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AppGameKit Classic Chat / Competition: Seeking a Star Developer of Kids' Games and a Teammate in a New Concept

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 18th Dec 2013 02:46
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Hi all,

Thank you to Rick of TGC for allowing this thread.

I'm a recent AppGameKit backer on Kickstarter and I'm building a new game play based parenting tool concept into a reality (see CharacterBooster.com for more info on that). I'm looking for at least one game developer to work with on our upcoming Kickstarter project and I need someone who can build a game or two that will hold kids' interest very well and keep them motivated through the project's beta.

To that end I'm considering running a competition in January here on AppGameKit forums, provided there is interest. The first round of the competition will be a qualifying round for the next and will focus mainly on utilizing our API in the game play, but the round will have its own prize ($100) for the winner among those not entered into the second round.

The second round will continue where the first left off and focus mainly on the game's style, fun, and versatility/longevity of game play and the second round will have the grand prize ($ undisclosed at this time), provided there are at least two qualified entries. In addition, I will be looking at all the entries to find the right individual(s) to approach about working together on our upcoming Kickstarter project for Character Booster and the upcoming game development for it. Further, all completed games will be considered for inclusion in our directory of connected games.

If you like the Character Booster concept and you'd be interested in this competition, please reply to this thread and let me know. I'd be happy to answer any questions, but know that some final details depend on the interest level.

--
All the best,
Dan Cummins
Founder and CEO at Character Booster
CharacterBooster.com | @CharacterBoost on Twitter

"Need an extra powerful fireball to help defeat that bad guy? Better take out the trash and finish your spelling homework for some strength and wisdom points. Want to be able to reach that secret level you heard about? Get started building up creativity and charisma points to sneak past the guards by doing that art project with your classmate!

Our mission at Character Booster is to empower parents by connecting the time their child spends playing video games with real productive activity and learning experiences that will build that child’s character. We believe parents will use this tool creatively to challenge their kids and help them reach new heights."
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Hodgey
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Posted: 18th Dec 2013 04:46
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Hi Dan

Quote: "The first round of the competition will be a qualifying round for the next and will focus mainly on utilizing our API in the game play, "

Are both tiers of AppGameKit (BASIC and C++) allowed to be used in the competition (I'm looking at the "API" part of that sentence)?

I had a look at your site and watched the video - interesting stuff! It sounds like the kind of games you're looking for revolve around player's having stats/experience points?

Cheers

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 18th Dec 2013 06:02
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Hi Hodgey,

Thanks and both tiers are fine as far as I'm concerned so long as they connect and the points are integrated well into the game play, but if you'd like I'd be happy to share a link to the api documentation.

Though games with stats/exp have a clear route for utilizing the points, I'd love other types of games to connect as well and I believe they could do so quite well.

For example, here's a snippet from a discussion of how a simple obstacle jumping game could use the points by adding "powers" and adjusting variables for a period of time when points are used:

Strength - higher jump
Wisdom - jump markers and previous jump trail
Charisma - smaller player sprite / hit area
Discipline - slower game speed
Dexterity - longer hang time
Creativity - colorful/fun particle trail and random power available from time to time

Here's another example for a Mario-esque side scroll game:

Strength - More powerful, large size, blue fireball (Recharge 30 seconds?)

Wisdom - Mini map temporarily appears showing course and enemies (Duration 10 seconds?)

Charisma - Can be used in shop screen. Temporarily lowers cost of upgrades by 10% (Duration 5 seconds?)

Discipline - Immediately gathers all crystals visible on screen. (Recharge 30 seconds.?)

Dexterity - Temporary bonus to grip, jump height, and speed. (Duration 10 seconds?)

Creativity - Temporarily stuns all enemies and stops them in their tracks. (Duration 10 seconds?)
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xCept
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Posted: 18th Dec 2013 06:03
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This is an awesome concept (sort of a high-tech version of the 'marbles in a jar' award system I grew up on).

Quote: "To that end I'm considering running a competition in January here on AppGameKit forums, provided there is interest."


