develop a commercial game, but an independent project can be done much faster.
Can I participate if I don’t have any experience making games?
Absolutely! Super Game Bakedown is a great time for a first foray into the world of game development.
Can I participate if I already have a lot of experience making games?
Absolutely! Even if you’re a seasoned veteran of the games industry, there is plenty of good to be had by starting from scratch on a new, small project from time to time.
When can I join?
Any time from now up until Jan. 31st, 11:59:59 pm. You can’t start working on your game until midnight on Jan 1st, though.
Where do I sign up?
There is no signing up - if you want to participate, you’re in! However, it might be a good idea to head on over to the forums and create an account so that you can join in the discussion with other Bakedown participants.
When is a game considered ‘complete’?
A difficult question to answer. A true game developer has no finished projects, only abandoned ones that look finished to the public eye. Basically, the game should be complete enough that you feel confident in sharing it with the rest of the world. The rule of thumb here is that if you believe that your game is done, then it’s done.
What do I get if I win?
A complete game and a great sense of accomplishment.
Can I work with a group?
Yes you can, but it’s not recommended. Large groups are hard to organize on a project like this, especially under a strict deadline.
Can I use Game Maker? How about Flash? Inform? ZZT?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes. All game-making software and languages are acceptable. If it allows you to make a videogame, then you can use it.
Can I make a board game or card game for the Bakedown?
No, this event is strictly for making videogames, a category under which board or card games do not fall. You could make a computer version of a board game, though, and that’d be fine by us.
Can I use this to finish a project that I started earlier?
No. The idea of the Bakedown is to start completely from scratch with a new, original concept and make it into a game in a small amount of time. Starting with an old project defeats the purpose, and also won’t be as fun.
Can I use code or resources I made prior to the beginning of the month?
No. All code, sound, music, and graphics must be made on or after January 1st.
What about resources from the internet or other outside sources?
Yes, but public domain only. Don’t use anyone else’s material without getting explicit permission from them beforehand.
I’m busy in January! Can I do this next month?
No, the Bakedown is one-month only. This doesn’t mean that you can’t make a game on your own in February, but it won’t be part of this event.
Is there a participation fee?
Nope! Anyone with a computer is free to join.
What if I have a complete game by the end of the month, but I want to keep working on it?
Just because you release your game at the end of the month doesn’t mean you have to be completely done with it. You are free to go on working on it for as long as you want once January is over.
Can I reuse code from past projects?
Yes, but we generally don’t recommend it. The line between rewriting old functions in better, more exciting ways and reinventing the wheel is a fuzzy one, so please use your own judgment.
Will you host my game when I finish it?
No, we won’t. Sorry, but bandwidth is expensive.
Will you put up a link to my game when I finish it?
Yes! Any complete games submitted by the end of the month will be linked to on the Links page.
Who owns the rights to my game when it’s finished?
You do. It’s your creative work, all we did was encourage you to make it.
Can I sell my game after the month is over?
Certainly! Once the month is over, your game is yours to do with as you see fit.
What happens if I don’t finish in time?
Don’t worry about it. Either you can finish it on your own time later, or you can try again next year.
What if I want to do this, but have no idea where I’d start on such a project?
We have a whole section about where to start as a beginner. I suggest you read it!
Why are you doing this?
Because we want to encourage innovation and creativity. Because we know what it’s like to want to make a game but not have the motivation to get around to doing it. Because we want to see a whole slew of new freeware games pop up every year. Because we get bored every January.
Can I plan out my game in advance?
Not only can you do this, but it is HIGHLY recommended. You probably won’t get very far into the month if you’re driving blind.
If I’m making a game in such a small time frame, isn’t it going to suck?
Not necessarily. Sure, the graphics and presentation won’t be as polished as a game made over the course of a year, but as long as your gameplay concept is solid and decently executed, the game ought to be fun.
Can I make a donation to support this project?
Since we barely have any expenses, and we want to keep this non-profit, we are not accepting donations. If this attracts a lot of attention and bandwidth costs, then maybe we’ll rethink that.
Limber up your fingers and get started. The ball drops in your lap at midnight.
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1. Buy a box of phillo dough. You can get it in the freezer section at the grocery store. Look for the kind in a long thin box. Allow it to thaw at least a day in the fridge and then let it come to room temperature before using it. You’ll need a large baking pan with a lip all the way around.
