AGDQ 2015 Game Submissions - Due date is September 3rd 11:59 EDT [locked]

2014-08-21 06:24:22 pm

Claimh Happy

Not the official word, but I assume yes. Just make sure you explain in the comments.

2014-08-21 07:28:05 pm

.

No. I'm just saying that FFT is not competing for the same timeslot as the games we would traditionally have as finisher games, because FFT would make a bad finisher. It would probably get a similar timeslot to the TTYD run from this past SGDQ if it were to be accepted.

rudyxx

Edit history:

rudyxx: 2014-08-21 08:38:12 pm

2014-08-21 07:33:10 pm

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

I've kept all of my satlyness between Uyama and I in private messages (and it's pretty salty), but since I haven't been very successful in my coercing, I am reaching out to you all for help.

Both of my submissions, Slender: The Arrival and Haunting Ground were rejected, and when I asked why they were rejected I was basically told it's because horror games aren't a good watch. And while I can completely understand that argument from someone who is just skimming through videos at random, I can see that 2 (albeit slightly more popular series) horror games (so far) have made it in that are both more boring watches (although I am a fan of both of them) and have far less inviting donation incentives associated with them.

From those of you that aren't familiar with Slenderman or Haunting Ground, the way both Haunting Ground and Slender work is that completely at random, a pursuer of sorts shows up. The entire route has to be made up and rerouted on the fly. This generally actually makes for some pretty hilarious and interesting situations. During Haunting Ground, you are given a dog named Hewie as a partner. Since you spend so much time not taking care of the dog during a speedrun, he has a tendency to start doing a lot of completely random things on his own. This can have both a positive and negative impact on the route, and everything once again has to be readjusted to compensate. This makes Haunting Ground a much more interesting game to watch over games like Resident Evil, because everything is constantly having to be adjusted. This is also where "saving the dog" VS "not saving the dog" becomes a pretty good donation war because there is a lot of "not wanting to save the dog" going on VS "people who love dogs". There is also a constant a joke of how "cats are better than dogs because you can rely on them not to do anything for you" that goes on in my chat whenever I run this game, and it could eventually become a "cats" VS "dogs" donation war, and people love silly donation wars like that.

Haunting Ground is also extremely technical. The route has to constantly be adjusted for things like Hewie's behavior or what is going on with your pursuer. A good example of this is where you end up having to pickup equipment you use during the run. If you are being chased, then you can't interact with anything. So when you pickup all of the equipment you need for the game varies based around this. The first chance it is available, you are being chased regardless of anything. So if your pursuer is close behind you, then you initiate a cutscene that causes him to fall off a section of the castle, then you grab all of the items you need. If however he has slowed down for any reason (via him just being goofy or Hewie randomly attacks him), you initiate the cutscene that causes you to fall off the side of the castle instead, and don't pickup your items for another 15 minutes. Stuff like this constantly happens throughout the run, and explaining all of the possible paths you can take throughout the game is what makes it a more interesting watch than other horror games. As I mentioned in my pitch, it generally takes me longer than the run itself to actually explain everything that is going on.

Also, both games have really good donation incentives. People will want to watch Slender, simply because it is Slenderman. During SRG4, this run alone had over twice as many concurrent viewers as almost the entire rest of the marathon. So literally anything I put up for an incentive will get met. Both games were huge hits in the 2 marathons I've run them in. And as I mentioned before with Haunting Ground, people love to donate for things like (not) saving animals or just silly things like cats vs dogs. An example would be the chicken sandwich VS chicken burger war that went on a few years ago. It's silly and the internet loves animals. Plus the relationship that the viewers themselves would have with Hewie just from watching the run would have a huge impact over the time it takes to get to the part where I even need to (not) save him. Hewie is a huge troll and that alone makes the run interesting to watch.

I've given all the reasons I can on why both games would be good for the marathon based on why games normally get rejected. I assume at this point I should probably give up, but it's not in my nature to do so. So in turn I'm seeking help from anyone that is familiar with either of these games.

I've kept all of my satlyness between Uyama and I in private messages (and it's pretty salty), but since I haven't been very successful in my coercing, I am reaching out to you all for help.

