Writer's Block

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Yup, I've got it right now. I've got four big stories planned out, so no problem there. The problem is, they're big. If I try using one of them, I won't finish my game in time for the contest (you know, the one that will have that CBS). I need to create a short game. Well, relatively short. 10 dungeons at the most. And while I've come up with a bunch of ideas for a short game, I can't seem to develop any of them. Except for one, but the story is too simple. Biggest problem is, I want to have an epic short game. Well, anything I try to make that's epic, winds up being too big. Except for this one that I was able to get furthur along than others, but I can't seem to fill in some of the holes (such as, why does the party visit that fort anyway?). I'm about to give up, go with one of the long stories, and hope I'm able to finish it in time for the contest. Or just forget the contest and just finish the darn thing. I could try doing something non-epic, like Mario RPG where there's a bunch of small and mostly non-related quests tied into the overall goal of collecting all seven stars, or a comedy. But I'm afraid that the small and mostly non-related quests might not prove interesting enough, and that any jokes I might try to throw out won't be funny. Unless I make Something Stupid IX, as it appears that totally random/stupid stuff like what's in that game is universally funny to those who like totally random/stupid stuff. But I probably won't go with that, as I want to make a game with that CBS on RPGM1 and SS9 probably wouldn't work as well as an RPGM1 game. That, and I kinda doubt RMXP (legal) games are allowed in the contest.

[The Toecutter]

Re: Writer's Block

Grab a notebook, and just start writing random **** as long as you can. Don't stop, don't cross nothing out, don't go back. Don't even care how it turns out. You'll eventually get what you want. You might end up filling 20 or even 40 pages in the span of one or two hours.

[Hedrum]

Re: Writer's Block

Don't think too hard. Just do whatever you think is cool.

I really don't play games for story. I play games if they are "fun". However, a story does add to the fun to the game. And you should have a story because without a story your game would be kind of boring.

If a major story is what you're going for, I'd say forget the contest. Dude, don't worry about the story too much.

[Crimson Knight]

Re: Writer's Block

I just think up a beginning, an ending, and just put random stuff inbetween that makes sense.

[WilliamKirk]

Re: Writer's Block

I'd say forget about the contest. Just make whichever game you feel strongest about/think is better material/has more potential/etc. and start making it.

[tjoris9]

Re: Writer's Block

First of all, the term "short epic" is an oxymoron, though it's not impossible.

Look at the first DW game. It took place on only one continent and had only a handful of dungeons, yet it did feel epic. It was primarily about collecting items to destroy the Dragon Lord, and it really had very little development of the main character's personality. The story, by today's standards, was pathetically lacking in detail, yet it is still one of the most recognizable RPG's ever.

My point is that you should come up with a simple plot. For example:

1) Find [items] to destroy [monster]
2) Rescue [person] from [monster]
3) Find your way to [monster's] lair to kill it

Most of your filler should be centered around a few sidequests, which may each be like the above examples. Need a plot? Just find a way to string your subplots together (i.e. the girl you saved from the demons was actually a minion of the boss monster and you must kill her to reach the final battle, or the gem the old lady gave you after you helped her is actually the boss' kryptonite, making it possible to kill it).

[cloudfrickinstrife]

Re: Writer's Block

if all else fails, just create a true sequel to chrono trigger, where all the characters join back together in present time to have a big happy picnic.

actually no.. dont do that.


if you make your story about something smaller than saving the world, such as maybe... just saving your town, then that should cut down on some hours. also, less dialogue = less endless hours inputting the text.

[tamoki]

Re: Writer's Block

If your good at drawing you couild do what i do. I just start drawing things then go from there. Start out with a basic plot then work out the kinks.

[RPGD]

Re: Writer's Block

Anything can give you inspiration. Eating, reading, listening to music, chatting with a friend, playing a game, watching Conan O' Brien, scribbling on a notebook... or better yet, all simultaneously, assuming you can multitask.

Try breaking from your normal routine. Do something else, then get back to work on that. It'll help clear your head.

[The Toecutter]

Re: Writer's Block

Or you can simply think. If you had the idea in the first place, you surely have thought of in-between items but have never figured out how to string them together or have outright forgotten them. That is why the notebook idea would be helpful. The ideas will eventually come back to you.

As another has mentioned, drawing can help immensely, but in my experience I only draw after my idea is thought out. For you it amy be a different case.

Let us all know where this all leads. I generally like the concepts you come up with.

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: Writer's Block

Ah, if only those concepts turned into actual games. Someday...

Anyway, I have written the worthwhile ideas into a notebook. Worthwhile being the stuff that I think I may actually want to use.

I was thinking a little too hard. Sometimes these brainstorms I get have little twisters in them and everything becomes a wreck.

I'm giving that one idea I had another go. I think it has some more potential than my older idea. Even though it's shorter. The hardest part's going to be coming up with the final boss's weakness. I mean, there has to be some reason a few adventurers are able to do what an army couldn't.

[TechStorm]

Re: Writer's Block

And while I've come up with a bunch of ideas for a short game, I can't seem to develop any of them. Except for one, but the story is too simple.

Last time I checked, a short implementation was better than an epic idea that was never implemented.

There are plenty of simple games out there that are very enjoyable.

And you can always build on top of your short implementation after it's done. Every journey begins with the first step.