Please help a complete noob with a vision...

[bubbaman83]

I have a great idea for a new Zelda game...I even posted it on Nintendo's website and got told to refine it a bit and send it to Shigeru Miyamoto! The only problem is I refined it and I also wanted to include a playable demo for him to see what it was pretty much like. I've messed around with a few other programs including Game Maker, RPG Maker 2000, RPG Maker 2003, 3D World Studio, DarkBASIC, GSLight(or something like that), and Blitz3D just to name a few. I have no clue what I'm doing though so it just messes me up. Is it possible for me to make a game using graphics from Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time or Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess? How do I code it? What basics do I need to know? How do I save it to a console (as in Gamecube or Wii) disc? Please, tell me everything! I'm begging you! It's a really cool idea too! If I get any rights to the game that means I get money right? Would I have to sue to get money out of my own game? Please, help me!!!!

[Kitty Hello]

1. You can rip the graphics form an N64 emulator. I've done that (just for testing purposes), but it is still some work to get textures correct... If you send a prototype to Nintendo, that might be OK. Don't know.
2. How you code it? a 3D Zelda? uhm... Have you read the list of peolple who wrote the original? I mean it's like saying: "I want to build a better BMW 750. I've got great ideas - how do I build it?".
3. You need to know programming structures. You need to know how to write a small game, then a bigger one then zelda 2D and then you can port it to 3D.
4. You can't just _save_ it to a console disk. You would have to compile for that processor/architecture. And: there's no free/legal thing to do that.

Honestly, the best you can do is: Write your idea to Miyamoto - get some help from friends/family to improve the idea here and there. Then hope that it gets implemented and Nintendo _might_ send you a free copy of the game. That's best thing that might happen.
I'm not kidding and I don't think you are a troll. I just think you need to learn about "life".

[rocko]

I have a great idea for a new Zelda game...I even posted it on Nintendo's website and got told to refine it a bit and send it to Shigeru Miyamoto! The only problem is I refined it and I also wanted to include a playable demo for him to see what it was pretty much like. I've messed around with a few other programs including Game Maker, RPG Maker 2000, RPG Maker 2003, 3D World Studio, DarkBASIC, GSLight(or something like that), and Blitz3D just to name a few. I have no clue what I'm doing though so it just messes me up. Is it possible for me to make a game using graphics from Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time or Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess? How do I code it? What basics do I need to know? How do I save it to a console (as in Gamecube or Wii) disc? Please, tell me everything! I'm begging you! It's a really cool idea too! If I get any rights to the game that means I get money right? Would I have to sue to get money out of my own game? Please, help me!!!!

What Gernot said, I've also got a funny story that will save you some trouble...

When I was about 16 the Nintendo 64 was going on and 1080 snowboarding just came out....I wrote Nintendo a letter telling them they needed to make a 3d skateboarding game where you could skate freely around 3d skateparks and cities....etc

I got an automatic reply card in the mail a few months later saying something along the lines of "Thank you for your suggestions Mike, Nintendo always likes to hear from it's customers....etc but we are currently busy devoloping upcoming titles...etc"  

Basically it meant "buzz off"

Funny part is Tony Hawks Pro Skater came out for the PS1 about a year or two later and took the world by storm. Karma is a bitch, and I hope they kick their own ass everyday about that one.

[bubbaman83]

1. You can rip the graphics form an N64 emulator. I've done that (just for testing purposes), but it is still some work to get textures correct... If you send a prototype to Nintendo, that might be OK. Don't know.
2. How you code it? a 3D Zelda? uhm... Have you read the list of peolple who wrote the original? I mean it's like saying: "I want to build a better BMW 750. I've got great ideas - how do I build it?".
3. You need to know programming structures. You need to know how to write a small game, then a bigger one then zelda 2D and then you can port it to 3D.
4. You can't just _save_ it to a console disk. You would have to compile for that processor/architecture. And: there's no free/legal thing to do that.

Honestly, the best you can do is: Write your idea to Miyamoto - get some help from friends/family to improve the idea here and there. Then hope that it gets implemented and Nintendo _might_ send you a free copy of the game. That's best thing that might happen.
I'm not kidding and I don't think you are a troll. I just think you need to learn about "life".

