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Thanks Pixlbit!


On 02/19/2014 at 07:31 AM by BrokenH

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So ,I’m officially making the conscious effort to not go back to Game-Jolt. After some dude called “Breaking H” came here putting on his internet tough guy routine it was decided I no longer wanted any part of this. I’m sure he will tattle on me to his bro-posse and my game will get a much lower score. Numbers be numbers, yo! I can’t be bothered to care anymore.

For the record, I know my game is not a special snow-flake. You all have been so nice to me and have been ever so gentle with your kiddy gloves. I really appreciate that. “Kindness” is a rare and wonderful thing! (Patience even more so)

I wouldn’t say my game is “utter fail” but I will admit a 2.5 or 3 out of 5 is accurate. Right off the top of my head these are things I wish were nicer.

1. Balanced difficulty curve

2. Better grammar (Writing your own text boxes will make you lament you do not have a live-in editor!)

3. Prettier graphics

4. Better battle system

5. Combat that is “challenging” but not unfair. (As opposed to being a cakewalk)

6. Animated battlers (Really “animated”, not just a wave or collapse effect)

But I’m tired and I’m not really getting paid. Yeah, there was “love” that went into what I did but “love” can only take a person so far.

Let me just say Gutterdelve was not designed to stir this much controversy. I did not put people into the shoes of a rapist, child molester, or a gun-nut who shoots up his own school. (Columbine Massacre is an actual game and so are Postal, Manhunt, and Rapelay) I’m not necessarily against other game makers going that route but to me personally it’s still disturbing to make things akin to sexual assault, torture, or school shootings 100% interactive where the gamer is doing the actual deeds.

Perhaps I just confused people. There was “crude language” in my game. The enemies fought also represented twisted fears, twisted desires, and even the insecurities the protagonists had about themselves. When you encounter an enemy called “Headless whore” it was not really meant to imply I hate women or see all women as prostitutes. It’s there because it is uncomfortable and because it would make my characters feel awkward, terrified, and appalled. The homunculi were created to represent things we may fear about ourselves or find repulsive in other human beings. Their purpose was to create a kind of “hell on earth” for those of us whom the fanatical hunters guild singled out to be “punished“. Homunculi are supposed to be grotesque and offensive. Their purpose is to contribute to an unsettling waking nightmare we cannot easily escape from.

Yet truthfully I wanted the story to have positive messages. It’s still about friendship and it’s also about the transition of starting out as a victim while becoming a survivor. It’s about accepting faults and rising above them. It’s about grief, loss, and moving on. None of these messages are deeply buried but I suppose if given the choice many people today rather focus on the negative for the sake of “controversy” or simply because being offended gives them something to talk about.

I admit the "character dress-up option" was a bit tacky (Deidre and Kara have selectable nude sprites) but to be honest I threw that in just as a wink & nod to other games with similar easter eggs. The "nude sprites" were made availible simply because I had them. Yet ANGI and Amy don't have nude sprites of their own. If this is sexist I certainly was not aiming for that goal. In general most people are sexist,racist,and inappriopiate during certain occasions. But I do not believe this is always the end result of "deliberate malice". Usually we unitentionally put a foot in our mouths or even do it delibetely when we're around friends who can handle race,poop,and sex jokes! Alas,the wussification of the present generation continues! (Welcome to censorship and thought policing wonder-land fellow Orwellians!) 

Welp, that’s the last time I’ll bring this up! Thanks for reading my friends!


 

Comments

Cary Woodham

02/19/2014 at 07:39 AM

Luckily I don't think I've ever been trolled here or at 1up.

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 07:56 AM

Maybe it's because you're so nice a saintly aura protects you,Cary. lol. That and you work out. 

Cary Woodham

02/19/2014 at 06:16 PM

Ha ha!  Yeah I eat my spinach. :)

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 08:18 PM

And pump the weights!

Cary Woodham

02/20/2014 at 06:02 AM

Yeah, that's right!

