It’s a fact, the next theme is: ART GAME
November 1st, 2009
Big, big, big news this month! For the next theme we’ve decided to tackle the ever-controversial ART GAME. Although the whole games as art debate typically results in fruitless hand-wringing and much ballyhoo, but the theme itself should provide a nice backdrop to work in.
And speaking of backdrops, we’re pleased to announce that EGP will be partnering with the FACT museum in good old Liverpool England for this auspicious theme as part of their Space Invaders exhibit. Not only will the best entries be displayed on their website, but the best game will be displayed as a game station in the FACT exhibition!
Given the enormity of the theme and the event we’ve decided to extend the deadline to two months, so you’ll have until December 31st, 11:59 PST to submit your game. However, I should note that anyone seriously interested in seeing their work on display should note that the exhibit itself opens on December 17th, so it’s quite possible that an earlier entry may have a better shot – decisions, decisions.
Good luck everybody!
About FACT
FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) is the UK’s largest institution for commissioning, exhibiting, promoting and supporting artists’ work and innovation in the fields of film, video, and new media. FACT has commissioned and presented over 250 digital media artworks with artists including Mark Wallinger, Barbara Kruger, Tony Oursler, Pipilotti Rist, Vito Acconci and Isaac Julien, alongside a programme of creative technology research and development, and community-led collaborations work.
About the Exhibit
Running from December 17th to the end of February, the Space Invaders exhibit is focusing exclusively on video game environments and their progression from 2d to 3d to the real world – in particular the mixed up worlds of game space and real space, and the playful confusion between the two.
From minimlist Ataris to the mazes of Pac Man to the detailed cities of Grand Theft Auto, the computer game environment has strived for increasing levels of realism. But what happens when game space and real space are mixed? Going beyond the well-trodden debates about the morality or political messaging of violent videogames, the exhibition revels in the confusion of real space and game space. From re-enactments of computer games in real life, to so-called ‘augmented reality games’, to creative level modifications, the exhibition features artists Blast Theory, Bill Viola, Aram Bartholl, Anita Fontaine, Mark Essen, Julian Oliver, Ludic Society and more, alongside contemporary computer game favorites.
We're a group of indie game developers, running a friendly competition every month. The rules: Make a game based on the month's theme, and don't spend more than 7 days. New games posted at the end of every month. 
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61 Comments, Comment or Ping
Whew… Sounds great.
November 1st, 2009
Wheee this sounds fun. I have already had a few ideas but hey I have a while to get something going :>
November 1st, 2009
geez. kind of sad I didn’t submit lose/lose for this.
art game.
space invaders.
exhibit about the mixing of real and virtual spaces.
it’s like they planned the exhibit around what I was trying to accomplish.
can we re-submit old games? haha
November 1st, 2009
The “art” can be in the game’s theme, in the game’s graphics/sounds, or both?
November 1st, 2009
Need the games be limited to the PC?
There’s a really interesting iphone game I’ve been thinking about for the last few months, and I’d love some pressure to help create it!
November 1st, 2009
theres already a winner in this theme.
Paolo Pedercini’s ERGON/LOGOS from the minimalist competition
November 1st, 2009
Well I didn’t make it, and its not out yet, but i submit TRAUMA http://www.gamedesignreviews.com/trauma/
November 1st, 2009
I am just wondering if the rules apply for this entry :
- Made in 7 days
- Made Alone
- The game must be based on the theme
http://experimentalgameplay.com/blog/about/
I think this entry/contest should follow the same rules as the other themes.
November 1st, 2009
Hey J. Yes, typical rules still apply to this one. Of course, given the two month deadline people are free to make as many entries as they want.
I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with this time around. We have some really creative types that visit this site.
-Kyle
November 2nd, 2009
Hi Paul,
We’ve had a couple of people make games for the iPhone in the past, but you’re probably better off making something for a normal computer since not everyone has an iPhone.
November 2nd, 2009
Is the “confusion of real space and game space” also part of this month’s theme, or is that just ancillary?
November 2nd, 2009
Brilliant theme, i need to make something for this.
November 2nd, 2009
I wanted to participate in this theme compo :(
But I dont have any time to do anything :(
I have lots of things to be delivered at college :(
I will try to make something small if a mircale happen and I had some time :)
November 3rd, 2009
Wow, cool. I definitely must enter this one. Now just to find the right idea :D
November 3rd, 2009
Hello, I do not know if any one will read it, but I found this really great article about game as Art.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_155/4987-The-Game-Design-of-Art
You can agree with him or not, but what Jason wrote makes perfect sens to me. I think, this article is a MOST be read before making any games for this month themes.
November 3rd, 2009
It’s a good article, but where he says we need to “make games that everyone might appreciate as high art, we first need to figure out how to make games that are playable – start-to-finish – by everyone” seems a bit unfair considering most high art is incomprehensible to anyone who isn’t trained in it.
Also – ‘art might help us “make ourselves more cultured, civilized and empathetic.”‘ Because that’s not vague…
November 5th, 2009
Who will be judging the “best” entry for the exhibition? Im wandering whether its best to go for somthing pure Art (conceptual understood by people trained in art), Or Game specific (e.g. art that people would only understand if they know about computer games). Also, do we know what control system is best to support (Mouse/keys/control pad)?
