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WILL
17-03-2009, 03:34 PM
Who would be interested in working on or reading a new Pascal game development magazine? I'm thinking of putting together one with content and articles from others and editing it myself... any takers?

noeska
17-03-2009, 05:14 PM
I would write some articles for it, but i have to find time for it... So i cannot promise anything.

WILL
17-03-2009, 06:31 PM
you know what noeska, why not just do an OpenAL primer then? Or something else non-OpenAL... Since it will be the first issue we'll need some basic stuff to introduce in the magazine anyhow.

WILL
17-03-2009, 06:45 PM
Ok, I've thought about this magazine idea in my head as I finished off my day at work. And well, I'm going to try to do this anyhow. Why?

1) It'll be fun and

2) It'll help to get some long withheld exposure of whats really been going on with Pascal tools and game libraries and engines. There are so many projects out there and some really neat new tools that noone really knows what they can do after all these years of development.

3) This is the sort of thing I liked to do when I was a part of the PGD staff and posting news on the site. Something I haven't gotten to do much. I can get back in touch with former contacts and see what deals I can broker with them to boast Pascal once again in making games.


Content Needed:

- Code Bits and Tricks (OpenGL/DirectX/SDL specific to general algos and how tos)

- Project Showcase/Highlights (Show us what cool and interesting games and tools you've been doing)

- Opinion Pieces (write down your 2 cents on a word doc and send it in on something, lets discuss issues about the game/dev tool industry)

- Advertising! Post a link or graphical tag on your site somewhere and we'll give you a quarter/half or full page ad of your game, tool, community service or other project that you have.


I'm going to make up a small concept mag design just to show what it'll look like just as a motivator and to see what you'll be getting involved in. I think this will be a great benefit to the community so please make your contributions to it as every bit of it will be greatly needed.

paul_nicholls
17-03-2009, 07:42 PM
Hi WILL, If I ever finish my article, perhaps I could put it in the magazine?
It is about colliding 2d box shapes with a 2d regular tile grid.

PS. how did you put pascal highlighting into your artillery tutorials?

cheers,
Paul

WILL
17-03-2009, 09:29 PM
Here is the concept cover I made up in an hour or so of work...

What do you guys think?


Yes, that would be excellent Paul. I'll be hunting down individuals for articles for this first issue soon. I guess you're the first to sign up then. ;)

As for the syntax highlighting; I used a JavaScript script that can be downloaded here: http://alexgorbatchev.com/wiki/SyntaxHighlighter There are 2 popular versions 1.5.1 and 2.0. I use 2.0. I believe the PGD site uses 1.5.1? But there are instructions that are easy to follow just need to do a bit of reading.

arthurprs
18-03-2009, 12:06 AM
probably i can contribute with some text

paul_nicholls
18-03-2009, 12:16 AM
Here is the concept cover I made up in an hour or so of work...

What do you guys think?


Yes, that would be excellent Paul. I'll be hunting down individuals for articles for this first issue soon. I guess you're the first to sign up then. ;)

As for the syntax highlighting; I used a JavaScript script that can be downloaded here: http://alexgorbatchev.com/wiki/SyntaxHighlighter There are 2 popular versions 1.5.1 and 2.0. I use 2.0. I believe the PGD site uses 1.5.1? But there are instructions that are easy to follow just need to do a bit of reading.


erm...is there supposed to be a picture or link to a picture somewhere in that post?
I can't see one...
cheers,
Paul

WILL
18-03-2009, 12:56 AM
Yeah sorry guys the site is supposed to show the image that I attached, but there seems to be a problem with how it does that. ???

Alex?

I made a post on my blog showing the concept cover. So you can see it there (http://redantproductions.blogspot.com/2009/03/pascal-gamer-concept-cover.html).


Well you can email all your content to me at jkamcmillen@hotmail.com and I'll add it to the magazine as I collect it. :)

paul_nicholls
18-03-2009, 03:18 AM
Yeah sorry guys the site is supposed to show the image that I attached, but there seems to be a problem with how it does that. ???

Alex?