I sent you a PM, by the way.

Chris Yarger Community Manager

02/19/2014 at 07:42 AM

Hey Ben, can't wait to wear your skin!

Love,
A deranged fan

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 07:56 AM

To deranged fan,

You're the reason I do this!

~Love,Ben

Matt Snee Staff Writer

02/19/2014 at 07:43 AM

the hardest part of making a RPGmaker game is being stuck with that battle system, which is the hardest thing to reprogram.  I don't know if I made another game with it if I would have battles at all, or come up with something different.  That part of the game isn't really your fault. 

As far as the content, people are just fucking stupid.   As an adult, I found the flavor of the game refreshing. 

Some people don't know how much work goes into stuff like this.  I've done it myself, and I appreciate that every little detail needs to be painstakingly taken care of. 

As far as gamejolt goes, it's too bad the trolls have the upper hand.  Some people lack the experience of having real problems. 

I think your game development has been highly successful:  first of all, you finished it.  Second of all, you made a mark... even if it wasn't what u wanted.  you've gotten a lot of negative attention, but that's better than no attention.  Most of those games are just remakes of other games.  Your game is definitely not one of those. 

I always tell myself that, even though I am an unsuccessful artist, I am at least still an artist.  The vast, supposedly uncaring universe does NOTICE when you take it in your hands to create something.  And even if it seems like no one cares, you've still done something amazing.  That's the way I feel anyway. 

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 08:08 AM

Thanks,Matt! It has always been insightful talking to you about making rpgs because you actually were a pioneer in that circle before I was. You had already been through the little triumpths and little heart-breaks of "that scene" before I was even a blip on the radar.

But you're right, "the standard battle system" offered in Rpgmaker leaves much to be desired. Even if you're good with stats and making enemy encounters "fun" it still looks like you're essentially playing a throw-back to the original Dragon-Warrior. Most of us want something "nicer to look at" and "more polished" these days.

Additional scripts can add more options but when you're first starting out those can seem a bit intimidating.

Homelessrook

02/19/2014 at 07:55 AM

I would give it a 3.5, but hey fuck them, at least you have a game out there, and I would be proud to say I paid 5 bucks for it on the Ouya, if it was on there.

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 08:14 AM

Yeah, I don't think most "harsh critics" create much of anything. Or maybe they actually tried,got shot down, then decided to take it out on everyone else. I don't want to be like that though,Lar.

Usually if I detest a game I do not even waste my time reviewing it. I tend to only talk about games if I enjoyed them in some way. (Even if they came with a lot of flaws)

Alex-C25

02/19/2014 at 08:28 AM

I think what baffles me it's how some of the critics of these kinds of things battle for social justice and self-expression, yet are hypocrites by the fact that they think things like the ones you mentioned are "offensive" or "bad" and they should be gone. You're not supporting self-expression, you're just hindering it!

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 08:40 AM

Very true. When I was young I thought I was a "hip liberal" because stereo-typically progressive libertarians have a reputation for being about free speech,free expression,and free thought. Yet now many self proclaimed "social justice liberals" have become the very thing they originally fought against. In essence these people started as The noble Republic and became The oppressive Empire! I've never been so appalled and ashamed in my life,really.

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/19/2014 at 09:53 AM

This has Homunculi in it? Nice. 

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 11:18 AM

Yeah,bro! They're created by taking dead animals,dead people,and dead supernaturals and sort of frankensteining them together! However, there are a few gag enemies too. I even have a "censorship bureau" in one area. Wink

jgusw

02/19/2014 at 09:55 AM

Battling jackasses is exhausting. Smile

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 11:26 AM

Tell me about it. That's why I'm staying away from Game-jolt,James. There's nice people there too but I don't want to be around an area that's a powder keg for trolls.

Beyond that GJ rating system is easily abused. Noone is really bound to leave you constructive feedback and a fair score. Sometimes people do and it's great but most often it's the usual "I don't like you or your game! Take this 1 out of 5 as I try to say my crusade against you is because of "sexism" and "kitchens!" Look ya'll,this butthurt dude cannot take it,derp, herp, herp!"

