Game Topic Content Guidelines - (Read this before posting your game)

[coasterkrazy]

I'm not going to lie that I completely disagree with the screenshot rule. I have seen fantastic games posted on the Internet that have provided no screenshots. While screens may be nice, they're not entirely necessary. A fully detailed description of the game will suffice when no screenshots are provided. Sometimes screens simply don't do a game justice, and I don't believe they're absolutely necessary to legitimize a thread. Even with my game, for instance, although it isn't an RPG, screens just make it look bad. My game isn't about eye-appeal, but fun music and arcade action. I believe screenshots would actually turn most people off to it.

I think this is especially true when a download link is provided, as most game threads have no sort of playable content anyway.

As for the other rules, I agree.

[Rayonius]

Not doing so will hamper your chances of getting a positive responce from the public.

Yep, dictatorship. Complete hampering of creative thought. Definitely not:

suggestions for attention grabbing.

[Prpl_Mage]

To the new members reading this and getting all scared!

If you get confused why noone is downloading your game or doesn't reply kindly. What is mentioned in this thread might be the answer.

Members on the internet is basicly too lazy to bother clicking a link to your webpage where you got your game.
Doing that is more or less just advertisement, you don't even bother telling us what it is.
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Actually explaining what the game is about is a perfect way to get attention and get members interested. You might have a great game, but a bad description greatly reduces your chances to get possitive replies.
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Screenshots show us how skilled you are with mapmaking and graphic handling. Some people want to play good-looking games, showing a screenshot will make them know what to expect.
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Character descriptions show the members how well you've planned the game as well as your imagination and creativity. This is another good thing to do so that people can quickly see if they can expect a serious, quick, lazy or beginner- kind of game.
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Writing a explaination about the overall plot is good as well, this is another good way to catch people's interest. Don't get all upset if someone says the story is cliché, it's very common. Especially when it is a question about a kidnapped princess, elemental temples and a nation starting a war for no apparent reason.
The overall explaination will show members what to expect of the game story-wise. Don't spoil your grand plot though.
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If you get negative replies. Take them to heart and use the critism to make the game better, we are not trying to be mean(although some members got it easier to appear that way than others).
Suggestions is what we should give you; but all members really doesn't have that gift to be educational, so some members may say it better than others.

[Rahl]

Prpl_Mage has it right. I think you should start a new thread and add what you said to it. THAT should be stickied. You could really learn somthing from prpl Mies, take some notes.

[A Forgotten Legend]

Okay.  We need a Prpl Appreciation Day.  Now.

[Meiscool-2]

I'm not going to lie that I completely disagree with the screenshot rule. I have seen fantastic games posted on the Internet that have provided no screenshots. While screens may be nice, they're not entirely necessary. A fully detailed description of the game will suffice when no screenshots are provided. Sometimes screens simply don't do a game justice, and I don't believe they're absolutely necessary to legitimize a thread. Even with my game, for instance, although it isn't an RPG, screens just make it look bad. My game isn't about eye-appeal, but fun music and arcade action. I believe screenshots would actually turn most people off to it.

I think this is especially true when a download link is provided, as most game threads have no sort of playable content anyway.

As for the other rules, I agree.

Graphics are part of a game. They deserve the same spotlight as story, sound, playability, and are just as key of an advertising function as telling someone your character bios, plot, battle systems, etc.

And Rahl, Prpl put basically the same thing as I did only in a nicer and less direct way. I will, however, edit my original post to include his, as it is valueable.

[Ace of Spades]

Just got back from vacation. Stickied.

[Rahl]

Graphics don't play as much a part as you say Mies. Some of the best games have had the worst graphics and mapping.

[Meiscool-2]

Listen dude, don't argue. If you want to post your own guidelines, the ones that you feel people should follow, then do so and I will make a place for them in the first post so that people can read them.

[RockJohnAxe]

Or just make a game thread following nothing of what meiscool has posted and make him cry...  CRY I TELL YOU!!!

[Rahl]

That sounds great Rock

[coasterkrazy]

It's not so much of an argument as it is a suggestion. I'm just saying that saying you HAVE to post screens is a bit extreme. Technically, no one HAS to do anything, I know, but I'm talking in terms of the guidelines here. I think it would be better if you said they were STRONGLY SUGGESTED.

[Meiscool-2]

Find where I say you MUST show screenshots and I'll say you win.

You won't find it, because these are guidelines. I tell people what they SHOULD have. Yes, several games have been successful without showing screens, but far more have been successful WITH them shown. Almost everyone can honestly admit that being able to visually see what a game has in store helps to better clearify if it is the type of game a person would be interested it. If you disagree with that, you are either stubborn or ignorant.

EDIT - To the below, you will notice edit times of this post and original post and such and blah blah

[RockJohnAxe]

Ninja edit!! you sneaky lol

[Rahl]

Ninja time edit!