Well, first of all, yes I have looked at the credits of a Zelda game. And you know what? I also noticed that there were f names maximum in the programming part. That tells me something. And if nintendo only gives me a free copy of the game but they do make it, wouldn't that be illegal? And Rocko, maybe, just maybe they learned from that. If not, I could just send a copy right to Miyamoto's home...that might work and there's plenty of ways to get that address. Please everybody, continue trying to help me! COuld I get another 3-5 people minimum (I already have 3, including myself) on my staff to help? Thanks! (although I want to actually program it if possible, I need music directors, art directors, storyline directors etc.)

[Kitty Hello]

Oh dear. I was not cear enough.
1 You can _not_ write a legal game for any Nintendo console.
2 For a high quality game you need high quality developers. I'm not sure if I'm sufficient.
3 Nintendo has their developers. They give a ** about your game. Especially when it would cost money.

If you really want to make a Zelda like RPG, start _small_. You can write a game in quality of ZeldaIII (Link to the past) with a small team or even alone. And if you do it right, the game _will_ be fun. What is it that you really need 3D for? And if so, start 2D and then convert the game to 3D - that's not very much work for the code. The graphics however are horrible for a small team.

[bubbaman83]

Oh dear. I was not cear enough.
1 You can _not_ write a legal game for any Nintendo console.
2 For a high quality game you need high quality developers. I'm not sure if I'm sufficient.
3 Nintendo has their developers. They give a ** about your game. Especially when it would cost money.

If you really want to make a Zelda like RPG, start _small_. You can write a game in quality of ZeldaIII (Link to the past) with a small team or even alone. And if you do it right, the game _will_ be fun. What is it that you really need 3D for? And if so, start 2D and then convert the game to 3D - that's not very much work for the code. The graphics however are horrible for a small team.

You just don't get it do you? I don't want to make ot for the nintendo consoles, I'm not expecting a reply with a game, there is no legal way for me to make it a Zelda game that I made, and I don't care what you say, i WILL get this thing 3D by myself.

[rocko]

Doesn't sound like your off to a great start lol

Do a search on the 'net and find out how many millions of people have a "Great idea for a new zelda game!"

Nintendo has had a "great idea for a new zelda game" quite often. That's probably why they've made so many of 'em.

[mikiex]

Bubbaman, you have to realise, games are not just about a great idea. Which by the way, 95% of
people may disagree that it is a good idea. A lot of hard work goes into a game, a small team or a single person can only produce a small game, even then it is still a lot of work.

Don't run before you can even crawl.

[bubbaman83]

Doesn't sound like your off to a great start lol

Do a search on the 'net and find out how many millions of people have a "Great idea for a new zelda game!"

Nintendo has had a "great idea for a new zelda game" quite often. That's probably why they've made so many of 'em.

.....you really dont get it? none of you...youre all just....idiots aren't you? I posted this on the FRICKEN NINTENDO FRICKING SITE!!!! THEY LOVED IT INCLUDING THE MODERATORS!!!!!!!!! Does that not tell you it's a great idea? y'all are just stupid...you think just because you failed in the same area that I'm attempting means it's impossible. That's like telling somebody that it must be impossible to swim in the deep end of the pool just because you can't. Well, I can see that i'm not gonna get any help from you assholes.

Bubbaman, you have to realise, games are not just about a great idea. Which by the way, 95% of
people may disagree that it is a good idea. A lot of hard work goes into a game, a small team or a single person can only produce a small game, even then it is still a lot of work.

Don't run before you can even crawl.