Once Gliz started up more haters jumped on the hate-train. I guess I'd take some of them more seriously if they did not chime in so quickly after Gliz did. It makes some of the griefing seem organized but maybe the sharks tasted blood and simply wanted more. (Sharks do not "think" before they eat)

daftman

02/19/2014 at 10:12 AM

I wish I had some way to play your game, man. It sucks that people are such turds but like Matt said, you put out a finished product. That's way more than most people will ever accomplish. I think creation—whether art, music, story, game, food, whatever—is the most satisfying kind of work. You've done well.

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 11:34 AM

It's an rpgmaker rpg with bland mechanics so the only thing you're missing is the story-line,great music I had no part in composing,and the sweet illustrations used for the battlers by better artists. lol. Stay good sir as I reenact Gutterdelve for you with sock puppets! C'mon Daft,don't go I'm terrific at this! (Though admittedly these socks smell funny and are giving my hands skin-rashes!) 

mothman

02/19/2014 at 12:44 PM

What have I told you about letting trolls follow you home Ben? 

Hope you have a shovel to clean up all that shit. :D

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 12:49 PM

I have a shovel and a bulldozer! Sorry,Pete! It will not happy again! (Hits troll hard to make sure it's dead) At least this troll referenced a popular cable-show! It's hip to be an intellectual drug dealer! (thumbs up) If I come up with a classy troll alter ego I want to be Tyrion Lannister. Noone does it like Tyrion!

Aboboisdaman

02/19/2014 at 02:45 PM

Breaking H? I wish I would have seen that before talking about Breaking Bad lol. Ah well. I wouldn't worry about it. There's always Trollakin to call upon. At least you finished your game and put it out there.

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 03:21 PM

That's true,Aaron. When I first started I thought I'd never get it done but I soldiered through. Don't fret over talking about Breaking Bad. It happens to be a good show and some asshole simply happens to like it too. That's bound to occur! Sometimes jerk-bags like the same stuff we do. No big! Smile

KnightDriver

02/19/2014 at 04:49 PM

It's making me want to make a RPG. Damn, if I was in high school right now, I'd be all over it. Now I have to decided if I want to put in the time.

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 08:22 PM

You'd do well,Knight! Right now I also have a younger friend who is making a really bad-ass rpg as we speak. He's even putting in some of his own scripting language. He has a cool "ring of fate system" similar to Shadowhearts and Lost Odyssey & a crafting system. Somehow he managed to do it with VXAce as well! I'm kind of jealous actually. lol.

KnightDriver

02/20/2014 at 03:31 AM

That's cool. I was thinking all during work tonight about an idea for an RPG. I came up with a rough story line, some characters, and some interesting gameplay elements. One of which I think hasn't been used by anyone yet (although I'm probably wrong about that). A friend was talking about MUDs and I was thinking that might be a simpler way to start an RPG. I may just write up the story and gameplay elements I'd like to see. I guess it would be a design document. I gotta look up the format for that. 

BrokenH

02/20/2014 at 01:21 PM

I wrote a lot of ducuments before finally making my game. It's part of the process! and MUDS are still popular with a lot of people. I think there are even game-maker programs for making "interactive novels" much like the ones from Japan!

Playdos

02/19/2014 at 08:08 PM

Keep your head up and fuck all the haters. You made something and you can call it yours. That is an accomplishment right there and as long as your proud of calling it your game and putting your name with it. Well that is all that matters my friend. 

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 08:24 PM

I should have kept sight of that,Play. Guess I just lost it because this guy was literally camping on my page and was a "repeat offender". Again, disliking my game and expressing why was not the problem. It's just he repeated himself like a broken record and would not let go.

Playdos

02/19/2014 at 11:31 PM

Those people suck. He just trying to make himself feel between. I am sorry that person feels like he needs to do that because he is inadequate. 