I made a post on my blog showing the concept cover. So you can see it there (http://redantproductions.blogspot.com/2009/03/pascal-gamer-concept-cover.html).


Well you can email all your content to me at jkamcmillen@hotmail.com and I'll add it to the magazine as I collect it. :)


The concept cover of the 'magazine' looks nice :-)
cheers,
Paul

Brainer
18-03-2009, 03:43 AM
The concept is nice, I like it. :)

I can probably contribute as well. My major isn't really game development just yet, but I think I could provide articles about general programming and some how-tos.

Traveler
18-03-2009, 09:50 AM
I'm unsure what the problem with the picture exactly is. Paul, dont you see the image under WILL's post? I've changed my profile to babylon theme to see if it worked differently, but its visible to me using that theme as well... ???

Legolas
18-03-2009, 10:10 AM
Same problem as for Paul here: the image isn't displayed at all, nor the html <img> tag in the page source. Maybe is there an option that allows images for admins only?

WILL
18-03-2009, 11:08 AM
I think it's exactly what Legolas said. I've looked at the settings, but couldn't find anything that restricts it. At least not that I could see.


BTW All are welcome to write! :) I'll see about setting a deadline and listing article sections for the first issue articles so that yo have some motivation towards getting it done. I'm hoping to have the first issue released by April to May.

paul_nicholls
18-03-2009, 11:18 AM
I'm unsure what the problem with the picture exactly is. Paul, dont you see the image under WILL's post? I've changed my profile to babylon theme to see if it worked differently, but its visible to me using that theme as well... ???


Hi Traveler, it doesn't seem to matter what theme I am using - no picture for me :(
cheers,
Paul

Memphis
18-03-2009, 12:56 PM
Maybe i will be the only one to say.... it doesnt look good.... (the cover), all of the fonts look crap, too many colours, looks like it was made in microsoft word 97.

i think you need to work on the inside before the cover, once you have inside pages, it will give you ideas, and pictures and other things to put on the front, including small amounts of text.

-Meka

jdarling
18-03-2009, 01:19 PM
Ok WILL, you asked for it.

The cover design is less than impressive. Too many problems to even start posting them in a public forum, honestly you need to research layout and print experience. I can have my designer give a quick concept next week if you would like. Or, as usual, I can help you over IM when I have time (LOL).

I have plenty of articles I wrote for the other mag's that never happened that I'd be happy to let you print. I also have plenty of ideas for other articles, but since no mag ever made it that far I never bothered writing it.

The fact is, creating a Pascal mag is a difficult target. Your going to need more advertising then just here to gain enough interest to make it worth while. Think NG's and other boards. Believe it or not GD.net is prolly another good resource to post it on if you get that far.

Wizard
18-03-2009, 01:43 PM
I have to agree, the concept cover doesn't look professional at all :no: But...it's a very good idea ;D The implementation and design is where the challenge will be, good luck :yes:

chronozphere
18-03-2009, 02:08 PM
I really like the idea of a pascal gamedev/programming magazine ;D , but I also agree that the cover needs some improvements.

I think I will be able to contribute something to the magazine when I have more time. I could do something about collision detection, vector math, Direct3d stuff or just a few programming tips, hints or snippets. :)

The cover would look better if it was a little more serious (Less colors). Also it would be better if the text runs in straight lines instead of arch's and a more common font is used. You can make it look more exciting by using background images and a little variation in the used fonts (make sure they are readable). :)

Just my $0.02. ;)

WILL
18-03-2009, 02:22 PM
Excellent guys. All comments and ideas are appreciated and will be taken into full consideration for the final product. This was just to get your interest and some ideas floating. I literally made it in only about 30 mins to an hour. :)

I'm accepting articles now so type it up in a Word doc or other common text format and email it to jkamcmillen@hotmail.com.

Sooner is better than later! ;)

I'll be adding some of my own written content to the magazine, plus an editor's page. But most of what goes into the mag will be from you guys. So send it on in and it'll get used, I promise you that.


ALSO! Game projects... working on something that LOOKS cool well send me a nice big screenshot or a link with some I can grab and I may do an interview or review on your game or project...

