Ace Academy: Lessons through Roleplay

Bunni89 · January 7, 2013

The development positions would just be people who wanna be a teacher, right? If so then I'm out. If there's any role that doesn't require high rpgmaker skills I guess I could help.

Infinity Thief · January 7, 2013

Titan I would add to that OP how you want people to apply. In this topic or message you.

+ Titanhex · January 7, 2013

Thanks Infinity. I forgot the "How to Apply" details.

@Bunni: No, the developer position doesn't mean you will be a teacher. You'll certainly be first in line to be a teacher if you choose to though.

Bunni89 · January 7, 2013

Then could you perhaps give a bit more info on what the developer positions would be..?

Infinity Thief · January 7, 2013

Considering the amount of joy and connection I feel toward this project, I felt a pull to also apply.

I would like to apply for secondary Lead, as the other two are less fitting for myself (though I am decent at mapping, but I'd rather someone more experienced/ethusiasm map such important things.) And my Graphic Designer skills are as good as my quilting skills, which is to say a skill that I don't have.

I have an idea for the project and understanding of it. I really want to see people grow with RPG Maker, and I feel this will be a great resource for them to do so. (Bunni is one huge example). After hearing of the idea I have been working on this in my head none stop. Coming up with ideas and other such crafted things to improve this. I would love nothing more than to set them in action.

I don't know what kind of sample work I could show for this position...

Until the 28 of January I'm on break from collage, which I feel should be enough to to get this project off the ground. Once I am back in school though, I wont lose to much time, but I will lose some. I run a full class load, but again I've managed it well so far.

I really want to see this grow, so I hope the best person is picked for these three positions.

Edited January 7, 2013 by Infinity Thief

Bunni89 · January 7, 2013

o.o Apparantly the positions have already been listed? Did I miss a post somewhere? Depending on what you want a graphic designer to do I could take that position.. erm, unless you want anime peoples instead of weird saturday morning cartoon stuff XD I'm good at wacky character design though! And I'm working on learning how to do tiles and RTP styled characters. (For some reason its really hard for me to switch from my personal sprite base to this one, since the RTP has very dark shading and is super tiny) So erm.. I might fit as a graphic design understudy perhaps...

Oh and.. *pulls out a banner reading InfinityThief for lead designer dude* :3 I'd feel super stoked to play this thingymajig if you had a hand in organizing it, you've been coming up with the best ideas so far! (aside from titan who created the whole thing, of course XD) I especially like how you wanna help use this to get people learning more about RPGmaker, that's why this excites me so much! :3 Good 'ol motivation to prove myself, I've been kinda lacking that while just working on my own since I haven't felt I've made anything big enough to be worth posting here and can't bring myself to go for a proper big project yet when I'm still half clueless. So loads of mini projects would be awesome, after all its not like this forum has a section for posting ten-minute evented scenes, skits, puzzles, individual battles etc... I know I can at least manage those and its just stringing them together, making a big story and balancing difficulty that's got me scared of committing to a full project until my skills are a little better. (That and scripting, but that's optional anyway..)

Overtime · January 8, 2013

I use Face-maker to make my face sprite sheets... Though that I may draw up the character's concept art sooner or later, if I get the time.

You could do the same thing, like how there's Two/Three different concept arts of Final fantasy characters. (Amano, In-game, the anime like)

Bunni89 · January 8, 2013

Not sure what you're replying to cos the quote is blank, but I'm assuming that was in regard to me saying I can't draw anime style to match the RTP? Yeah that was basically my plan, but I'll still need to practise editing to get eveyrone right

Overtime · January 8, 2013

Not sure what you're replying to cos the quote is blank, but I'm assuming that was in regard to me saying I can't draw anime style to match the RTP? Yeah that was basically my plan, but I'll still need to practise editing to get eveyrone right

(The reason why I quoted you blank is because If I quote your post, my post might be too big, and it might get me a violation.)

Anyways, like I said before, If TC doesn't mind, you can try doing Amano-Nomura style.

+ Titanhex · January 9, 2013

Hey all. The developer positions are at the bottom of the first post. Be sure to apply after reading them and recommend anyone to me or them to this post if you know someone. I'll be a little busy but I'll keep you all updated.