A word of warning, past AppGameKit contests have had very low turnouts. It's a small community to begin with and those who do have time to enter generally seek out the big competitions (i.e., Intel's App Innovation with $10,000+ prizes). The past attempt at having a contest here resulted in only two known participants and was abruptly canceled two weeks before the deadline because of lack of interest. Just so you're aware it's unlikely you'll see more than half a dozen participants realistically.
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 18th Dec 2013 06:16
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@xCept

Thank you and thank you again. I'd be very happy with more entries but I'd also be fine with half a dozen first round entries and two entries in the second round. To accomplish my primary goal (a teammate) I just need one excellent game developer interested in pursuing the project beyond the contest.
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Hodgey
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Posted: 18th Dec 2013 07:19 Edited at: 18th Dec 2013 07:20
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Quote: " but if you'd like I'd be happy to share a link to the api documentation."

That'd be great, thank you. The reason I pointed out the API part was because as far as I'm aware, AppGameKit BASIC isn't officially extendable - AppGameKit V2 might be different. Unofficially, there's a hack job you might be able to do at the sacrifice of some commands.

However, for C++ programmers, it shouldn't be a problem.

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 18th Dec 2013 08:28
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AGK Basic vs C++ for the API... Valid issue. We'll see whether some potential entrants require help with that and what sort of help might be most beneficial.

More info on the points and api can be found here: CharacterBoosterAPI.pbworks.com
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Hodgey
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Posted: 20th Dec 2013 02:07
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Quote: "More info on the points and api can be found here:"

Thanks! I've had a quick look. It looks like the APIs are executed through the HTTP GET command? If so then Tier 1 - BASIC might be able to use them via the http commands.

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 20th Dec 2013 20:52
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Thanks Hodgey.

Glad to hear it. I want to make it to be as broadly compatible as possible because we hope to eventually have a variety of games from various developers connecting from various platforms. Hopefully we approached that part with what we've built so far.
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The Daddy
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Posted: 20th Dec 2013 22:08
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Flagging my interest Dan!

Having an eight year old i find this kind of thing interesting and rewarding!

Keep me in the loop please!

www.bitmanip.com
All the juicy you could ever dream of!
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 21st Dec 2013 05:28
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@The Daddy
Great - glad you're on board! Will do.
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 24th Dec 2013 00:06
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@Hodgey
@xCept

Hi guys - just want to confirm. If the competition goes forward, are you both interested in participating?
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Hodgey
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Posted: 24th Dec 2013 01:04
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Quote: "Hi guys - just want to confirm. If the competition goes forward, are you both interested in participating?"

Yep, you can count me in. Just to let you know, I'll probably use Tier 2 - C++.

Cheers

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Fallout
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Posted: 24th Dec 2013 11:00
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Hi Dan,

The concept sounds really innovative and I can see it appealing to a lot of parents. It sounds easy to implement yet potentially really exciting for kids. Its a really good idea.

As has been mentioned though, the competition approach to finding your developer may limit your applicants. Hobbyists and people at school may be able to find time to enter a competition and may find $100 enough of an incentive but those of us who do this full time are probably unwilling to enter competitions to secure work.

I suppose it depends on if you are looking for a hobbyist for casual work at a low rate or a full time developer?

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 24th Dec 2013 22:11
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Hi Fallout,

Thank you for your feedback and for raising the topic.

Primarily I'm looking for a potential developer to partner with in an upcoming Kickstarter that will fund a game development project for our beta (the plan is to use much of the crowd funding to pay the developer). Then possibly a more long term arrangement if events work out in that direction.

I recognize there's an element of uncertainty to that prospect which I think will require a bit of inspiration from the concept and an entrepreneurial spirit beyond a basic fee arrangement. I can't match any major companies and their prizes so I imagine entries will have to be motivated at least a little by what I am looking for. Perhaps the person I'm looking for will be a hobbyist or perhaps a pro, or I might end up finding the right person (or people) another way altogether. In any case, I am hoping a few people of whatever skill level would enjoy the competition, would like to provide feedback, and might consider making a game or games which connect with Character Booster in the future.
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Scary Little Rabbit
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Posted: 25th Dec 2013 07:17
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hi Dan.

