Revision as of 02:58, 14 February 2011

Brief

Create a short playable module. The module must be compatible with the Contest 7 Framework and must include content from at least three contests in the Community Contest Catalogue. See requirements for more information.

We're adding on to a "jobs board"-esque framework, so try and think of short modules which might make sense from that starting point.

The contest discussion thread can be found here.

DEADLINE: Monday 28 March - your entry must be ready for judging before midday GMT+0. It is strongly recommended you submit well before this time (sunday!) in case you run into troubles. Modifications to your submission are welcomed - the newest version of your entry will be judged, although modifications made after the submission date will not be judged.

Requirements

All entries must:

• reserve a string range before starting
• reserve all M2DA ranges they use:
  • Entrants will need to extend the JobBoardPlots M2DA
  • Entrants may have to extend the PRCSCR M2DA
  • Entrants may also extend other M2DAs - please also reserve these as needed, staying within the community contest range.
• use the Contest 7 Framework
• use at least 1 piece of content from 3 or more of the following catalogue sections:
  • settlement level
  • room SEL
  • prop model
  • Character (party/merchant/quest giver)
  • Head morph
  • minigame script
  • equipment
• be a SHORT module (5-15 minutes gameplay is a good target), but fulfil the following as a minimum:
  • at least 100 words dialogue
  • a journal entry to track the progress of the quest from being visible on the job board through acceptance to completion
  • at least one combat encounter
  • reward the player, but do so appropriately (do not give a massive reward or overpowered gear for a small job)
• scale to all levels of player (preferred) OR include a "recommended level" in the job board description
• complete the entry checklist below and agree to the Consent to Share

Guidelines

Strong entries will:

• not attempt an epic module - a smaller scope will allow you time to really polish your module.
• provide an engaging and interesting experience, favouring quality above quantity.
• avoid repetition and tiresome/uninteresting dialogues and combat.
• include one or more cutscenes to heighten drama

Suggestions

• My *friend/relative* has gone missing while in the *dangerous area*, please investigate!
• Bounty hunt
• Any other short quest, really.

Allowable

While no "bonus points" will be given for the following, entrants may:

• enter the contest several times.
• include new custom content provided it can be shared (see not allowable custom content below)

Not Allowable

Please:

• do not use custom content for which you do not have permission to share, or you do not wish to be shared in the catalogue.
• do not override core resources unless under exceptional circumstances (if in doubt, ask in the contest thread)

Groups and Prizes

Groups

This contest has one group, with higher prizes than normal!

• 1st place - 30 points, chooses first
• 2nd place - 20 points, chooses second
• 3rd place - 10 points, chooses third
• Best Newcomer - 5 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
• All other entries meeting requirements - 3 points

Best Newcomer Award

If an entrant has not entered a Community Contest before, they qualify for the Best Newcomer Award. This award is given to the newcomer with the highest number of votes.

Prizes

Please see Community Contest Prizes

Helpful Links

• coming soon!

Submitting an Entry

Entry File(s)

Builder File Contents:

• dadbdata of your module (do not include core resources)
• any data/override files required. mike will be impressed if you put them in the correct folder... module/data is usually sufficient! core/override is usually over-the-top and conflict-prone)

Player File: (the player file is optional - we'll be bundling them all together)

File Format: .7z file (preferred)

Checklist

1. Create your file (see above)
2. Create a Dragon Age Nexus page for your entry and upload the above file. Please include "Community Contest" in the title.
3. Edit this page with a description and pictures of your content.
   • Please include pictures which are both functional as well as attractive (so your work can be seen clearly)
   • Link to your DA Nexus page. See the sample entry.
4. Optionally, let us know in the Contest Discussion Thread that you've entered

For the general entry guidelines (as well as more detail on the above steps), please see the Entry FAQs

For information on Judging, please see the Judging page.

Consent to Share

IMPORTANT - consent to share

By entering this competition you consent to share your work for other community members to benefit from.
Where appropriate, source files should be shared (prop models, VFXProj files). 
The work *MUST* be your own (obviously you may use DA assets).
Others may use and modify your work in their Dragon Age mods, though are encouraged to give credit. 
As the entries are judged, local copies will be saved If your work is taken down.
If your work is taken down, you allow for it to be re-uploaded, crediting the work in your name.  

Entries

Sample Entry Placeholder

• Dragon Age Nexus project page

This slot will hopefully be replaced by a "proper" sample entry for you to examine.

Judges' Comments

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.