THE IGE: INDIE GAMING EXPO

I wasn't sure where to put this, odds are it will end up in the City Dump, however I would like it to be spared from such humiliation. A small Idea has been popping in and out of my head, each night as I approach my pillow and prepare for my long-short power naps in creation of DBS Modifications for my game. At these times, I continue to think about the future of RM as well as the Progression that has been made since the early years of RPG Creation through the use of Rpg Maker.

While I understand we have the Misaos Awards, honoring and flattering those who have made Outstanding, Pathetic as well as Vapor-ware worthy games I feel as though the general RM Community, mostly the “English” (America-Britain, English Primarily Region) is not at the level of growth that it once experienced years ago. Sure you may say, “I'd rather code with VB, C+, etc.”, or “I've grown out of RM”, we still have communities such as the French, German, and God forbid the Japanese whom have continued to grow despite the personal growth in the age of many members of our community.

So what's my point? I say it time to reinstate the creative minds of the future, time to give glory and promote the creation of newer RM Games as well as Indie Game in particular. In this Idea I propose that RMN Creates an Indie Gaming Expo of the sort. In which invited Creators Show Case their games, hold conferences via a Flash Chat Module as well a host Demos for all to play.

What I hope is achieved is that for once, we could drop our own projects, take some time to get the feel of some really “Well” made stuff and get inspired to make projects better than those seen. If any of you have been to the E3 this Indie Gaming Expo would be similar. We could have it at the end of each School Term, rather than Semester, during the Summer. We could have it on a separate Website or even Forum to promote less clutter for our community. And have a submission fee and such which the Admin. would use to Host the Site.

I at first though of elections to become a participant, no money involved for entrance, simply either elections or simply just creator submissions. The Expo would be divided by Creators with each possessing there own Forum or Post in which they advertise their game or games for the Expo. These advertisements would comprise of a “Key Submission”. Not necessarily a demo, perhaps a Video, or even Trailer made for the game. Apart from this Key Submission would be the typical Information Set Up as well as 20 or so “Polished” Screenshots of the game.

What will be the main attraction of this event would be the Show Piece. These would be projects selected by the Community and voted on. These Show Pieces would be able to host a much larger Advertisement as well as a Grand Trailer or perhaps a Demo.
Example: If we were to have one this year, or two months ago, Balmung Cycle, could have been a Show Case. It would contain a Trailer as well as a Demo and a series of Information including Character Art, and portfolio.

So how does this increase creativity and drive in the community? Well this would not simply be a one community, one time event. I say that we extend an invitation as well as an advert to all the big RM, Ika, as well as Sphere Communities. These Communities would get their submissions and submit them to the Administrator for the entire Project, and he and his team would Manage everything. This Expo would display only “The Best Work”, or perhaps even the “Most Creative”. Sparking Ideas and breaking cultural and technological walls which have been built by Language as well as RM Versions (2k3, XP, VX).

Sure we have the Misaos, but perhaps we will have awards for “Best of Show” and such. Perhaps even those whom Submit “Big Hitters” will receive Prize Money and such. This could become a great new tool from which the community could expand, and I would like your feedback as well as your own ideas.

- Your Friend Ash

It would be a submission fee of like 5 Dollars, however I didn't think that one through. Basically I was looking for a means to prevent an overhaul of submissions if that was the case. However Voting and such a well as simply self submitting would work if it were not to big of an idea.

@Neophyte: Yea I get what you mean, I remember the RM Magazine that was a while ago. But the Point mainly would be to transcend across all the communities rather than just one individual. Basically a collaborative effort to show case multiply games, from multiply engines, of multiply communities all in one. Like the best of this community, the best of another community and such all showcased together in order to bring some inspiration and such. (Also in terms of money, ya that's a no go, I'll take that part out.)

While we all have our communities, honestly Rpg Maker in general is one community in a sea of Indie Communities. My hopes would be atleast once a year for everyone to see some truly inspiring works that will drive others to want to pick up that program and create an entry. Its like a Food Tasting Event, you taste a bit of everything, all at one place, and you give the best chef recognition for his/her fine works, as well as anticipation for the main dish.

If the community agrees then it all good. I appreciate the honesty and to be frank I wouldn't mind getting an RM Magazine up and running. I know I used to love how Game Informer was constructed why not have a new RM Mag. It incorporate all of my ideas listed, and if anything would help the community out.