Bunni89 · January 9, 2013

Woohoo, okay!

I'm gonna apply for graphic designer but just adding that I'd love to help with any other minor jobs as they come up. So hire me as the chore boy! XD

Well to describe my skills.. I can do art XD Everything I do kinda has a colourful and cartoony look to it though, so I'm not sure if you'd want that. Cannot draw anime, which is annoying for me cos all the default rtp is anime XD

I'm a bubbly sort of person who always tries to please, though I am kinda socially awkward and may be dumb sometimes XD I'm not gonna sugarcoat that XD ~Please do not give me writing duty, I will get totally stumped~ (Titanhex can vouch for that..) But if we ever need a scene dialogue writer I'm okay with that, its just prose and story plot that kills me XD So -hopefully- when my skills improve I'll apply for being a teacher and be that person who always does silly skits but sucks at dramatic description XD

I can do all the stuff that you wanted to various degrees of quality but don't have examples of it all. I can also do cartoony cartoons if anyone wants that!

.:: Example Time ::.

Logos: http://www.deviantart.com/download/261220912/college_typography__logos_by_bunni89-d4bivcg.png http://bunni89.deviantart.com/art/SpooKing-Logo-Ideas-336619328? http://www.deviantart.com/download/286421527/game_project_logo_attempts_3_by_bunni89-d4qj09j.png http://www.deviantart.com/download/179024898/logo__by_bunni89-d2yl4hu.png http://www.deviantart.com/download/301186580/cthulu2u_logo_by_bunni89-d4zbh1w.png (it was an elder god rental service..)

Character Template: http://bunni89.deviantart.com/art/Byako-League-Template-171074375? http://www.deviantart.com/download/272051612/byako_league_loki__off__by_bunni89-d4hz0d8.png

Sprites: http://www.deviantart.com/download/347016896/rpgmaker_style_loki_sprite_by_bunni89-d5qlry8.gif (rtp) http://www.deviantart.com/download/320879168/sprite_base___skintones_by_bunni89-d5b1jy8.png http://www.deviantart.com/download/316494156/walk_sprite_bases_by_bunni89-d58fkgc.gif http://www.deviantart.com/download/316515779/loki_overworld_sprite_by_bunni89-d58g14z.png http://www.deviantart.com/download/328035227/lil_sarah_walk__by_bunni89-d5faxln.gif http://www.deviantart.com/download/317579396/slim_sigyn_walk_anim_by_bunni89-d592ttw.gif (personal base style)

Character Designs: http://www.deviantart.com/download/339124921/it_s_the_dan_by_bunni89-d5lwmgp.png (my persona character, weilds a magic giant spoon) http://www.deviantart.com/download/340353177/prince_indigo_default_costume_by_bunni89-d5mmy6x.png (one game protagonist idea for a VN, monster prince dude) http://www.deviantart.com/download/313732843/step_aside__this_is_a_job_for_a_journalist_by_bunni89-d56sdt7.png http://www.deviantart.com/download/274549326/loki_turnaround_sheet_by_bunni89-d4jgjm6.png

EDIT: oh and I have no life so I can devote a lot of time to this project. Don't have a consistant schedule but hopefully will be online 8 hours of every day. (NO LIFE, I TELLS YA! xD) Will probably have less time once the group actually starts cos I'll eb multitasking playing as a student too :3

Edited January 9, 2013 by Bunni89

Overtime · January 9, 2013

The only position I want is to be the "Come, show, and go" type. I don't really have time to do this, but I DO want to help.

Bunni89 · January 9, 2013

What is the 'come, show and go' type? o.o Am i just being dumb here or something, cos that makes no sense to me XD *bad at talking*

Overtime · January 9, 2013

What is the 'come, show and go' type? o.o Am i just being dumb here or something, cos that makes no sense to me XD *bad at talking*

The type of:

"Hey, I'm only here for these minutes, so you should be able to know how to do this by reading this text files I typed up. okay, bye."

*Posts Example maps*

*leaves for a while*

The thing is, the text file will be copy and pasted, with or without any spell check.

