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Fengol
05-11-2008, 02:15 PM
Yes, not to be out done by the beachcombers in Durban, we're also having a DevLAN this holiday season up in Johannesburg.

Date: 29 November 2008 9:30 - 18:00
Venue: The Da Vinci Institute - Modderfontein (directions (http://www.davinciinstitute.co.za/map.php))
Bring: PC, cash for lunchtime take-aways, a friend and a positive attitude. (We're hoping to make some PC's available in the labs for people who can't bring)

We'll be meeting at The Da Vinci Institute (http://www.davinciinstitute.co.za/map.php) and Dislekcia will be providing a theme for the day.

With the schools closing and the exams nearly over we'd like everybody to bring a friend to the last 2008 Game.Dev DevLAN if they can.

I'll update the first post as more information is available.

Kensei
05-11-2008, 04:05 PM
No dice, I am still in London

edg3
05-11-2008, 04:57 PM
Will do my best to be there WITH a buddy tagging along.

Just a question, do we need our own keyboard/mouse/screen etc? Just want to make sure :P

Fengol
05-11-2008, 05:20 PM
What? you haven't managed to use your PC with your mind? But yes, bring your PC, keyboard, mouse and headphones.

edg3
05-11-2008, 07:16 PM
Havent had the time to learn. :P

Thanks for the speedy reply. Makes it easier to know beforehand whether I can actually be there or not. (so far its still fine)

FuzzYspo0N
06-11-2008, 09:26 AM
win, i could throw a stone from my roof, into their yard :D really, really close to my house.
Ill try my hardest to be there. im sure i can make it

Gazza_N
06-11-2008, 09:29 AM
Theme can be's XNA plz? ;)

Yeah, probability of attendance looks good from my side. For now.

Squid
06-11-2008, 11:32 AM
I can try be there. Not to optimistic at this stage though.

01DT!m3r
08-11-2008, 08:24 AM
If xna is the theme please can someone supply the installers . As i have visual studio 2008 on my pc but the xna that the game dev dvd doesnt work :( .

edg3
08-11-2008, 08:41 AM
If xna is the theme please can someone supply the installers . As i have visual studio 2008 on my pc but the xna that the game dev dvd doesnt work :( .
I have it all. And Im sure Dis will have it as well as Fuzzyspoon if I dont make it :)

01DT!m3r
08-11-2008, 09:13 AM
Awesome thanx . At the moment i can make it :) but it may change closer to the time .

FuzzYspo0N
11-11-2008, 07:02 AM
weird, that it doesnt work :/ sorry about that. i havent had any problems with my installs. BUt, i do have 3.0 release now not just the ctp/beta so thats a plus anyway.

01DT!m3r
14-11-2008, 09:39 PM
YAY!,For some odd and miraculous reason the CTP of XNA 3.0 Installed :) and it seems to be working fine ,anyone know o any descent tutorials for it?

edg3
14-11-2008, 11:01 PM
YAY!,For some odd and miraculous reason the CTP of XNA 3.0 Installed :) and it seems to be working fine ,anyone know o any descent tutorials for it?
The CTP doesnt have all the features (like xbox deployment though). Also as far as tutorials go, I havent used XNA 3 yet, so I dont know what difference there is between 2 and 3, but I can get back to you end of next week when I start my large project.

01DT!m3r
15-11-2008, 02:19 PM
The CTP doesnt have all the features (like xbox deployment though). Also as far as tutorials go, I havent used XNA 3 yet, so I dont know what difference there is between 2 and 3, but I can get back to you end of next week when I start my large project.

Cool,Thanks.

dislekcia
17-11-2008, 01:20 PM
Had an idea for a theme this mroing...

Control Schemes.
GM makes it really easy to move things around on the screen, but often that ease comes back to bite you if you're trying to make a more complicated control system or add something to the way people interact with your game... I've got a reasonably generalised pattern for a state-machine system that should be extendable into practically every interaction situation (from RTS to platformer to pong).

Anyone keen on this? Obviously I'd talk about control schemes, how they impact games and common issues, then do a rundown of the system before handing it over to all of you and seeing what you make with it...