Don't run before I can crawl? I've been crawling on my goddamn hands and knees for about a year now. I've mangaed to create a 2D Zelda from scratch using my own *love making* sprites. And trust me, I can and will create a game so *love making* big Nintendo won't even be able to cope. When I learn something, It sticks in my head for all eternity. That's probably why Nintendo and Sega have both sent emails to me pretty much asking me when I'll be able to work with them. I think I'm gonna finish college first however. The ONLY reason I said I was a noob and such is because I thought that you jerkoffs would be sympathetic to someone who was less talented than you. Guess what, looks like you simpletons are the ones who need sympathy from the more talented people. 95% huh? yeah, try 95% is the amount that AGREE that it's a good idea.  BTW, you idiots decided that you were going to condemn something that you don't even know what it is? That is probably the MOST narrow minded thing I have ever heard. You didn't even bother to ask the storyline. When I came to this site, I figured I would encounter a bunch of cool people who would be willing to help anyone in need. Looks like I found a buch of idiots whose brains are so small that all of them combined could fit up my goddamn ass! Well, thanks a bunch and can't wait till you're out buying Legend of Zelda Starlight Key (which by the way is the name of the Zelda I created). And another thing, if you all think that I'm going to take advice from people who can't even spell realize right.

[Kitty Hello]

Yes, you are right, we are wrong. Unfortunately, we - with our very limited brain capacity - hereby capitulate. We are not clever enough nor are we worth that you share your idea with us.
We are very sorry for having wasted your time.
Wishing you best luck for your project. Please drop a line when it hits the market, so we can try to buy a copy of it.

[rocko]

Doesn't sound like your off to a great start lol

Do a search on the 'net and find out how many millions of people have a "Great idea for a new zelda game!"

Nintendo has had a "great idea for a new zelda game" quite often. That's probably why they've made so many of 'em.

.....you really dont get it? none of you...youre all just....idiots aren't you? I posted this on the FRICKEN NINTENDO FRICKING SITE!!!! THEY LOVED IT INCLUDING THE MODERATORS!!!!!!!!! Does that not tell you it's a great idea? y'all are just stupid...you think just because you failed in the same area that I'm attempting means it's impossible. That's like telling somebody that it must be impossible to swim in the deep end of the pool just because you can't. Well, I can see that i'm not gonna get any help from you assholes.

Bubbaman, you have to realise, games are not just about a great idea. Which by the way, 95% of
people may disagree that it is a good idea. A lot of hard work goes into a game, a small team or a single person can only produce a small game, even then it is still a lot of work.

Don't run before you can even crawl.

Don't run before I can crawl? I've been crawling on my goddamn hands and knees for about a year now. I've mangaed to create a 2D Zelda from scratch using my own *love making* sprites. And trust me, I can and will create a game so *love making* big Nintendo won't even be able to cope. When I learn something, It sticks in my head for all eternity. That's probably why Nintendo and Sega have both sent emails to me pretty much asking me when I'll be able to work with them. I think I'm gonna finish college first however. The ONLY reason I said I was a noob and such is because I thought that you jerkoffs would be sympathetic to someone who was less talented than you. Guess what, looks like you simpletons are the ones who need sympathy from the more talented people. 95% huh? yeah, try 95% is the amount that AGREE that it's a good idea.  BTW, you idiots decided that you were going to condemn something that you don't even know what it is? That is probably the MOST narrow minded thing I have ever heard. You didn't even bother to ask the storyline. When I came to this site, I figured I would encounter a bunch of cool people who would be willing to help anyone in need. Looks like I found a buch of idiots whose brains are so small that all of them combined could fit up my goddamn ass! Well, thanks a bunch and can't wait till you're out buying Legend of Zelda Starlight Key (which by the way is the name of the Zelda I created). And another thing, if you all think that I'm going to take advice from people who can't even spell realize right.

lol

Thanks, that was funny. Now shine my shoes boy. And shine 'em good.

[bubbaman83]

Doesn't sound like your off to a great start lol

Do a search on the 'net and find out how many millions of people have a "Great idea for a new zelda game!"

Nintendo has had a "great idea for a new zelda game" quite often. That's probably why they've made so many of 'em.

.....you really dont get it? none of you...youre all just....idiots aren't you? I posted this on the FRICKEN NINTENDO FRICKING SITE!!!! THEY LOVED IT INCLUDING THE MODERATORS!!!!!!!!! Does that not tell you it's a great idea? y'all are just stupid...you think just because you failed in the same area that I'm attempting means it's impossible. That's like telling somebody that it must be impossible to swim in the deep end of the pool just because you can't. Well, I can see that i'm not gonna get any help from you assholes.