Legolas
18-03-2009, 02:27 PM
I have some initial chapters I wrote about nds programming with free pascal. My first intent was to write a sort of book, but now I don't have time anymore, so I could share it (well, I need to translate it in "my own English", then someone should be so kind to help to port in plain English :D)

Ñuño Martínez
18-03-2009, 03:56 PM
Thats a great idea. I think I can write some lines about my Allegro's Pascal binding. Allegro is a great C low-level game library and lately I'm working hard to make it work on Linux with Free Pascal (currently it works on Windows and Wine 8) ).

The problem is that I'm Spanish so I think I need somebody to fix my text. :-[

WILL
18-03-2009, 04:24 PM
Nintendo DS, yes that would be excellent Legolas! :) Once you've translated it to english send it to my email address and I'll fix it up and format it for the article. Also any screenshots, illustrations or visuals I can use would be great too.

Allegro Pascal binding, very nice! If you have a hard time with the english something small would do also. ie. 1 page of text can easily be made into 2 if there are images and some extra formatting added too. Send them to me and I'll be glad to do the grammar corrections myself.

arthurprs
18-03-2009, 09:58 PM
maybe i can make an article about CnWizards and it's usefull functions (WARNING: english is not my native language, it will need serious revision)

WILL
18-03-2009, 10:35 PM
Yeah, that'd be cool. And as before I'd fix any grammar I could.

paul_nicholls
19-03-2009, 03:32 AM
Hey WILL, what would be a suitable length for an article (Microsoft Word format) for the magazine?

My article is using Courier New 10point font, and I am barely into it yet, but it is already almost 3 pages long (A4 size, includes diagrams).

Also I am going to have source code for download too (can supply a download link), but I am going to explain some of the code in the article as well.

Should I break it up into parts?

cheers,
Paul

jdarling
19-03-2009, 05:20 AM
Typical article size when going from Word to PDF/Print is 4-5 pages in word to 3-4 pages in print. This is due to a lowered PT size and tricks with layout software that allow us to cram more into a smaller space.

[JARGON ON]
You can get away with 8pt print (6pt reduced is hardly used but can be done as well) with kerning, mortising, and proper letting. This allows for more information to be presented in a readable format.
[JARGON OFF]

Typical technical articles run anywhere from 3-6 pages in print. Some magazines (Servo, CircuitCellar, EE Times, etc) allow for more on feature articles and use smaller articles as "fillers" on pages with a lot of ad space.

The best bet is to write your article long (really long in some cases) and then put it down, walk away, and let it sit. Go back, re-read it and remove all the irrelevant crap that manged to find its way in. Of course, having a copy editor makes this easier as they do the minimizing for you :)

Also, writing it long will give you the advantage of exploring future topics. If you can break a large subject (game engines) into smaller subjects (graphics, scripting, playability, input, etc) then you have just created value for the future. So starting big works in both favors. Maybe you can cover a complex topic at a high level promising more detail in a later article. Julian Bucknall used to use this approach quite a bit with Algorithms Alfresco.

I talked to WILL about this earlier, and am looking to find the non docx format template we use for our magazines. If I can find it I'll post it up for ppl to utilize as they see fit. Of course I'll have to remove most of what directly pertains to our company, but most of that doesn't matter anyways :)

PS: Short version of my response:
4-5 pages at 10pt in word translates to about 3-4 pages in print.

paul_nicholls
19-03-2009, 05:26 AM
WOW! Thanks for the hints/tips/info Jeremy :)

If it helps (and you hadn't noticed from earlier posts), I am doing an article on colliding 2d boxes with a 2d regular tile grid that has solid tiles.

I WAS going to explain about the type of 2d grid being used + the 3 classes I am using to do the collisions:

TTileGrid class - contains the 2d grid, tile info like solid edges, and finding what grid location a x,y coordinate is in.
TCollider class - can collide with, and not move through solid tile edges defined in the TTileGrid class.
TCollidableObject class - has TCollider objects inside itself and won't move through solid tiles because of this.

I'm not really sure yet how I am going to break it down into separate bits if I have to go that way...