Fengol
17-11-2008, 03:03 PM
I'm not quite sure I understand the framework you've got for us but I believe any game dev discussion will be valuable and I trust your judgement :)

dislekcia
17-11-2008, 03:36 PM
I'm not quite sure I understand the framework you've got for us but I believe any game dev discussion will be valuable and I trust your judgement :)

It's basically a method of implementing controls that deals with questions like "How do I make my character double jump?" or "How can I make it so that my selected units attack instead of move when I click?" in a logical, simple manner.

Obviously the implementation is flexible ;)

Gazza_N
18-11-2008, 01:28 PM
Sounds interesting enough, especially if it's a flexible system.

Also, I may have another clueless victim aspiring devver joining me. \0/

Agrajag
18-11-2008, 01:30 PM
Count me in. I'll bring a me, a friend, my computer, and possibly a sandwich. This is going to be awesome.

Even though with exams on at the moment I don't have any interesting projects that I'm currently working on, my last exam is on the 28th so I'll be looking at getting busy on the current competition.

And Dislekcia, I think that the talk on control schemes you suggested would be amazingly useful.

01DT!m3r
21-11-2008, 09:55 PM
I agree that the control schemes would be useful ,i have another suggestion though,if it's too late to be considered then maybe we can use it for another Dev.LAN, i was wondering if you could do procedural Generation , seeing as you used it in SpaceHack:)

dislekcia
21-11-2008, 10:32 PM
I agree that the control schemes would be useful ,i have another suggestion though,if it's too late to be considered then maybe we can use it for another Dev.LAN, i was wondering if you could do procedural Generation , seeing as you used it in SpaceHack:)

We will probably revisit procedural generation at another DevLAN (we did it previously), the problem is that it's difficult to write a general framework to handle generation or at least get people started on the types of problems they'll need to understand when writing their own systems...

Also, procedural stuff rarely results in gameplay in and of itself. SpaceHack's gameplay isn't procedural, that's normal shoot-stuff-that-isn't-you. We just populate that gameplay space procedurally ;)

Fengol
24-11-2008, 02:14 PM
Alrighty, time to bump this thread in time for THIS SATURDAY. Just a reminder that we're meeting in Modderfontein, at the da Vinci Institute and here's a map (http://www.davinciinstitute.co.za/map.php).

We're expecting between 8-12 people and the more the merrier. Don't forget to bring your PC's and headphones!

edg3
24-11-2008, 03:06 PM
Hmm, I really want to make it, but I might have a tough time getting a lift there on this Saturday. Unless there is someone near Northgate thats going?

01DT!m3r
24-11-2008, 09:49 PM
We will probably revisit procedural generation at another DevLAN (we did it previously), the problem is that it's difficult to write a general framework to handle generation or at least get people started on the types of problems they'll need to understand when writing their own systems...

Also, procedural stuff rarely results in gameplay in and of itself. SpaceHack's gameplay isn't procedural, that's normal shoot-stuff-that-isn't-you. We just populate that gameplay space procedurally ;)

okay I hadn't realised that it was done already , okay, as for saturday I can make it and I have a friend coming with me .A bit off topic , I still wanna play spacehack :) even in its unfinished state , and ultimate quest for that matter ,oh ya about headphones , if we don't have any can we still bring speakers ?

Gazza_N
25-11-2008, 07:29 AM
oh ya about headphones , if we don't have any can we still bring speakers ?

Please don't. Headphones allow the rest of us to work without being distracted by other peoples' music and sound effects blasting across the venue. And imagine if EVERYONE brought their speakers... 0_o

Fengol
25-11-2008, 09:04 AM
+1 to what Gazza_N said. Remember at the same time, you might want to keep an ear cocked to what being said while we dev. We're constantly chatting about the theme, sharing ideas and helping each other solve problems.

01DT!m3r
25-11-2008, 10:00 AM
Please don't. Headphones allow the rest of us to work without being distracted by other peoples' music and sound effects blasting across the venue. And imagine if EVERYONE brought their speakers... 0_o

Okay,Understood:),I will find a pair before the dev.LAN

Gazza_N
25-11-2008, 01:32 PM
Well, bear in mind that headphones aren't an ESSENTIAL prerequisite for the DevLAN. It's just that if you plan on listening to music while you dev or want to put sound into your game, headphones are preferable for their Quietness of Minimal Distraction +99. ;)

01DT!m3r
25-11-2008, 08:47 PM
Well, bear in mind that headphones aren't an ESSENTIAL prerequisite for the DevLAN. It's just that if you plan on listening to music while you dev or want to put sound into your game, headphones are preferable for their Quietness of Minimal Distraction +99. ;)

Music is my savior.(all rolls are considered as 6:))

edg3
26-11-2008, 09:30 AM
Ok, Ive made plans, and I will definitely be there :) See you Saturday.

