Dates
Start Date: August 12, 2021
Due Date: August 31, 2021 (by end of day, Pacific Time)
Payment
Each entrant is eligible for a payment of up to $400, with a minimum of $100 if the entry meets the minimum standards. The exact payment amount for each entrant will be based on the quality of the entrant’s work.
Description
The goal of this Challenge is to build a set of magic spells that can be cast by players, so that creators can easily add spellcasting and spells to their games.
Think of a wizard firing a deadly fireball spell at an enemy. Or a mage casting a magic spell on a group of monsters. Or a healer filling an area with magical healing powers. Such great looking spells and effects are the keys to a successful spell casting game.
Features
Some features to consider for designing your spells are listed below.
Spell Cast
This is the casting phase of the spell, before the spell is fired. This typically includes a casting animation, as well as some effects and sounds that show the spell being generated.
Spell Flight
This shows the spell after it is fired with the magic effects traveling through the air. This may consist of one or more projectiles, as well as effects, trails, beams, sounds, etc.
Spell Impact
This is the impact phase of the spell, when it hits something such as a player or the ground. This may consist of an explosion, effects, sounds, debris, impact marks, as well as player effects such as damage, pushback, knockdown, or limited movement.
Spell Range
Prior to casting a spell, many games include some sort of indicator showing the range and impact area of a spell.
Spell Hints
Hints can be provided such as spell color, fly up text, visual clues, etc to help players understand the general effect of a spell. The most common spell types are: damage, healing, crowd control, buffs, and debuffs.
Functionality
The spells should be castable using the Core weapon system. The Weapon Component handles most of the functionality such as damage, effects, and projectiles. The Ability Component handles other things such as the cast time and animation. This is a drag and drop system, but you could customize it with your own programming.
The weapon geometry could just be a basic staff or wand - the appearance is not important. It is assumed that creators will replace the geometry with their own design.
Core Editor
The Core editor has many effects, sounds, and components that you can use to build your spells.
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Effects library (including the new Magic Circle Generators)
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Sound library
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Weapon component
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Ability component
Helpful Resources
Here are some great resources to take a look at.
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Game: Spellshock 2
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Community Projects: Spellshock
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Community Projects: VFX Demo Level
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Video: Creating Magic With VFX
Inspiration
For ideas and inspiration, take a look at any PC or mobile game that uses magic. Visit Twitch or YouTube to see magic spells in a variety of games. Take note of the spell cast, flight, impact effects, as well as the spell hints.
Requirements
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Create a minimum of 10 magic spells of your own design.
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The spells should be castable using the Core weapon system.
Judging Criteria
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Your work should strive to meet the updated criteria below.
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View the full Judging Criteria.
Questions?
If you have any questions, then please visit the #challenge-board channel on the Core VIP Discord server.
SUBMITTING YOUR WORK
Submitting Your Work
- Your application acceptance message includes instructions on how to submit your work.
- Entrants must submit their work by the deadline listed in the Challenge in order to be considered for payment.
- Failure to submit your work on time may affect your eligibility for future Challenges.
MORE INFORMATION
More Information
For detailed information about the rules, judging criteria, and best practices please visit the Challenge Board Info & Rules post.