PS. Is this magazine going to be down-loadable, or as hard-copy (print), or both?
cheers,
Paul

WILL
19-03-2009, 11:17 AM
This will be an online only downloadable magazine in PDF format. I guess we could see about allowing readers to order printed copies if they want it in that format. I'd have to look into that option if there is enough interest.

Articles can range from 1 to 6 pages (approx.) in the magazine, but obviously the features would be more about the 3-6 page range. I know some people can't or may not want to do a huge article so I don't want to squeeze them out with a few that can write novels. Like me. ;)

I'm going to be away for a few days and won't be back until Monday. So you won't hear from me until then.

Again email any and all articles that are going in for the magazine here: jkamcmillen@hotmail.com

Have a good weekend guys! :)

WILL
25-03-2009, 12:48 AM
Hey no articles delivered yet. Well except for one. :P Can I get everyone that offered an article for the magazine to give me an ETA on when they can have it done by? I need some kind of date within the next month (of April) so that I can get things together in time for a May-ish release. :)

Thanks!

WILL
25-03-2009, 04:41 AM
Update: Just received a great piece on Allegro.pas from ?ëu?±o Martinez! :) Thanks a lot ?ëu?±o, this will make a fine addition to the first issue.

That makes 2 contributors and counting... please get back to me all you other contributors. ;)

jdarling
25-03-2009, 02:25 PM
I'm working on getting you pricing on small volume printing. Shouldn't be bad since all I have to pay for is the inc and paper and make the runs at night when no one is around. As for editing, I talked to my designers and we have some spare time coming up. I'll look for you online to talk that over :)

noeska
25-03-2009, 05:59 PM
maybe lulu is a way (although expensive) http://www.lulu.com/

WILL
25-03-2009, 08:03 PM
maybe lulu is a way (although expensive) http://www.lulu.com/


I did checkout lulu.com. Their best pricing quote for a 32 page(min size) paperback with color is $11.90 USD per unit. Black and white would instead be just under $6 USD. That is not including shipping if we could set that up for individual customers.

I'm waiting to see what Jeremy has come up with with his connections. So long as it remains viable I may take him up on what he suggests.

Update: I have 5 articles in the pipe! ;) Keep em coming boys! I'll be surfing for my feature soon. Look out anyone working on super cool projects! :P Suggestions welcome...

Wizard
26-03-2009, 07:07 AM
Hi, can't wait. I for one will learn alot from such a magazine :yes:

Btw. It doesn't have to be in paper format...a downloadable format in pdf will do for me ;D

WILL
08-04-2009, 04:04 AM
Well another article has rolled into my inbox recently. Keep em comin' guys! There is still some more room in this first issue. :yes:

I believe I have about 4 or 5 more promised articles I'm waiting on. Not a huge rush, but sooner is always better I think.

I'm also looking at advertisements now too. If you want to put in an ad into the magazine for your latest game, tools, library, engine or any other related project, please let me know and I'll make some space aside for you. My current scheme will be simple to cross-advert. I'll show off your ad if you show off my mag on your site. It's that simple. ;)

WILL
17-04-2009, 04:05 AM
Hey guys, just a reminder to all the offered articles and have not sent them to me yet. I am still waiting for content from the following people...

- Frank van Gent
- Dirk Nordhusen
- Francesco Lombardi
- Marten van der Honing
- arthurprs (real name?)
- Patryk Nusbaum
- chronozphere (real name?)

arthurprs
17-04-2009, 05:11 AM
Arthur Pires Ribeiro Silva, thats my name (:

i will try to write the text this weekend

chronozphere
17-04-2009, 02:38 PM
My real name is Nathan Schagen :)

Unfortunately, I'm unable to write any articles just yet because i'm preparing for my exams. I have a holiday in a week though, so I might be able to write something then. :)

WILL
17-04-2009, 04:30 PM
Hey thanks for getting back to me so soon guys! :)

Arthur: That would be excellent! Drop me a PM letting me what you would like to write.

Nathan: Not a problem, there is time. And there is space. ;) Let me know via PM what you want to write and when you think it might be ready.