Bubbaman, you have to realise, games are not just about a great idea. Which by the way, 95% of
people may disagree that it is a good idea. A lot of hard work goes into a game, a small team or a single person can only produce a small game, even then it is still a lot of work.

Don't run before you can even crawl.

Don't run before I can crawl? I've been crawling on my goddamn hands and knees for about a year now. I've mangaed to create a 2D Zelda from scratch using my own *love making* sprites. And trust me, I can and will create a game so *love making* big Nintendo won't even be able to cope. When I learn something, It sticks in my head for all eternity. That's probably why Nintendo and Sega have both sent emails to me pretty much asking me when I'll be able to work with them. I think I'm gonna finish college first however. The ONLY reason I said I was a noob and such is because I thought that you jerkoffs would be sympathetic to someone who was less talented than you. Guess what, looks like you simpletons are the ones who need sympathy from the more talented people. 95% huh? yeah, try 95% is the amount that AGREE that it's a good idea.  BTW, you idiots decided that you were going to condemn something that you don't even know what it is? That is probably the MOST narrow minded thing I have ever heard. You didn't even bother to ask the storyline. When I came to this site, I figured I would encounter a bunch of cool people who would be willing to help anyone in need. Looks like I found a buch of idiots whose brains are so small that all of them combined could fit up my goddamn ass! Well, thanks a bunch and can't wait till you're out buying Legend of Zelda Starlight Key (which by the way is the name of the Zelda I created). And another thing, if you all think that I'm going to take advice from people who can't even spell realize right.

lol

Thanks, that was funny. Now shine my shoes boy. And shine 'em good.

heheheheh...guess what? I got myself a 30 person production team right now...you wanna see how talented they are? here's a sample of their work:
http://www.zeldarealm.com/whitemage_test/final.exe
And guess what else? You all get the first taste of the new game...It'll be done in a month or so....trust me, It'll blow your socks off. Shine your shoes? don't think so. Shine mine jackass

[rocko]

And guess what else? You all get the first taste of the new game...It'll be done in a month or so....trust me, It'll blow your socks off. Shine your shoes? don't think so. Shine mine jackass

You're eager to impress my man... But unfortunately Zelda is a 20 year old theme....I liked it 20 years ago, I prefer to see innovation with video games. Not a rehash of a rehash of a rehash... I really never want to see a Zelda game ever again. That's one problem with the game industry....sequel after sequel....etc *love*, no thanks.

[Genius]

I have a great idea for a new Zelda game...

Okay, you have a great idea. Thats cool - thats where all decent games start... but it aint enough.

How many other people have a great idea for a Zelda game? Lets take a look... Woah!

Thats a fair few, man.

So - question - your idea... is it better than all of these uncomissioned idea's for a Zelda game *and* what makes your idea so special that Nintendo will have to sit up and take notice?

Now, pause for a second here - because I'm not slagging your idea down - I'm asking a straight up, sensible question.... which before we carry on and you go to answer the question lets look at a small point here...

How many Zelda plotlines have come from outside of Nintendo with the exception of licensed products to, say, Phillips (for the much derided and rightly so CD-i games)... and even then, how did they get the license?

I can answer that.

They paid for it. With cold hard cash. Lots of it, too. A major license does not come cheap.

History of Nintendo taking over peoples ideas on board for their games, no matter how good the idea may be = next to zero. Probably, even, zero. Its a legal minefield. Same way that if you send a script idea into a TV show or unsolicited script about a movie sequel - it gets binned. People in the business can't afford to read them in case it comes back and bites them on their asses.

So, you've got a heck of a lot of work cut out for you there because you'd be the first person on the planet to pull off such a coup. Your idea better be the best thing ever in the known universe to get noticed - and 95% of people saying its a cool idea means jack squat to Nintendo.  They want product, saleable product and a hefty dose of cold hard cash if you want to go ahead with that product yourself without being part of their team.

Nintendos QA department is notoriously fickle and notoriously demanding. So, brace yourself because if you go ahead with this man, you're gonna have one heck of a beast of a ride.