EDIT: The only position I want now is to be a helpful user. nothing else, If I'm in. otherwise, I'll sit out and do my own "map template" and "map systems". See my Replication blog for some examples.

Edited January 9, 2013 by Overtime

+ EraYachi · January 9, 2013

@Bunni: Most of your monsters are so adorable looking, I'd feel guilty beating them up. Like Pokemon. Why are so many CUTE? Additionally, you have unique style; it's up to the developers whether or not it's good for the overall 'theme' of this academy idea, but you'd get my vote. In a democratic world.

@The rest of everyone else:

I feel like if I leave this topic alone along enough, it'll evolve its own life, sprout legs, arms and lungs and start taking over the world. On an arbitrary note, I'm happy that this is going to be a thing, because sounds like it'll be a ton of fun. I'd like to reiterate my interest in applying for a teaching position; I can make magic with RPG Maker when I'm motivated. When that application time comes, I'll be doing just that. The Secondary Developer position tempts me; the only reason I'm not jumping on it is because I'm already helping 2-3 people with their projects on top of working on my own, which has yet to hit its demo stage. Plus I'm searching for a job, so I have no clue if I have the extra time on my hands for such a position. Only time will tell.

I'm going to think about this. The one question I have is, once it's all set up and ready to start, won't this academy need its own website? Like a blog, a forum community, or is this just going to be housed here in RPGVXACE.net?

+ Titanhex · January 10, 2013

For now the plan is it'll get some coverage and space here at rmvxace. How much and what we get will be worked out once we know. I don't want to ask for more than we need. Jonnie is my go to guy for that right now, good guy. Expect those details later. I'll also try to get some irc chat rooms if I can. We'll see what is necessary when the time comes.

Overtime · January 10, 2013

Hmm... If I post up this to show as a basic map, Will it be acceptable?

NOTE: The map in the project is intended to be exported to another project- Hence why the Variables and Event switches are in the 99-100.

Note 2: The map isn't utilizing it's "Full" potential, so I can make a few edits, if you want. Otherwise, It's going to be hard trying to limit the 5MB limit on posts.

InsanityRoom.zip

Bunni89 · January 10, 2013

@ Overtime: Ah, I see XD A quick explanation tutorial guy. Well good luck, sounds useful!

@ EraYachi: Yes I am cursed with being unable to make anything but cute XD But if you don't fight the monsters they'll eat you, ya know! XD Don't underestimate cute! XD

Thanks for the support, I hope I get in! *fingers crossed*

Astellus · January 11, 2013

Hey!

This idea is really great, and I'm hoping to participate as a student. As an RPGMaker newbie, here's what I would like to get out of the project:

Focused assignments: If one lesson is about mapping (i.e., "Create a Sewer Dungeon"), and the next is about writing (i.e., "Write a Scene About the Hero Coming Home"), that is going to help me learn and develop one skill at a time, so I will see more meaningful growth.
Feedback: Getting feedback is crucial to the learning process, so I want there to be a forum (probably literally) for teachers and students to talk about each others' projects and help each other out.
Bite-sized workload: Getting the timing right will probably be tough. Frequent enough assignments to maintain interest, but enough time between to allow people on different schedules to accomplish the task at hand. And hopefully the assignments will be tight enough that someone without much time can feel like they can keep up, and someone with a lot of time can elaborate and add polish - or bells and whistles.

As has been mentioned, assignments need to appeal to both newbies and experienced designers - I think the answer is in compact, open-ended assignments. A simple goal that newbies can achieve, but with enough creative design space for experienced users to show off a little. I'll brainstorm a list and post it below to give folks an idea of the stuff I think might work well.

I'm very excited about this!

Astellus

Lesson Ideas Brainstorm:

Mapping: Create an overworld map
Mapping: Create a tavern
Mapping: Create a cliff-themed dungeon
Mapping/Eventing: Create a "switches" puzzle
Eventing: Create a cut scene about an escape
Writing: Create a scene that contains a surprise twist
Writing: Create a comic/tragic scene
Writing: Create a scene about two vastly different characters talking
Database: Create a boss battle
Database: Create a battle with several custom animations
Database: Create a battle relying heavily on states
Database: Create an actor/class that uses healing magic

P.S. Can you tell I know nothing about Eventing? I need to go to Eventing school.