I have been working on the magazine's format and I've gotten almost all of the submitted articles put into the magazine. Save for my own. lol However just to give everyone an idea of what Sections will be in the mag, so far I have:

Community - containing Editor's Message and the What's New announcements
Feature - Whatever or whoever I plan on featuring. This is the big deal of the whole issue. :)
The Coder's Block - articles directly relating to programing or code. Tip, tricks or lessons in programming different things.
Project Highlights - introduces or shows off different community projects (games, libraries or tools)
Special Reports - this is general stuff that would be author's opinions or information about the indie scene or industry. It's generally non-programming specific stuff, but relates to game development and design as a whole.


If you have anything that you feel would fit nicely into any of these sections please let me know! :)

pjpdev
17-04-2009, 04:51 PM
I think the mag will look great...

At the moment I'm busy writing an article on how to develop a simple memory game with Andorra2D. I will write more in the future, especially when I'm done with developing the crucial parts of PJP lib.

Ñuño Martínez
19-04-2009, 11:56 PM
Keep up the work! :)

arthurprs
20-04-2009, 12:16 AM
Will, i'm really not happy with the progress and text quality here,
definitely i'm very bad to write :( :D

i will keep you informed

btw, when you pretend to release the first mag?

WILL
20-04-2009, 09:12 PM
btw, when you pretend to release the first mag?

Pretend? :P Well truthfully; it'll be out when it's out. lol But my hope is to get it out sometime in June or July. Thats material pending. So far I've only got 4 articles ready to be put in and 2 of those completed or started. I have a few things up my sleeve for content though don't you guys worry. :)

Wizard
01-05-2009, 09:45 PM
Will, maybe you can use these in the magazine? Maybe under tips & tricks... 8)

MediaPlayer AutoRepeat:

http://www.pascalgamedevelopment.com/forum/index.php?topic=5718.0

Fade in and out Delphi form:

http://www.pascalgamedevelopment.com/forum/index.php?topic=5756.msg46491;topicseen#new

WILL
02-05-2009, 01:47 PM
Will, maybe you can use these in the magazine? Maybe under tips & tricks... 8)

MediaPlayer AutoRepeat:

http://www.pascalgamedevelopment.com/forum/index.php?topic=5718.0

Yeah I can include these I'm sure. Would be great to have a proper introductory paragraph or so for each so that readers will know a little bit more whats going on. I can use one after the other for issues 1 and 2. The Coders Block is starting to fill up a bit now. :)


Fade in and out Delphi form:

http://www.pascalgamedevelopment.com/forum/index.php?topic=5756.msg46491;topicseen#new


I like the code bits and pieces, it's really what makes the magazine worth reading imo. However I really could use some opinion or review pieces too. There are lots of topics that these can cover. Everything from 'Why I'm A Pascal Developer' to 'My Favorite Graphics Apps Are' and even 'A Basic Rundown of Delphi Prism'.

Also besides just programming there are other aspects of game development and design that can be covered too; Graphics both 2D and 3D, Music and Sound, Story Writing, Video, Advertisement and Marketing, etc...

Lot of options and open space for these kinds of articles. So please feel free to just write something up and don't worry about skill level or years of experience, that'll come, the magazine needs content from all kinds and levels of the Pascal community. :)

WILL
02-05-2009, 01:50 PM
Oh another thing I though of, since I brought up reviews; How many Pascal-made games are out there? Quite a few by my count. Wouldn't it be nice to actually do a review of some of them in the mag? Game reviews are pretty much standard fare, you play the game and rate it based on a percentage, scale or by categories... could make a nice piece to put into every issue.

Wizard
02-05-2009, 04:30 PM
Yeah I can include these I'm sure. Would be great to have a proper introductory paragraph or so for each so that readers will know a little bit more whats going on. I can use one after the other for issues 1 and 2. The Coders Block is starting to fill up a bit now.

Cool, can't wait for the first issue to be out 8) I have updated the original posts as requested, let me know if it's ok...