BrokenH

02/20/2014 at 12:05 AM

It confounds me just because Game-jolt has so many games. If Gliz really wanted to wash himself clean of the "awful Gutterdelve experience" he has hundreds of alternatives! I actually think he went into my rpg to rag on it and give a scathing review in the first place. Some guys want to be the next "Angry Video Game Nerd".

Playdos

02/20/2014 at 12:12 AM

True, he might just be mad that he is not a creator. Not an artist. It really baffles me in how someone can, on the internet, just try to humiliate or just be mean to someone. Just because there is that shield of the internet. I still think that deep down they have to know that there will be repercussions of their actions on themselves or through karma. Like gaming is all about emotions, creativity and imagination. Like why ruin that for anyone or try to. We are trying to get the rest of the world to recognize games as art. As such it has to be a combined effort. Not all paintings can be the Mono Lisa, doesn't make them worth less. 

BrokenH

02/20/2014 at 12:21 AM

He was clever about it initially. Offered a few criticisms that were actually valid & helpful. At first I thought Gliz was trying to give positive feedback so that's whe he's in the credits. But then he came to game-jolt scoring my game "1 out of 5" based on an earlier build he played somewhere else.

Later when he played the updated version where a few of his caveats were actually addressed he still went off on how "awful" and "sexist" it was. 

I thought that was pretty much it until I caught him camping on my page. The guy is obsessed like some sort of gilded ex-lover.

I don't know if my game rates in the "high art category" but I did put a lot into it. I don't even mind Gliz loathes my work. It's the fact he will not move on that makes me question his mental well-being.

Playdos

02/20/2014 at 09:53 AM

He might be going through some stuff that is making it hard for him to move on which is sad. Just not moving on and camping the page just seems really obsessive. 

BrokenH

02/20/2014 at 01:35 PM

It's a game. lol. I don't see how Gutterdelve could have scarred him for life. If it did I feel kinda bad but there's even a disclaimer at the beginning warning people my rpg goes into some dark and disturbing themes. The moth was warned about the flame! Can't get more blunt than "This shit might burn,yo! Be careful!" 

Playdos

02/20/2014 at 07:12 PM

LOL there is only so much you can do. 

BrokenH

02/20/2014 at 07:23 PM

I did sort of bend over backwards to please the kid at first. When I re-released the game I took a lot of his more helpful criticisms to heart. But if he still hates it he still hates it. Some people cannot stop seeing the glass as half empty.

Playdos

02/20/2014 at 10:16 PM

People see what they want to see. If he can't apperciate the re-release, well forget about him. There is only so much you can do to please others. At the end of the day you have to do you.

BrokenH

02/20/2014 at 10:19 PM

That's true! And thanks for the support!

C.S.3590SquadLeader

02/20/2014 at 11:08 AM

I haven't played your game, but from what you've described I just can't understand all the grief you're getting over it.

BrokenH

02/20/2014 at 01:31 PM

In restrospect it could have been coincidental. Gliz just might have been browsing on my page when the poster asked his question and he answered it. But I have to question "why" someone would be browsing the page to a game they reviewed negatively and went on a pseudo social justice tirade about twice.

The truth is I simply should have completely ignored the guy. These kinds of people want a reaction and sort of want you to defend your game. Then they can grill you for "not taking fair criticism".

THe problem with Gliz besides for his obsession is that yes, he gave some decent feedback. But that's just light seasoning for the rest of his vitriol,vile,and hate.

Even after I re-released my game with a royalty free soundtrack and had done away with random encounters (Two of his caveats) his second review still labelled my game as awful.

I mean when a developer tries to meet someone half way they should not get shit on for it. Beyond that,Gliz didn't friggin PAY for my game. I don't understand his butthurt. 

NSonic79

04/13/2014 at 01:26 PM

and thus the saga ends. Perhaps you should make a game out of this themed situation in creating your game. much like that neptunia game series that focuses on the great "console wars". You got all your drama and action right there!

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