Thread: Ludum Dare 23: April 20-23

Hey guys!

I know a few of you have expressed an interest in past Ludum Dare events, so here's a friendly reminder that Ludum Dare 23 is next weekend.

For people new to LD, it's an indie game programming competition where you have 48 hours to create a game based on a theme that's announced at the beginning of the competition (the last theme was "alone" and before that it was "escape"). It's mostly a friendly competition (the last LD had almost 1000 entrants) to celebrate what people can do in 48 hours. You'd be amazed at what you can accomplish if you just give it a try.

There is also a "Game Jam" version, which is pretty much the same thing but with more relaxed rules (you get an extra day, you can work with other people, etc). In fact, our own Tjstretch is looking for people to team up with: http://www.javaprogrammingforums.com...-dare-jam.html

I strongly suggest anybody interested in game programming (or indie programming in general) check it out. You don't have to be an expert to make an entry, especially if you form a team (or join Tjstretch's team) and enter the Game Jam instead of the 48-hour competition.

(Self-advertising ahead) I've also been putting together a website designed to help indie developers deploy Java (and Processing) games without worrying about web development. A big part of my motivation for building the site is competitions like Ludum Dare, where you might not have the time to create a website as well as a game. Just upload a jar, a background, and a thumbnail image, and you have a decent-looking website to show off your game as an applet, webstart, or downloadable jar. Check it out if you feel like it: Static Void Games

Is anybody else planning on entering Ludum Dare?

Originally Posted by Gigggas

I have checked out the games made in the past Ludum Dares, and many of the games are quite good for games made in 2-3 days.

Absolutely. If nothing else, it's worth checking out just to see what other people come up with.

I believe there is also a mini-LD event this weekend, mostly in preparation for next weekend- get your tools ready, get a taste of what you have to do, etc.