Fade in and out:
http://www.pascalgamedevelopment.com/forum/index.php?topic=5756.msg46517#new

Auto-repeat:
http://www.pascalgamedevelopment.com/forum/index.php?topic=5718.0

WILL
04-05-2009, 04:28 PM
Yeah, they are alright I'd be glad to put those into the mag, however one should note that there is something to be said for exclusive content. ;) I'm sure not many will see a point to reading it in a magazine when it's freely available online. But who knows it'll help me fill out the mag more.


On that note; It's getting close to June and the aimed date for publish of the first issue. I'd like to start rounding up all the articles soon so that I have time to edit them and get them all into the magazine for that date. I'm working on a cover and the main feature right now.

I could use an opinion article and some of those remaining articles that other have promised. Once I've gotten them into the magazine it'll be only a few weeks before I can get the website up and publish the first issue.

So this is a call for all those that want to write for the first issue to get on it and get me those articles. :)

Wizard
04-05-2009, 04:40 PM
however one should note that there is something to be said for exclusive content. ;) I'm sure not many will see a point to reading it in a magazine when it's freely available online.

Well, see it as a condensation of what’s freely available on the web… :P

WILL
21-05-2009, 03:52 AM
Well here begins a new medium outlet. ;)

http://www.pascalgamer.com/

Wizard
21-05-2009, 08:21 AM
Looking good ;)

June, you say? Yippeee!!! :)

Ñuño Martínez
21-05-2009, 08:28 AM
Only few days more. Only few days more... :D

WILL
27-05-2009, 04:17 PM
This is the last call for content! I'm starting polish up the pages of the magazine and get everything together for the final layout. Which means that if your article is going to be in, it needs to be soon. All those that want to submit your articles to the magazine, please submit them by the weekend. All those that have already begun articles or I have spoken to through email, I need your articles as soon as possible!!!

Hopefully I will not have to push back the publication date of the first issue, but that is time pending. Thanks! :)

paul_nicholls
28-05-2009, 02:26 AM
This is the last call for content! I'm starting polish up the pages of the magazine and get everything together for the final layout. Which means that if your article is going to be in, it needs to be soon. All those that want to submit your articles to the magazine, please submit them by the weekend. All those that have already begun articles or I have spoken to through email, I need your articles as soon as possible!!!

Hopefully I will not have to push back the publication date of the first issue, but that is time pending. Thanks! :)


:D I can't wait to see myself "imortalized" lol

Great job Will :)

cheers,
Paul

WILL
01-07-2009, 05:11 AM
Hey guys! Just wanted to notify all still waiting for the first issue that it has been delayed a bit it will be pblished in July instead of June. Thanks for your patience, I'm working real hard to get it ready. It'll be well worth the wait I'm sure. ;)

chronozphere
01-07-2009, 07:16 AM
Hey Will,

I'm sorry I couldn't contribute so far. I did my exams (and graduated YAY :D ), and I have been working on something which I'll show you pretty soon.

I'll try to write a little article in the future (I've got lots of idea's). :)

Brainer
01-07-2009, 10:51 AM
Yep Will, sorry I couldn't write anything, either, but I wasn't encouraged to sit down and put some ink.
And just like chronozphere, I'm gearing up for something neat, you'd better watch out! lol

Anyway, I can't wait for the mag, personally. I hope to find lots of interesting articles and maybe a bunch of useful tips. If the mag succeeds at first, I'd like to help in further development. I think this time I'd find a topic to write about. :)

Wizard
01-07-2009, 07:41 PM
Thanks for your hard work Will :) Can't wait... ;D

paul_nicholls
01-07-2009, 11:53 PM
Hey Will,

I'm sorry I couldn't contribute so far. I did my exams (and graduated YAY :D ), and I have been working on something which I'll show you pretty soon.

I'll try to write a little article in the future (I've got lots of idea's). :)


Congrats to you graduating! :D

Would that something be a certain UV editor for a certain program? lol ;)

cheers,
Paul

chronozphere
03-07-2009, 07:50 AM
Congrats to you graduating! Laugh

Would that something be a certain UV editor for a certain program? lol Wink

cheers,
Paul


OMG! You just spilled the beans lol. :D

Still have a little testing and debugging to do. I'll probably upload it this weekend. This is only an early beta though, but it gives a good impression of what is to come. :)