Calling Computer Programmers / Boffins / General Experts / Technical Whizzes...
I need some creative help from what I guess would be a computer programmer/designer type person. It doesn't matter if you're a professional programmer or a home-based amateur who 'dabbles' a bit!! This is a bit of fun, a collaboration, that may or may not go somewhere.
I've designed a game (not board based) for which I need to create a working Demo in computer form (as rudimentary as possible: no thrills or anything too sophisticated) in order to test it properly, and run through all the various elements to see if they work or need to be altered.
I imagine this cannot be too difficult to create, but it's not my thing. I need someone to work with me from the many detailed drawings I have, to construct a 'mechanical test' version on screen. I hope this is making sense!!!
The game stands (approx 50 cm tall) between two opposing players, who attempt in turn to tactically out-do each other, with metal balls or marbles falling downwards via runs and stops, to further their own progress and simultaneously hinder the other player. There are some basic moving parts, bridges, stops, u-turns, bends and trapdoors, etc.
I think the best way to find out if it works on all levels, is to test it in computer form, rather than construct endless actual physical prototypes. A computer version would be much easier to hone and change. There's only one way to see if this thing is viable or not, and that's to 'virtually' create it, test it and see.
Can you help?
If we work on this together, we'll share in the profits - if the game is ever picked up and manufactured, of course. I hope it will be, and can see no reason why it shouldn't be. It's an unusual, entertaining, amusing, frustrating, annoying, taxing (stressful too, I'd say!!!) tactical battle, but it's good fun and I'd like to get it running asap.
Drop me a line please to Greg Brooks, via... garytaylortqy@aol.com
Greg:
I can get you in touch with some serious programmers if you like, they could tell you more (and perhaps help you make it) if you could give them a more detailed description. From what I read, the main trouble is going to be programming the dynamics of the balls' movement. If you want this to be a model for a physical game, that needs to be pretty accurate and this might cause headaches.
Anyway, send me a PM and I'll try to give you a hand.
I know someone who can do it. He's self-employed, but has a sub-contract with a well known company. He has access to all sorts of pre-designed archive graphics. I'm sure he'll have it done sometime soon, although probably not before his company have re-released a few older games, first. He's also working on a book of computer game releases, but it's full of incorrect data and spelling/grammar mistakes he needs to fix. I'll see to it he gets back to you within the next 11 years or so.
Seriously though, Greg - the description reminds me a little of a game I used to have about 25 years ago: it would be great to see a better version of it, so good luck :)
Keep us updated on how you're getting on!