Fengol
26-11-2008, 09:49 AM
... are they... evil plans?

Gazza_N
26-11-2008, 10:08 AM
... are they... evil plans?
edg3's plans are always hardcore ev0l. The last time I tried to see them, they nearly took my fingers off. Then they ate a baby seal. ALIVE.

On another note, I'm pretty psyched about all the people coming. Could this potentially be the best-attended Joburg DevLAN evar?

edg3
26-11-2008, 10:20 AM
edg3's plans are always hardcore ev0l. The last time I tried to see them, they nearly took my fingers off. Then they ate a baby seal. ALIVE.
:< That used to be the best kept secret of my plans... But maybe its better that people now know.

Ive got a lift and so on and so forth, had to pull arms and legs. sorta.

Fengol
26-11-2008, 10:38 AM
After the devlan, I'll be showing off my chromehounds demo. FYI, HemaHema (http://reinerstileset.4players.de/gamesnappsE.html) is an awesome heightmap and texture tool.

The Dash
26-11-2008, 10:48 AM
I'd come but i need a lift =/

dislekcia
26-11-2008, 11:01 AM
I'd come but i need a lift =/

And you're where? Maybe someone is coming from nearby...

edg3
27-11-2008, 04:01 PM
I need a lift too now, my dad forgot he's in Rustenburg this weekend, so anyone near Northgate going? <3

The Dash
27-11-2008, 06:55 PM
And you're where? Maybe someone is coming from nearby...

Sandton\Bryanston area

FuzzYspo0N
27-11-2008, 07:04 PM
HMMMM. The Dash, Edg3 PM your numbers (cell phone numbers) (oh, i have yours edg3) and ill see if i can give you a ride. Most likely will pick you up some where early ish, between 8 and 9 to make it in time to the dev lan, then ill need to shoot off till afternoon and be back to take you home.

edg3
27-11-2008, 07:29 PM
Thanks Fuzzy, although my dad talked me into driving myself (I was tricked somehow, I still cant tell how) and he gave me a laptop to use so I no longer need a car as tansport. :) main reason for needing a lift wa to bring a pc. Also Im taking back roads all the way, so I'll either be early or late, cant tell yet.

BlackHawk
28-11-2008, 07:48 AM
Count me in! Looking forward to this! :D

Gazza_N
28-11-2008, 07:51 AM
although my dad talked me into driving myself (I was tricked somehow, I still cant tell how)
The evil plan concoction skills run in the family, it seems. :P

edg3
28-11-2008, 08:06 AM
The evil plan concoction skills run in the family, it seems. :P
Yes it does very much seem so!

Squid
28-11-2008, 11:17 AM
I can come if someone is able to give me a lift.

Fengol
28-11-2008, 11:57 AM
You're only a little out my way Squid. If D can't give you a lift, I'm sure I can help

dislekcia
28-11-2008, 12:38 PM
I can come if someone is able to give me a lift.

We can pick you up on the way. Call me later to organise.

dINGLE
28-11-2008, 03:13 PM
Count me in as well.

If anyone needs a lift from norkem park or around there, let me know.

The Dash
28-11-2008, 10:14 PM
Okay Fuzzy is giving me a lift (Big thanks =P)

But by the looks of it im gonna be super early =P

FuzzYspo0N
29-11-2008, 12:59 AM
Lol, just calm down! See you guys there.

Squid
29-11-2008, 08:20 AM
Looks like this is gonna be a big one :)

See ya'll in an hour or so.

Agrajag
29-11-2008, 10:16 PM
I can't believe I missed this. What happened was yesterday was my last highschool exam ever. So my sister took me out to the Dros. So I got quite a few free drinks from friends and I ended up drinking way too much. So when it came to this morning, I was in no state to drive anywhere, it would have been unpleasant and dangerous.