November 9th, 2009
Great theme!
November 10th, 2009
Finally, an idea i can get behind. I’ve got one for you this time Kyle. Can’t wait to get started on it in a few weeks.
November 12th, 2009
The only month I can take part in this awesome competition is the only one I cannot get any ideas for it…
November 13th, 2009
Oh no. Not another contest that I will be tempted to attempt! I cannot resist the theme’s sinister allure… :o
November 14th, 2009
So…I dont quit understand the theme her. Art game?
November 20th, 2009
can any one explain what is an Art Game ?
November 21st, 2009
wow! siempre e querido ver algo asi
November 21st, 2009
I guess I’m the first submission? I did this a couple of weeks ago, and it ended up being part of an installation. I’ve been waiting for the photos, but it looks like I won’t get them for a while. So here it is:
Secret: Uncovered
http://gemedet.net/games/secretuncovered.html
-G
November 22nd, 2009
This isn’t really a game, but it’d hardly be the first art game with that problem:
http://meyermike.com/Color_Ride
inspired by
http://velitchko.deviantart.com/art/Color-wallpaper-99593269
November 22nd, 2009
Maybe this counts as an art game?
http://meyermike.com/Color_Ride
Based on http://velitchko.deviantart.com/art/Color-wallpaper-99593269
November 23rd, 2009
GEMEDET:
interesting interaction, not sure i see the game aspect , i like it though :)
Mike:
Its very pretty, but its not quite a game either. i guess the art theme conflicts with the game theme in some cases, how about making it that you have to make the colours avoid obsticles or something? :)
Both:
All good stuff so far, this is gonna be interesting, I managed to make a start on mine at the weekend, hopefully should be ready soon!
November 23rd, 2009
TrollBuild is a sandbox construction game. Unlike regular games, there are no predefined aims or goals. The game involves creating and destroying various types of blocks in order to build a structure.
Please, report any bugs you encounter here. I have yet to privately test this with a group of people, so there could be bugs I have yet to find.
I feel that this fits in with the “Art Game” theme as users are given freedom to create any kind of structure they wish. I hope you enjoy it and I also hope to be a frequent participant of these “theme contest”.
Download
November 25th, 2009
If you think winter will fend of your need for ice-cream then you’re wrong!
This is my attempt at an “Art Game” and it’s a tycoon game selling, you guessed it, ice-cream.
I tried to make the graphics arty to follow the theme and I think I made it pretty well. But it was a hard theme this one.
Grab it here: http://madeoftree.net/blog/jonas_icecream_stand
Direct download: http://madeoftree.net/files/download/jonasicecreamstand.zip
November 26th, 2009
RYANJT:
didnt work for me, i got “cannont open game.dmb”
November 26th, 2009
I’ll enter. Already got some ideas.
November 26th, 2009
RYANJT:
Got the same error as WILL.
November 27th, 2009
here’s my entry:) enjoy. http://awkwardgames.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/color-art-inside/
November 30th, 2009
Hmm I posted a few days ago but it’s been “awaiting moderation” since then so here’s a shameless repost :)
If you think winter will fend of your need for ice-cream then you’re wrong!
This is my attempt at an “Art Game” and it’s a tycoon game selling, you guessed it, ice-cream.
I tried to make the graphics arty to follow the theme and I think I made it pretty well. But it was a hard theme this one.
Grab it here: http://madeoftree.net/blog/jonas_icecream_stand
November 30th, 2009
Oy. My entry is insane:
http://vimeo.com/7827794
sorry there is no playable version yet, but I will try to post the source soon for those with simulators. Lets just say that because it is weird and unmarketable it is art.
December 1st, 2009
Okey dokey…
My entry is ir/rational: http://www.tomjubert.com/irrational.zip
It’s a notion I’ve been mulling for a while, and this compo spurred me on to actually get it produced.
I’m interpreting ‘art game’ as any game that has a meaning or message equal or greater than the entertainment value of the game itself. Not to say art games shouldn’t be fun, that’s just me rationalising…
…which takes me nicely onto the game itself, which is a philosophical puzzler based around an experimental argument formation system, attempting to broach the theme of human rationality itself.
Hope you enjoy it :-)
TJ
December 1st, 2009
Here my entry for this month :
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/519747
In what my game is an art game? Well I think (and I am no the only one) game provides art with game mechanics that vehicles a message.
My game is about : “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. You play the doctor, you have to find different “ending”. But as a player you have to understand your choices, that is where art happens.
I made the games in 5 days, but work on the design for a week or two. You can check my blog for more informations about the game.
December 1st, 2009
Here is mine:
http://90cdalstonlane.co.uk/downloads/ArtGame.zip
The basic artistic intention here is to see how different forms of presentation can effect a games gameplay and feel. The game is self reflexive to the medium of games so hopefully any retro gamers can see the style choices.
If desired I can do a fullscreen version, or a control change, feedback welcome.