Both of my submissions, Slender: The Arrival and Haunting Ground were rejected, and when I asked why they were rejected I was basically told it's because horror games aren't a good watch. And while I can completely understand that argument from someone who is just skimming through videos at random, I can see that 2 (albeit slightly more popular series) horror games (so far) have made it in that are both more boring watches (although I am a fan of both of them) and have far less inviting donation incentives associated with them.

From those of you that aren't familiar with Slenderman or Haunting Ground, the way both Haunting Ground and Slender work is that completely at random, a pursuer of sorts shows up. The entire route has to be made up and rerouted on the fly. This generally actually makes for some pretty hilarious and interesting situations. During Haunting Ground, you are given a dog named Hewie as a partner. Since you spend so much time not taking care of the dog during a speedrun, he has a tendency to start doing a lot of completely random things on his own. This can have both a positive and negative impact on the route, and everything once again has to be readjusted to compensate. This makes Haunting Ground a much more interesting game to watch over games like Resident Evil, because everything is constantly having to be adjusted. This is also where "saving the dog" VS "not saving the dog" becomes a pretty good donation war because there is a lot of "not wanting to save the dog" going on VS "people who love dogs". There is also a constant a joke of how "cats are better than dogs because you can rely on them not to do anything for you" that goes on in my chat whenever I run this game, and it could eventually become a "cats" VS "dogs" donation war, and people love silly donation wars like that.

Haunting Ground is also extremely technical. The route has to constantly be adjusted for things like Hewie's behavior or what is going on with your pursuer. A good example of this is where you end up having to pickup equipment you use during the run. If you are being chased, then you can't interact with anything. So when you pickup all of the equipment you need for the game varies based around this. The first chance it is available, you are being chased regardless of anything. So if your pursuer is close behind you, then you initiate a cutscene that causes him to fall off a section of the castle, then you grab all of the items you need. If however he has slowed down for any reason (via him just being goofy or Hewie randomly attacks him), you initiate the cutscene that causes you to fall off the side of the castle instead, and don't pickup your items for another 15 minutes.  Stuff like this constantly happens throughout the run, and explaining all of the possible paths you can take throughout the game is what makes it a more interesting watch than other horror games. As I mentioned in my pitch, it generally takes me longer than the run itself to actually explain everything that is going on.

Also, both games have really good donation incentives. People will want to watch Slender, simply because it is Slenderman. During SRG4, this run alone had over twice as many concurrent viewers as almost the entire rest of the marathon. So literally anything I put up for an incentive will get met. Both games were huge hits in the 2 marathons I've run them in. And as I mentioned before with Haunting Ground, people love to donate for things like (not) saving animals or just silly things like cats vs dogs. An example would be the chicken sandwich VS chicken burger war that went on a few years ago. It's silly and the internet loves animals. Plus the relationship that the viewers themselves would have with Hewie just from watching the run would have a huge impact over the time it takes to get to the part where I even need to (not) save him. Hewie is a huge troll and that alone makes the run interesting to watch.

I've given all the reasons I can on why both games would be good for the marathon based on why games normally get rejected. I assume at this point I should probably give up, but it's not in my nature to do so. So in turn I'm seeking help from anyone that is familiar with either of these games.

Josh the Funkdoc

2014-08-21 07:47:08 pm

spread the dirt to the populace

slenderman seems like a natural fit for something like this to me, at least to try once.

put it to you this way: i don't know or give a crap about games from the modern era, but i've heard a *ton* about slenderman. it's a "memegame" but in an infinitely bigger sense than something like glover - rather than just the speedrunning community, slenderman is an ENTIRE INTERNET memegame. that's the kind of thing i think we should want, especially if it can offer a bunch of donation incentives. i've never heard of haunting ground so i can't comment there, but that one definitely stands out to me.

my most consistent issue with GDQ selections is the use of simple blanket justifications without fully engaging games on a case-by-case basis. i definitely see why that wouldn't be practical with every submission, but a compelling case that shows effort should be answered in kind imo.

MURPHAGATOR!

2014-08-21 07:57:21 pm

Terraffirmative!

