Publishing/promoting a free game

Captain Pork

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Oct 17, 2003, 2:47:34 AM10/17/03

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I've written a small arcade-style game for DOS/Win<xx>, using DJGPP
and Allegro, which I've put on my website under the GPL. The next step
is to draw attention to it somehow. Does anyone have any advice for
how I might go about doing this?

In particular:
- Any web sites to submit it to? I've tried submitting this and
previous games to several free games websites but nothing happens...
- Any newsgroups where announcements of this sort of thing are
appropriate?
- Any other places/people to inform?

Thanks,
Captain Pork

If you're interested in having a look at the game, which is called
Lacewing, you can get it with source code from
http://users.olis.net.au/zel/

Brendan Bond

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Oct 23, 2003, 6:25:12 PM10/23/03

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In my opinion, www.gamedev.net is a good way to go. A forum where you
can announce your game and ask any questions you might have and expect
a prompt, friendly response. Hmm... kind of like Usenet, eh? 8u)
--Brendan Bond

Bob Retelle

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Oct 24, 2003, 5:47:02 PM10/24/03

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On 16 Oct 2003 23:47:34 -0700, capta...@fastmail.fm (Captain Pork)
wrote:

>I've written a small arcade-style game for DOS/Win<xx>, using DJGPP
>and Allegro, which I've put on my website under the GPL. The next step
>is to draw attention to it somehow. Does anyone have any advice for
>how I might go about doing this?

You might also want to consider adding a "Hazardous Health Warning" to
the game documentation voluntarily, before the FDA requires it.

My right hand is permanently cramped, I've developed a serious blister
on the fourth finger of my left hand, the garbage hasn't been taken
out in two weeks, and I think my wife and dog left about a week ago,
although I'm not sure.

But I DO have second place on the High Score list, and I'm closing
in, slowly but surely on #1. Just give me another week or two (and
some bandages), and I'll have the High Score.

But I can stop any time. I know it. I can just walk away and not
play any more. As soon as I give it one more try.

BobR

Lizerd

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Oct 24, 2003, 11:52:42 PM10/24/03

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"Bob Retelle" <bo...@provide.net> wrote in message
news:je7jpvsakkjhfqmep...@4ax.com...

So... What you are saying is that where will be "Stop Addiction" group
starting up as a result of this????
.... That may indeed require a warning label....
(Now I gota go see.....)

Lizerd

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Oct 25, 2003, 1:36:07 PM10/25/03

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"Lizerd" <1...@2.com> wrote in message
news:esmmb.14008$Ec1.1...@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...

*** Bad news***
I tried it but all I got was a blank screen :(
I am running XP on a 1.4G CPU.
I tried turning off sound but to no effect.
I even tried Win95 compatibility mode.....

Liz...

Bob Retelle

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Oct 25, 2003, 4:47:58 PM10/25/03

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On Sat, 25 Oct 2003 17:36:07 GMT, "Lizerd" <1...@2.com> wrote:

>>
>*** Bad news***
>I tried it but all I got was a blank screen :(
>I am running XP on a 1.4G CPU.
>I tried turning off sound but to no effect.
>I even tried Win95 compatibility mode.....
>

I'm running it under 98SE and starting it from the "Run" dialog box.

It runs in an MS-DOS window, so I don't know how XP will react to it.

It's too bad you're having trouble getting it to run because it's one
of those rare games that has a good balance of features, lots of
surprises, and many "little touches" that add a great deal to the
play.

It's not heavy with useless "eye candy", but has good play value.

Where's Captain Pork when you need him..?

BobR