Enjoy
December 1st, 2009
I am very much interested in making a game for this, but it would be helpful to know a firm deadline for “if your game isn’t submitted by this date, then it won’t be picked for the museum display”. (Yeah, the post says Dec. 17th, but that’s when it opens. I would assume that preperations would begin earlier.) If anyone knows, I would appreciate the info. Thanks!
December 2nd, 2009
Hi Spydog,
I talked to the exhibitors, and although it opens in 2 weeks they’ll put up the winners at the beginning of January. The exhibit runs until some time in February, so if you win it’ll still be on display for quite some time.
Best,
Kyle
December 4th, 2009
Got my game done a few days ago, but forgot to tell you guys,
anyways, Gravity:
its a platformer with graphics reminiscent of the artist Piet Mondrian, and a neat from of gameplay.
http://lafe.webs.com/apps/blog/show/2240189-gravity
December 5th, 2009
btw, are we allowed to have a second adapted version if we have the exhibit, like, higher res or whatever?
December 5th, 2009
@ LAFE:
The game took a minute to start, and also seemed to react with a lot of delay to my actions. Even though I have a Pentium Core Duo 2,0Ghz it used up 50% of the CPU capacity…
December 7th, 2009
@LUNATUNA
really? like, i have a large loading time on my comp, but it never lagged for me before. i should look into that.
December 8th, 2009
Hi Lafe,
A second adapted version is fine. I imagine the winner can work out those details with FACT.
December 9th, 2009
Here is my entry for this month:
http://imposs.ible.jp/2009/12/earth—experimental-gameplay.html
You can get a teaser image http://imposs.ible.jp/2009/12/experimental-gameplay-project.html but it’s faster to just play the game.
When I read that the exhibition was called “Space Invaders” this game popped into my mind. Read the small introduction and get playing.
Have fun.
December 11th, 2009
Hi, this is a game I made some time ago, try it might suit the theme. It took me one day to make it, btw.
Paint your way home.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1214188/paint%20you%20way%20home.exe
December 11th, 2009
Here’s my entry…
Memory: http://aaronoldenburg.net/e_memory.html
Instructions: click and drag.
December 11th, 2009
After posting the game I got a lot of feedback (mostly from reddit) so I released a new version of EARTH.
It can now be found here:
http://imposs.ible.jp/2009/12/earth-v2—experimental-gamepl.html
The game is now far less boring (once you “get” it) and far more challenging. The message is still the same though.
December 14th, 2009
My entry is called Grey Matter. It’s a puzzle-platformer in which you play as a stick man and complete each level to recieve the Colour Crystal.
You have to be on your watch at all times, as the levels have plenty of tricks in store for you. I have made the game in installements because it would be better to publish half of the game before the deadline then complete it a day after. I don’t currently plan to work on a second installement, but if people like it, I will happily.
The art comes in when, as I mentioned earlier, you get the Colour Crystal at the end of the level. There is a red explosion and everything is colourful and bright once more. The game also features time travel, which I think is the best excuse you could get for an extra life.
It features 4 levels and I made a level per day (basically, I made it in 4 days). Enjoy!
- Sam Bond
Direct Download Link:
http://dl040.filefactory.com/dl/f/a11h1g6//b/2/h/c9f348961adfa66d8075c7a6/m/fd563f5184e6fbae0778b8dea029bf98/n/Grey_Matter.zip
December 16th, 2009
(Sorry, just found out the link redirects to the FileFactory)
The controls are simple:
Up – Jump
Left – Move Left
Right – Move Right
Hold Space – Time Travel
December 17th, 2009
I made a game for Ludum Dare with the intention of also submitting it here. Hope that’s ok, otherwise I might do something else.
http://cactusquid.blogspot.com/2009/12/this-is-infinity.html
December 17th, 2009
Hey, I’ve put a link on my website. So here’s the web page. http://www.silversparkgames.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=56
Just wanted to say, nice games everyone!
December 18th, 2009
So I just comment here to submit ? Nice .
My game is called And everything started to fall . Is game about life and its unavoidable end death and the things that could happen in between . It has 2 versions but the only difference between the 2 is the quality of the music and by extension the file size . There is also an issue with some computers that causes black squares to appear around some of the graphics . I really do not know the reason for this but I’m trying to get it fixed .
version 1 – low quality music :
http://www.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/1/7/2517818/and_everything_started_to_fall_v1.zip
version 2 – high quality music – both versions are included in this file :
http://gamejolt.com/freeware/games/and-everything-started-to-fall/download/1262/
December 24th, 2009
Here’s my submission entitled “Piss Christ The Game(s)”
http://team3000.freecp.net/pisschrist.html
In the likely event that this site goes down, here’s another download link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U723E9GN
Do tell me if I’ve let any bugs slip through the cracks.
December 25th, 2009
Can i submit this?
Well I made it for an art project in my art college… In something around a week… to be honest spent most of it sticking people’s paint tubes just out of their reach on the studio walls…
http://gamejolt.com/freeware/games/other/lucidity/1254/
I think it fits in quite nicely with this theme.
December 29th, 2009
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