I'll try. maybe.

error #1:
"too many stars, too many stares. disembody."
WIP: MIND!! | free fonts for your AGKs
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 26th Dec 2013 18:14
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@Scary Little Rabbit
Will be great if you do.
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 26th Dec 2013 18:15
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So far we have these RSVP yes:

Hodgey
The Daddy
Scary Little Rabbit
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Scary Little Rabbit
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Posted: 26th Dec 2013 20:13
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perhaps, I will go open-source also. I have some common code and my projects grow on it. it's very dirty now, but it may be interesting or helpful for few newbies, so... maybe. and then we will be in equal conditions almost.

error #1:
"too many stars, too many stares. disembody."
WIP: MIND!! | free fonts for your AGKs
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Fallout
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Posted: 27th Dec 2013 23:43
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Hi Dan,

Sorry, i missed your post in the thread before. Santa distracted me! I think I have an understanding for your plan of attack and it makes sense. Hopefully the competition approach will find you the right developer and hopefully the crowd funding goes well. Its a good idea so I wish you all the success with it.

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 30th Dec 2013 21:19
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Understood and thank you, Fallout. Best to you as well. Hopefully you'll keep an eye on this and if by chance the inspiration strikes you to throw your hat in please do let me know.
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 3rd Jan 2014 05:42
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Hi all,

@Hodgey
@The Daddy
@Scary Little Rabbit

Thanks for your interest! Your input would be valuable for us and hopefully a fun experience for you all. Will you please confirm that you'll be participating by responding here or emailing dan [At] characterbooster -dot- com?

Round 1 prize is $100 via PayPal and the deadline for final entries is January 17th. I'll be accepting new competitors for round 1 until 1/10/14.

Round 1 objective:
Deliver a playable rough draft of a game that utilizes all Character Booster point types in the game play. For more information see the API doc at CharacterBoosterAPI.pbworks.com

I'll score round 1 entries based on three factors according to my estimation and opinion:

1. How well the game functions on my test system (might be Android, iPad, and/or PC -- all must be available free if requested).
Scoring:
Major errors/crashes or unplayable = disqualified;
Playable with minor issues = 1 point;
No bugs experienced = 2 points.

2. How the Character Booster points are integrated in the fun of the game play.
Scoring:
Lacking fun and/or very little use and/or awareness of the CB points while playing = 0 points;
Fun and utilizes CB points occasionally, some awareness of their role = 1 point;
Use and awareness of CB points plays a key role in the game’s great fun = 2 points.

3. General game concept, interface, and instruction.
Scoring:
Difficult to understand, navigate, play the game, and/or use CB points. = 0 points;
Game, instructions, buttons, and navigation are easy enough for a kid of 12 to understand. = 1 point;
Game, instructions, buttons, and navigation are easy enough for a kid of 6 to understand. = 2 points.

In the event of a tie score the winner will be the tied person who submitted their final entry first.

The winner of round 1 will be selected from among those not continuing to round 2.

Round 2 will be invitation only. An entrant must choose to enter into round 2 when and if invited. For an invitation their round 1 entry must be solidly qualified in the three factors above and uniquely impressive. Some ways to be impressive would be to communicate well such as by asking good questions, show good character such as by helping others in the forum regarding the competition if the opportunity arises, deliver an entry with a special flare, and/or deliver an entry that shows attention to fun kid friendly content and design (ages 6-12).

Round 2 preview:

$400 and a dollar for dollar match up to $100 if the winner chooses to donate to a select charity.

Select charities for match:
http://www.childsplaycharity.org/
http://www.specialeffect.org.uk
http://wish.org/
More may be added.

More details to follow. Round 2 is mutually optional -- I may opt not to invite anyone and those from round 1 may opt to decline an invitation.

Feel free to contact me and to ask questions.
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Hodgey
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Posted: 3rd Jan 2014 08:39 Edited at: 3rd Jan 2014 08:41
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I'm in.

Some specs about my app:
-Using AppGameKit B1088 C++
-Developing on Mac OS X (if an exe version is needed, let me know).

Good luck all!
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Matty H
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Posted: 3rd Jan 2014 22:12
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I really like this idea, love the website too.

After putting some thought into it though it's strength could also be a weakness. The need for the chore to resemble the bonus or perk that will be unlocked could be quite limiting to what games could effectively implement the system.

Also, my kids love unlocking new stuff in games but are too young to do most chores. As long as they behave and keep their room tidy then I am happy to reward them.

As well as the full perk system for your main flagship games have you considered a possible second option of children getting their pocket money in a virtual currency which the parents award them upon good behaviour? This currency could then be used in a more general manor, to unlock levels and perks. This could be easily implemented into any game idea or existing game.

