IT'S GAMMATIME.
once again, TIGS is the official message board for GAMMA.
(thank you kindly mister yu)
this topic for all gamma-related discussions and questions.
ill be updating this post with any new information.
ONE-BUTTON GAMESGestural controls, multi-touch surfaces, musical instruments, voice recognition—even brain control. Games are moving beyond the iconic hand-held controller, and into the future. But is the secret to good games found in high-tech interfaces? Kokoromi proposes that game developers can still find beauty in absolute simplicity. On March 10th, Gamma 4 will unveil brand-new games that use JUST ONE BUTTON.
Gamma 4 invites software developers to push the limits of gameplay with a single input. Game developers, media, and industry luminaries from around the world, will join the general public to view and play the Gamma 4 games at at a party that bridges the end of the Independent Games Summit and the start of the main GDC. Following the event, all the games will be playable in a dedicated booth on the GDC Expo floor. Game creators whose games are selected for presentation at Gamma 4 will also be awarded free GDC All-Access passes.
THE RULESUse a single button as your player input, in a unique or experimental way. Be creative.
The game must be “pick up and play.”
The official controller is the Xbox360 controller. Player input must be
assigned to the A button, which can be PRESSED or RELEASED. The Xbox360 controller is the only one used for judging, and the only one provided at Gamma.
Your game can support any number of players up to 4. Each player may have their own controller.
The game may be a Windows .exe or Mac .app, and must use an installer if ANY additional files are required to play.
The game cannot rely on an internet or LAN connection (there will not be connectivity provided during the event).
The gameplay cannot rely on audio information, since there will not be
audio output provided during the event. Non-essential audio is permitted.
The total gameplay session must be no longer than 5 minutes, including any intros, instructions, or credits. At the end of each session, the game must return to a “start” state for the next player(s).
The maximum game resolution is 1024×768.
The submission deadline is Jan 31, 11:59pm Pacific time. Submission instructions to follow in mid-January.
Pre-existing games will not be accepted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSAre there any team size restrictions?
No, but a maximum of 2 (TWO) GDC passes per team will be awarded.
Are gamemakers required to travel to Gamma/GDC if their game is accepted?
No, but the GDC passes are for creators only, and are non-transferable.
Are there any restrictions on (development tools, who can submit, file size, gameplay)?
If it’s not specifically restricted in the Rules, it’s permitted.
Can an individual or team submit more than one game?
We strongly recommend one submission per team.
How many games will be selected for Gamma?
We typically select only 5-7 games to showcase.
FANCY SCHMANCY PRESS RELEASEKokoromi’s GDC debut goes back to basics with a one button theme.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONTREAL, November 24, 2009– Between December 1st 2009 and January 31st 2010, Montreal’s Kokoromi collective challenges game makers to create innovative, experimental new games played with just one button.
Gestural controls, multi-touch surfaces, musical instruments, voice recognition—even brain control. Games are moving beyond the iconic hand-held controller, and into the future. But is the secret to good games found in high-tech interface hardware? Kokoromi proposes that game developers can still find beauty in absolute simplicity. On March 10th, Gamma 4 will unveil a collection of brand-new games that use JUST ONE BUTTON. Game creators around the world now have from December 1st 2009, until January 31st 2010 at midnight Pacific time to complete and submit their single-input creations. Full submission rules and guidelines are available at the official Gamma 4 web page,
http://www.kokoromi.org/gamma4.
Kokoromi’s Gamma has become one of the game industry’s most anticipated events, presenting game creators with theme-based challenges that push the boundaries of game design, and showcasing the results in a unique public play format. 2010 marks Gamma’s move to San Francisco and the Game Developers Conference. Taking place on Wednesday March 10th, the event bridges the end of the Independent Games Summit and the start of the main Conference. The playable games will be revealed at the Mezzanine, a venue housed in a historic two-story warehouse near Mint Plaza, in the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa district. The curated games will be featured on large projections, and accompanied by live DJs.
Game developers, media, and industry luminaries from around the world, will join the general public to view and play the Gamma 4 games—offering unprecedented exposure for the selected game makers. Following the opening event, all the games will be playable in a dedicated booth on the GDC Expo floor. Game creators who are selected for presentation at Gamma 4 will also be awarded free GDC All-Access passes.
Gamma is part of Kokoromi’s mandate to inspire and present diverse, experimental game content to a wide public audience. In doing so, they are part of a larger international movement that recognizes games as a unique artistic form.
GAMMA 4 will take place on March 10th at the Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street @ Mint), San Francisco. For more information visit
www.kokoromi.org/gamma4.
About Kokoromi
Kokoromi is an experimental game collective formed by a rare union of gamemakers and theorists to promote games as an art form and expressive medium worldwide. Based in Montreal, Quebec, Kokoromi produces and curates events, develops games, and hosts a blog at
www.kokoromi.org.
-30-
For more information about Kokoromi or GAMMA 4, contact Cindy Poremba at
[email protected].