Rudy, saying that you talked to Uyama in private and now are trying to circumvent his arguement by pleading for others to help is a really, really bad look.

rudyxx

Edit history:

rudyxx: 2014-08-21 08:52:23 pm

rudyxx: 2014-08-21 08:50:41 pm

2014-08-21 07:58:38 pm

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

Quote from MURPHAGATOR!:

Rudy, saying that you talked to Uyama in private and now are trying to circumvent his arguement by pleading for others to help is a really, really bad look.

I am fully aware of this. I also just want to note that I'm not actually arguing anything. I am just bringing light to the points I have made, and asking others for input on any other reasons they can come up with. I am fully aware of how much of an idiot I sound like, and even addressed that in my post.

PJ

2014-08-21 08:00:27 pm

Is PJ

http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/06/09/slender-man-second-stabbing-teen-attacked-mom-internet-meme/

This seems like the kind of wholesome, family-friendly game that I would feel comfortable showcasing during a charity event.

CVagts

2014-08-21 08:02:54 pm

"Let's put a SMILE on that face!"

To be fair, I'm sure we could bring stuff like this up against many other games that have been in GDQs.

rudyxx

2014-08-21 08:04:38 pm

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

Quote from PJ:

http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/06/09/slender-man-second-stabbing-teen-attacked-mom-internet-meme/

This seems like the kind of wholesome, family-friendly game that I would feel comfortable showcasing during a charity event.

http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/narrators-u-nighted/186764

Josh the Funkdoc

2014-08-21 08:09:04 pm

spread the dirt to the populace

Quote from PJ:

http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/06/09/slender-man-second-stabbing-teen-attacked-mom-internet-meme/

This seems like the kind of wholesome, family-friendly game that I would feel comfortable showcasing during a charity event.

ok, i didn't know about this and would definitely understand that. so it was a thing before the video game i guess? interesting...

really weird that WWE didn't know or care about the connotation, given how PG-focused they are these days - they have a guy dressed as slenderman in a wrestler's entrance. you're right to err on the side of caution, i would think!

CVagts

2014-08-21 08:13:01 pm

"Let's put a SMILE on that face!"

So are you saying that it should only be banned from THIS marathon because of this story, or from every marathon? I could see an argument for the former, but not the latter.

Josh the Funkdoc

2014-08-21 08:14:32 pm

spread the dirt to the populace

i could see it being too big a risk for GDQs, as opposed to smaller community events

rudyxx

2014-08-21 08:16:07 pm

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

I don't see how this makes for a good argument against the game when things like the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting from 2 years ago was being related to the guys obsession with games like Super Mario Bros. There are also hundreds of articles out there with stabbings and shootings related to games like the GTA series or pretty much any FPS out there.

PJ

2014-08-21 08:16:34 pm

Is PJ

Because she directly said she killed her mom because Slenderman told her to?

UraniumAnchor

2014-08-21 08:16:40 pm

Not a walrus

I think it's kind of silly to argue about since I really doubt it factored into the decision that much.

And this thread is going places that I'm not comfortable with allowing, so let's just stop it right there.

RatFunk

Edit history:

RatFunk: 2014-08-22 12:37:55 am

2014-08-21 09:29:32 pm

First off im pretty excited ot show off the ~~lesser know~~ most unkown megaman game. but my question is about gauntlet 4 maybe I should add that filename and language can be a donation incentive, since i did not know we were including those in the comments, I feel its a great game better then classic gauntlet which has seen appearances it also has 3 skips even, this is not even given the hype that it will have given the release of the new gauntlet game this coming month peopel would be curious to see the roots it comes from. also Sad

landstlaker rip one of the most broken speedruns I know about. still prty hype tho.

zewing

Edit history:

zewing: 2014-08-21 09:58:26 pm

2014-08-21 09:57:01 pm

just( •_•)>⌐■-■ ..... (⌐■_■)wing it

I don't mean to be that guy, but there has to be at least some sort of extra guideline about submission pitches. For instance, the X1/X2 (Caleb), SMB3, and MM10bass (mitch's, but it may have been accepted for possible race?) literally have no indication about WHY the run should even be accepted. Most of the rejected runs have immaculate pitches that most probably took weeks to perfect, but yet they get rejected and have to look at these pitches that clearly make those runs / runners seem "privileged."