Good luck with this. I would certainly be willing to look at converting an existing game to use your system once you have a user base.

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 4th Jan 2014 23:07
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@Matty H

Thanks for your thoughtful input. A goal of mine is flexibility as far as the points because I figure, in the end, developers know their games and parents know their kids better than I do. I've thought about and can see wanting to combine the point types in a game to use it more like a currency, if that's what you mean.

I'd want to encourage a developer considering that to try and creatively carry the point types as much as possible into the play though. One of the reasons is that I think kids would get a kick out of the thought that what they’re doing makes them stronger, wiser, more charming, etc. I also hope the variety of point types might spark some creative inspiration for parents and result in a variety of new experiences for the kids beyond just chores. The underlying goal is that when kids grow out of the point system the associations with the point types will help them realize the value of what their parents had them do beyond their games and that they then carry that spirit of self improvement forward.

Besides, I'm betting there are ways to incorporate the point types, even if abstractly or indirectly, in most any game, but if a developer has the same objectives I am open to and willing to try ideas that may end up benefiting kids and parents.
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Matty H
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Posted: 5th Jan 2014 15:36
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Quote: "One of the reasons is that I think kids would get a kick out of the thought that what they’re doing makes them stronger, wiser, more charming, etc. I also hope the variety of point types might spark some creative inspiration for parents and result in a variety of new experiences for the kids beyond just chores."


Yes, I agree. This is what is unique about your system and I'm not saying you shouldn't push for the games to reflect the point system, you absolutely should.

I am saying a second tier which is more flexible, a simple currency feature so existing games can easily be converted to your system. I am currently working on two art apps, one would be able to incorporate some of your point types, the other not so much

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 5th Jan 2014 21:21
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A second tier -- I think I'm understanding. Would you mind a private message?
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Matty H
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Private message away

Perhaps for apps that can't fit all the criteria there could be a wild card where any boost type can unlock a feature/level etc. So instead of a currency an app could accept any boost, that may be another way to add some flexibility whilst keeping it simple.

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Scary Little Rabbit
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Posted: 10th Jan 2014 19:05
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looks like I have no chance to be in time, Dan.

generally, deadline is too close and I'll can't to deploy for all platforms also — I have not Mac.

but I'll try to do some things. first piece you'll see tomorrow.

error #1:
"too many stars, too many stares. disembody."
WIP: MIND!! | free fonts for your AGKs
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 11th Jan 2014 03:22
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Thanks Scary. I heard from Hodgey too that a little extra time could go a long way.

I'm not opposed to extending the timeline to the end of this month. Hopefully that will work out for everyone.

I'd still encourage being the first to provide a final submission though for a tie breaker.

New Round 1 dates:
Round 1 prize is $100 via PayPal and the deadline for final entries is January 31st. I'll accept new competitors for round 1 until 1/24/14.
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Scary Little Rabbit
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Posted: 11th Jan 2014 23:16 Edited at: 11th Jan 2014 23:28
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thank you Dan.

my first step is this small demo which was resurrected from dusty ruines.



I will be busy on another business next two days, but I think that source code will be available next week and I hope that it inspire someone else.

error #1:
"too many stars, too many stares. disembody."
WIP: MIND!! | free fonts for your AGKs

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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 15th Jan 2014 04:50
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Hi Scary Little Rabbit,

I wasn't able to get the demo running. Also do you have an english version?
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Scary Little Rabbit
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Posted: 15th Jan 2014 06:37 Edited at: 15th Jan 2014 06:42
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Quote: "I wasn't able to get the demo running."
is any error message there or something?
Quote: "Also do you have an english version?"
it has support for three languages now: english, esperanto and russian. you can choose one of them by clicking on flag in right-bottom corner.

error #1:
"too many stars, too many stares. disembody."
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Dan Cummins
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Posted: 15th Jan 2014 07:40
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@Scary

Sure - I've sent you some detail via PM.
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Scary Little Rabbit
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Posted: 31st Jan 2014 17:51
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Dan, I must apologize. I did not find the ability to do something good enough for your goals. but I am doing some stuff right now, and I hope to talk with you a bit later.

error #1:
"too many stars, too many stares. disembody."
WIP: MIND!! | free fonts for your AGKs
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