25 Mar, 2009
Dear graphics creators,
In the next version 8.0 of Game Maker an important new feature is the full support for PNG images with alpha (transparency) information. This will involve an improved image editor, sprite editor, room editor and new options in the background and sprite property forms (for example related to collision checking). This will make it possible to create much better looking games.
As part of that change the plan is to include a completely new set of sprites and backgrounds with Game Maker 8.0. These must be high-quality images in consistent styles that can be used royalty free by all users of Game Maker. These should come in sets for different types of games, e.g. a maze game set, a space shooter set, a platform set, an RPG set, etc.
YoYo Games is am now looking for one or more people that are willing to create these during the coming months (our plan is to release version 8.0 during or after the summer but nothing is certain about that yet). We will pay for this (although probably not fully commercial fees). Precise fees will depend on the quality of the sprites, their complexity and the license agreement.
Now before reacting, first read on.
All sprites must be in .png format using full color and alpha transparency for e.g. removing the background, smoothing the edges, adding glow or shadows, etc. So you must have experience with creating this type of images. As we aim for something like 500-1000 sprites and backgrounds you must have considerable time to work on these (although the work can be divided over a few people).
Because the person(s) we select will be paid for this, a formal contract will be arranged. You must have the age to be able to sign such a legally-binding contract (depends on the country) or e.g. your parents must be willing to sign the contract for you (and take the responsibility). In this contract you must testify that the images are your original work, that you have the right to license them to us and that you will create them on time. You will be requested to license all rights for the use and sale of the material to YoYo Games. In principle we ask for a non-exclusive license but this can be negotiated. At some stage, when we selected you, we will need full information about you including your real name, full address, a copy of a passport or other id, etc. to create the contract.
If you have the qualities and are interested in this you can contact us. For us to be able to judge the quality of your work, you are requested to create a consistent set of sample sprites for a maze game. Based on these sets we will decide who we will offer a contract. The set should have the following properties and content:
- all 32×32 images
- animated sprites should form a strip (see below)
- all png images with alpha channel use
- The following sprites should be present: one or more animated characters (player, monster, etc.) moving in diferent directions (up, left, down, right, standing still), some tiles to create the maze walls (could also include doors, etc.), one or more background images (preferably tiling), and some objects for inside the maze (keys, buttons, weapons, …). More things can be included if you like.
If we choose you as the person to make the content, the set you created will be part of the output and will be paid for under the conditions of the contract. Otherwise, we will not use the set (unless you still allow us to) and you are free to use it in any way you like.
If you really prefer to send in a different set of sprites (e.g. because you already created that), please contact us first. However, such a set must contain animated sprites, some tiles, and a background image.
Animated sprites with multiple subimages must be created as one strip on which all (equally sized) images are placed next to each other. For the new Game Maker to recognize these the file name must end with _stripXX where XX is the number of subimages. e.g. pacman_strip4.png would contain an animated pacman sprite with 4 subimages, e.g. as follows:
A strip with four images
You can send your set (preferably in a single zip file), together with your personal information and expression of interest to sprites@gamemaker.nl. Our plan is to make a decision at the beginning of May, so please send in your sets by the end of April. If you have further questions about this, please contact me at the indicated email address.
Mark Overmars
PS Some of you might remember that I posted a similar requist about 4 years ago. That time I did not follow up on it because in the end I decided not to add PNG support. Now this will definitely happen (it is basically ready) and with the support of YoYo Games we can indeed pay the sprite artists.