Not meant to be a callout, but this is just ridiculous to even look at. AGDQ is a marathon that people want to get in because they are serious in either helping the cause, or just to showcase their game to the world. Nothing in those submission would remotely be worthy of an accept had those runners not been known. Just saying it how it is.

z1mb0bw4y

2014-08-21 10:00:19 pm

Gets the cake.

I'm really sad that marble blast got flat out rejected. Other than the fact that the game is a ball-roller without monkeys, imo it's a more entertaining and skillful game than any of the monkey ball games. The overall pace of the game is faster and the powerups add a cool mechanic to mix it up. I honestly think it should be reconsidered.

Amyrlinn

2014-08-21 10:04:32 pm

This is just a quick question, cause I think my post got lost in the FFT shenanigans - if I'm wondering why my run was rejected, should I PM mikwuyma or should I wait until submissions are closed to do so?

doicm

Edit history:

doicm: 2014-08-21 10:11:30 pm

2014-08-21 10:11:00 pm

Quote from Amyrlinn:

This is just a quick question, cause I think my post got lost in the FFT shenanigans - if I'm wondering why my run was rejected, should I PM mikwuyma or should I wait until submissions are closed to do so?

I think you can PM him now. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

DingDongBabyBoy

2014-08-21 10:11:38 pm

Gonna agree with Zewing here. It doesn't really say much when you're trying to make this process seem impartial and not like a popularity contest when all one person has to do is essentially type "I'm a badass" in the submission and get it in. I know he has WR, and I know he gets a lot of viewers, but there are plenty of people who have WR in their games who submitted and made great pitches for their games and got rejected. Also, I honestly don't know this myself, but how many GDQs have there been WITHOUT Megaman X? Personally I'd rather see a refreshing new game being run and getting exposure as opposed to the same game again and again.

There's always the argument that these games get in because they make money, but the GDQ streams are ALWAYS gonna raise a ton of money regardless. Once again I know that the submission process isn't supposed to be viewed as a popularity contest, but it's really hard sometimes in these situations.

RatFunk

2014-08-21 10:13:44 pm

@DingDongBabyBoy I agree whole heartily maybe Megaman x dos on supertrubo. that would spice things up for sure. and also cut the estimate in third.

Laplacier

Edit history:

Laplacier: 2014-08-21 10:22:34 pm

2014-08-21 10:21:39 pm

StarSong Hype

Quote from DingDongBabyBoy:

Also, I honestly don't know this myself, but how many GDQs have there been WITHOUT Megaman X? Personally I'd rather see a refreshing new game being run and getting exposure as opposed to the same game again and again.

Quote from RatFunk:

@DingDongBabyBoy I agree whole heartily maybe Megaman x dos on supertrubo. that would spice things up for sure. and also cut the estimate in third.

Most people who watch the stream watch speedruns once or twice a year so these points don't hold much merit. You've seen Megaman X speedrun maybe 50 times and they've seen it once or twice. Playing games unknown to these people won't *spice things up* nor will it bring in the donations. With that said, however, I do agree the whole talk about selling your game is pointless with these pitches that are getting accepted. You could at the very least tell them to fix it first.

Kirua

2014-08-21 10:33:01 pm

About Secret of Mana, I'm wondering what the reasons were to reject the 1 player 2 controllers run? Maybe because SoM was played last AGDQ?

Just a few words about it in case that submission was overlooked: two controllers is not a dumb gimmick by any mean, it's way harder to optimize but allows you to beat the game faster. It's also a relatively unique mechanic/playstyle for a speedrun I think (I don't know any other run that uses two controllers at once but maybe I'm forgetting something) so seeing such an intense execution process on a game widely appreciated and remembered by a lot of people would definitely not be a waste of time in the schedule.

To be perfectly honest, I don't think the run (& type of game) is suited for a race like it was suggested in the submission, but both StingerPA and Yagamoth are amazing at handling two controllers at once and could provide a great single player run.

TheMG2

2014-08-21 10:35:11 pm

Uh there were 2 runs that used 2 controllers at once at SGDQ. Rescue Rangers 2 and Lost Vikings. Not sure if Lost Vikings 2 (which is waitlisted for AGDQ) also has 2 controllers.