Perhaps I will actually make the next one when it comes around.

So, how did it go?

The Dash
29-11-2008, 10:52 PM
So, how did it go?

Awsome, just waiting for Dis to post the final result and you can see ;)

i did a quick look if there was a thread about it but i cant find one, but Dis will be able to explain it alot better than i can.

We basically created a whole bunch of Wairoware (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warioware#WarioWare) type games

Higushi
30-11-2008, 05:51 PM
I miss these... Will make a plan next year to come round to at least one.

Fengol
01-12-2008, 09:22 AM
I'll upload the rest of the pics later today. In the meantime:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/Fengol/grouppic.jpg

edg3
01-12-2008, 09:42 AM
I look demented.

Fengol
01-12-2008, 09:57 AM
check out the photos here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mailowl/tags/devlan1108/)

Gazza_N
01-12-2008, 10:44 AM
I look demented.

You also look depraved, despicable, demonic, delinquent, devilish, destructive, detritus, demotivated, DeLorian.

I look like I'm about to leap for the photographer's neck... <.<

Fengol
01-12-2008, 10:48 AM
You truly look evil Gazza_N :D

01DT!m3r
01-12-2008, 12:02 PM
Thank you to everyone who helped organise this. It was awesome i will definatly be joining everyone at the next one . It was awesome . Thanks .

Kensei
01-12-2008, 12:27 PM
Names, I need NAMES!

Off hand I recognize Squid, Gazza_N, Aequitas and that dude in the front with the 'No Noodles' T-shirt looks awfully familiar... wasn't he on the Paedophile warning list a while back?

Fengol
01-12-2008, 12:51 PM
For Kensei :)

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/Fengol/grouppic2.jpg

Kensei
01-12-2008, 01:41 PM
Thank you, Fengol :)

::updates her profiling software with the details::

Tee hee

FuzzYspo0N
01-12-2008, 01:55 PM
i dont know how fengol managed to get so many photos of me, but he was determined to make sure it was logged that i ACTUALLY made it to a devlan after years of trying :D

Thanks guys, it was way awesome

dislekcia
01-12-2008, 02:15 PM
i dont know how fengol managed to get so many photos of me, but he was determined to make sure it was logged that i ACTUALLY made it to a devlan after years of trying :D

Thanks guys, it was way awesome


make sure it was logged that i ACTUALLY made it to a devlan after


ACTUALLY

!

You win epic internets sir. Well done :)

Kensei
01-12-2008, 02:54 PM
I look like I'm about to leap for the photographer's neck... <.<


You truly look evil Gazza_N :D

Avatar anyone?

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z210/KenseiZA/Random/gaz.jpg

Fengol
01-12-2008, 03:26 PM
awesome

FuzzYspo0N
01-12-2008, 04:46 PM
Although i didnt ACTUALLY partake in the day events of creating a wairoware game (thanks mr game maker bastard) i will ACTUALLY submit the completed version of mine via email to dis (as agreed).



Originally Posted by FuzzYspo0N
ACTUALLY

01DT!m3r
01-12-2008, 07:08 PM
Spotted an error in the names . Drummers name is dryman . Must have been a communication error . :)

dislekcia
01-12-2008, 07:32 PM
Spotted an error in the names . Drummers name is dryman . Must have been a communication error . :)

Ah! I was trying to write down nicks during the introduction process, but it was a tad difficult with my brain not working as it should... Next time we're doing name tags ;)

Thanks for the correction.

Tr00jg
01-12-2008, 08:20 PM
Looks like win. :)

The Dash
01-12-2008, 08:34 PM
Ha! no picture of my face :D

Gazza_N
02-12-2008, 07:52 AM
Avatar anyone?

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z210/KenseiZA/Random/gaz.jpg

That is simultaneously flattering and terrifying. Now I'm going to jump in fright every time I look at myself in the mirror. :(

FuzzYspo0N
02-12-2008, 09:17 AM
its missing one thing! a microphone just below that mouth hole of awesome.

Kensei
02-12-2008, 01:14 PM
I had to edit out edg3's 'innocent' face - it looked like Gazza_N was whispering evil things in his ear :D

Squid
02-12-2008, 06:19 PM
Why has dislekcia uploaded the result yet? :(

I'm am very disappointed.