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GBA Game Development Competition

SimonB writes "gbadev.org is hosting its yearly game development competition (for the GameBoy Advance), with a deadline in just under a month from now. What is different (and exciting!) about this competition is the fact that the winning entries will be made into a multi-game compilation and 500 cartridges will be manufactured complete with cartridge label, full color box, and manual. The finalized game will be sold to break-even and the aim is for the game to cost just under $14US with shipping included. Visit 2004mbit.gbadev.org for more information."

3 of 16 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Hum! by OMGtehRed · · Score: 3, Informative

    http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=51&produ cts_id=1415& Lik-sang has something that can do that. But it's only for small apps (256 KB or less). http://www.linker4u.com/pp/linker4u.asp This site though has some Flash based cartridges you could probably use to upload homebrew ROMs onto it.

  2. Game Rules by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    General information/rules - GBADEV.ORG Development competition 2004

    - NOT FINAL -

    -+-+-+-+-+ INFORMATION
    This year we have something different in mind for our annual development competition.
    Instead of giving out cash and flash cartridges the aim is to manufacture a batch of
    500 cartridges with the top entries (a "multi-cart"); complete with cart sticker, manual
    and box. The cartridges will be manufactured by an "independent party" (read: not Nintendo).

    The cartridges will be 32Mbit and equipped with SRAM. A size limit of 4Mbit is needed
    to fit enough entries on the cartridge to make it appeal to the public. With 4Mbit space
    reserved for intro, menu and credits this leaves 28Mbit on the cartridge for games. The
    top 7 games will be guaranteed to make the cartridge. Additional games MAY be considered
    if space permits. Spare space on the cartridge MAY also be given to the 7 guaranteed
    entries to allow for additional content. Use of any spare space will be handled at my [Simon]
    discretion.

    Intro, Menu, Credits, Game Cartridge Sticker-art and Boxart will be made by a 3rd party
    and is not part of this competition.

    The GBADEV.ORG development compos usually "cost" ~1000$usd in cash. The original plan was to
    subsidise the games so that it would be cheaper for the consumer. This meant that the games would be
    sold at a loss of about 1.5$usd/game. After a poll on http://forum.gbadev.org we noted that
    the people taking the poll would not like to see us loose money on this project. Thanks!? :=)
    Instead, the games will now be sold to break even, nothing more, nothing less.

    The prize for entrants is to have their game on a published (but unlicenced) game cartridge.
    Neither you or GBADEV.ORG will make ANY money on this cartridge. Tough luck! :=)

    After close calculations, taking in consideration import taxes, distribution costs, and the ever weaker
    $usd, we now believe the end-customer price will be around 14$usd. We will however do everything we
    can to keep costs down!

    -+-+-+-+ RULES
    The rules are simple:

    You have 4Mbit (512Kbyte) to work with.
    This is a game only competition.
    Have your game ready by DECEMBER 5TH (before Dec 6th, exact timezone will be announced).

    ALL entries must be COMPLETE and make use of music/sound effects, unless the nature of
    the game is one that such content is not to strive for. Games such as RPG's must have an
    ending. ALL content must be original. You may not use any gfx/sound that are not free to use
    in commercial projects. YOU are solely responsible for ensuring that your entry is legal.
    Entrants of selected entries MUST be prepared to sign legal documents to this affect.

    ALL selected entries are guaranteed the use of 4.5KByte of SRAM space. Since all entries are not
    expected to make use of SRAM, you will probably be able to use more if needed.

    No unnecessary splash screens. If you MUST show a splash screen, please contact simonb[CAT]gbadev.org.
    Titlescreen and intro is OK. Instructions are also OK. Even though you can include credits in your
    game it is not a necessary since credits for all games will be placed in the main credits.

    Entries selected to be on the cartridge must be prepared to submit all source/scripts/graphics etc
    necessary to compile/assemble your to the project coordinator. NO parts of your source will leave the
    project coordinator's computer. Your shoddy coding is safe with us! erm..nevermind (it was a joke, relax)
    Read "prepared", ie we might not ask you at all.

    Your game MUST be extensively tested (GBA/GBA SP) to ensure that "no" bugs are noticeable.

    You ARE allowed to send in updated versions of previously released games. The changes however must
    be significant & clearly noticeable.

    You/your team are allowed to submit a maximum of 3 games. If several of your submitted games are selected
    they will all be

  3. Re:Hum! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    I got mine from www.jandaman.com They have several different sizes and brands to choose from