Infinity Thief · January 11, 2013

Hey! ... PS. Can you tell I know nothing about Eventing? I need to go to Eventing school.

I like seeing stuff like this. It really helps to get an idea of what a student wants to gain from the project. One thing I would like to point out, is the assignments wont be given in the format of using RPG Maker. They'll be in the form of quest for the Academy. So instead of an assignment being "Create a Sewer Dungeon" the assignment would be "Retrieve a slime egg from the Sewers below the Academy" The object of the Academy wont be to directly give you areas to work on in RPG Maker (Though if I become a teacher, I'll likely allow my students to ask for such assignments). The assignments are going to be more open and allow you to decide what you work on. With the Slime egg from the Sewers example, if you want to work on mapping, go heavy on the mapping for the Sewer. Make it multiple levels, with traps and secrets and who knows what else. Or you may want to work on battle mechanics, so make the sewer more battle focused. The assignments will be more open for you to decide what part of the system you want to work on.

By keeping it open like this, we can give to both new users and vets of the RPG Maker systems. Plus it is open to huge amounts of creative ideas to be born.

Other than that you have some awesome feed back that I hope is taken to heart when getting this set up. Giving the students what their looking for is key.

Overtime · January 11, 2013

Hey!

This idea is really great, and I'm hoping to participate as a student. As an RPGMaker newbie, here's what I would like to get out of the project:

Focused assignments: If one lesson is about mapping (i.e., "Create a Sewer Dungeon"), and the next is about writing (i.e., "Write a Scene About the Hero Coming Home"), that is going to help me learn and develop one skill at a time, so I will see more meaningful growth.

Feedback: Getting feedback is crucial to the learning process, so I want there to be a forum (probably literally) for teachers and students to talk about each others' projects and help each other out.

Bite-sized workload: Getting the timing right will probably be tough. Frequent enough assignments to maintain interest, but enough time between to allow people on different schedules to accomplish the task at hand. And hopefully the assignments will be tight enough that someone without much time can feel like they can keep up, and someone with a lot of time can elaborate and add polish - or bells and whistles.

As has been mentioned, assignments need to appeal to both newbies and experienced designers - I think the answer is in compact, open-ended assignments. A simple goal that newbies can achieve, but with enough creative design space for experienced users to show off a little. I'll brainstorm a list and post it below to give folks an idea of the stuff I think might work well.

I'm very excited about this!

Astellus

Lesson Ideas Brainstorm:

Mapping: Create an overworld map

Mapping: Create a tavern

Mapping: Create a cliff-themed dungeon

Mapping/Eventing: Create a "switches" puzzle

Eventing: Create a cut scene about an escape

Writing: Create a scene that contains a surprise twist

Writing: Create a comic/tragic scene

Writing: Create a scene about two vastly different characters talking

Database: Create a boss battle

Database: Create a battle with several custom animations

Database: Create a battle relying heavily on states

Database: Create an actor/class that uses healing magic

P.S. Can you tell I know nothing about Eventing? I need to go to Eventing school.

Got more suggestions... If His (Quoted) is an example.

Event: Create a battle scene using cutscenes only.
Event: Create an event of someone giving 3 or more people "Formation commands". (Eg. Everyone else moves space)
Battle: Create a decent Boss battle.
Map: Create a Mineshaft Dungeon. HINT: If you played Minecraft, you can use it's mineshafts for help.
Advanced Event: Create, using Overtime's (Well, anyone else) method of Script RNG, to create a Random Item Generator, utilizing 30 items.
Advanced mapping: Create a Ship with default RTP tiles.
Advanced Battle: Recreate the battle in Final Fantasy IV where an Enemy orders Two spawns to attack, while he doesn't attack. And when both "commanded" spawns die, the "commander" flees.
Advanced Dialogue: Create an Opera-like scene

Edited January 11, 2013 by Overtime

Astellus · January 11, 2013

One thing I would like to point out, is the assignments wont be given in the format of using RPG Maker. They'll be in the form of quest for the Academy. So instead of an assignment being "Create a Sewer Dungeon" the assignment would be "Retrieve a slime egg from the Sewers below the Academy" The object of the Academy wont be to directly give you areas to work on in RPG Maker (Though if I become a teacher, I'll likely allow my students to ask for such assignments). The assignments are going to be more open and allow you to decide what you work on. With the Slime egg from the Sewers example, if you want to work on mapping, go heavy on the mapping for the Sewer. Make it multiple levels, with traps and secrets and who knows what else. Or you may want to work on battle mechanics, so make the sewer more battle focused. The assignments will be more open for you to decide what part of the system you want to work on.

By keeping it open like this, we can give to both new users and vets of the RPG Maker systems. Plus it is open to huge amounts of creative ideas to be born.

I guess it depends on how literally you're taking the "Academy" aspect of the project Personally, I want to learn, and the best way to go about that is to tackle specific elements of the program with a group of peers and an instructor who are all focusing on the same element. I wouldn't mind at all if the objective was "Retrieve a slime egg from the Sewers below the Academy," as long as there was a note or something along with it that communicated some specific lesson objectives. I think my concern is that without a structure that focuses on teaching how to use the program better, I won't improve as much.

I can see how newbies like myself would want something more specific to the mechanics of RPGMaker, and how more accomplished designers might enjoy a broader scope more focused on the fiction we're going to create together. I would love to see a teacher/class/dorm/etc. devoted to improving skills in specific areas of RPGMaker - this could be as simple as slightly tweaking assignments ("This sewer assignment is a great chance to work on a boss battle - put a boss inside the sewer guarding the egg), just so we get a group of people working on and looking at the same thing.

It's the difference between staying in practice and learning new skills.

Astellus

Infinity Thief · January 11, 2013

Astellus

I see your point. What could be added is a "suggested" method of approach. So you like were saying having a boss protect the slime egg. But this would be suggested. We don't want to stop people from trying other methods. So yes, having a a majority work on a similar approach is a good idea. Just for people who want to think out of the box, we'll leave it open. (These are just my thoughts though)

+ Titanhex · January 12, 2013

Hey guys, been without net for a few days. Using my phone to keep up to date and updated. So there's still time before I collect applications. It's going to be tough to beat what we have though. I haven't checked out any art since I've been limited to phone.

That aside, I'm glad to see more interest and input. You've given me a great idea on how to develop the project with even better results.

It's all going to be a handful, and keeping focused on achieving our goals is going to be vital! I'll find creative ways to keep the learning aspect key for the academy. Of course, practice is the most important thing, and the priority of the academy.

I'll start getting a lot done once I return fully to the internet, and from there who knows. But expect good things

Bunni89 · January 12, 2013

I do kinda like the idea of objectives like this, but I think perhaps make them like achievements? Like perhaps you have an open ended idea like "Retrieve the slime egg from the sewers" but then a few suggestions that give bonus points, ranging from 'make a custom map' to 'learn to use a certain script' to even silly challenges like 'make all dialogue into rhyming couplets' or 'hide twelve rubber ducks within the game as an easter egg'. Teachers could also give bonus points for creativity, so you'd be rewarded for making up your own ideas as well as meeting the mini challenges and it's feasable to go in either direction with your work.

Another idea would be literally an achievement list separate from all the assignments with a long pile of challenge ideas. People could complete them for the sake of fame and glory within any assignment they want, and teachers would perhaps just suggest which achievements are easiest to go for in a certain lesson.

Of course I'd really like if there was emphasis on making up your own ideas, so maybe also have anti-challenges where you get points docked if you do the listed thing? Like perhaps there's 'defeat the ogre' but you lose points if you do it via the battle system so people would be encouraged to instead make interesting cutscenes, or a minigame, or an evented battle system of their own perhaps. (I can already think of a million ways to try that but my heart is set on 'the ogre is a business tycoon and you need to buy and sell resources to upgrade your hotel and beat his' XD)

Ace Academy: Lessons through Roleplay

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