I even posted it on Nintendo's website and got told to refine it a bit and send it to Shigeru Miyamoto!

I can tell you precisely what will happen if you do this.

It will come through his door and he *will* throw it into the bin without reading it - course, man - you've gotta realise that Mr Miyamoto probably doesn't even open his own mail here, when you're an industry bigwig - dude, you can pay people to do that for you and filter out shit you don't want to see.

What Mr Miyamoto won't want to see *ever* is an idea for a Zelda game - on the off chance even just one feature in your idea makes it into his next epic and you can prove he's read that - he's wide open to litigation. You think Mr Miyamoto fancies having his ass sued this week, next week or any other week?

Nopers. He doesn't. Because no-one in their right mind does.

So, you say "I'll send it to his house"...

How very professional that will make you look - mailing to an executive in a major company at their home address.  You think thats all you need to do to get noticed? Pop it in his mailbox and voila - he'll be on the phone ready to lick the turd from your ringpiece in anticipation?

Wow, if it worked that way - everyone would be doing it. There'd be no need for Nintendo Offices around the world! Just mail it to the guys house, he won't mind...

Or perhaps, just perhaps - he'll ignore it.  I would.

The games industry has protocols and you just can't circumvent them because you feel like you've got the best idea in the known universe.

If you want to be noticed... play by the rules.

The only problem is I refined it and I also wanted to include a playable demo for him to see what it was pretty much like. I've messed around with a few other programs including Game Maker, RPG Maker 2000, RPG Maker 2003, 3D World Studio, DarkBASIC, GSLight(or something like that), and Blitz3D just to name a few.

You can prototype it in whatever language you want. No-one really cares what a prototype is written in.  I know Industry folks who knock up prototypes in Blitz3d, Gamemaker - whatever they can get their hands on to code quickly, efficiently and get their idea's down pat. Some have dedicated tools - most use whatever is the best and most efficient for the job.

But... (and you knew there was a but, right?)

Whats the use in a prototype of a Zelda game being sent to Mr Miyamoto? Really... you think the guy doesn't know how a Zelda game plays? Y'reckon thats a goer?

See that? Thats the other leg with bells on and its playing your tune, baby.

Now... a detailed game design document... that seems more sensible, no? Well - here I can help you. Go to Gamasutra and read all you can. You'll need to register for a login or bugmenot into the place - but that'll give you a breakdown on the anatomy of creating your design document.

You put together a well thought out, perfectly written design document and whilst your Zelda game idea may not see fruition - you may just knock someones socks off with how well you can put this shit together and may stand a hope of getting a job in the industry.

Course, there's probably thousands of people doing this - but don't let that put you off. If you're as superb and wonderful and ace as you lead us to believe, then you'll stand a chance. Power to the people, may your granny knit a jumper in anticipation of the wonders that shower down upon us all... Waynes World 2 - if you build it, they will come. You can do it... GO TIGER, GO!

I have no clue what I'm doing though so it just messes me up

Better get that stuff that sticks inside your brain for all eternity (I assume its not glue, right? You don't wanna stick glue in your ears.) into gear then.

If you can't learn the basics... you're no use to anyone.

But, I always say "never say never". I thought I couldn't design or write a game and Confuscious say "yeah man, anyone can if they try". But you gotta try. Thats 100% effort all the way.

Find a package, learn a package and stay with the package - don't hop around forever and a day trying to find something thats easy enough because none of them ever will be.  The foundations are always the same, the language and development environments are just the enablers. Only you can learn how to harness them.

People can give you tips, you can look at code all across the internet - but you've gotta put the work in.

Is it possible for me to make a game using graphics from Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time or Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess?

Possible and legal are two different things, my erudite enthusiastic friend. Its possible to use any graphics from any game by one way or another, but its about as legal as sticking your penis in a bank tellers mouth when you go to make a withdrawl.

You *really* want to impress? Don't rip the media. Make your own.

You *really* want to be on the receiving end of a Cease & Desist order? Rip that media off, then show it to Nintendo.

I smell lawyers and they'll have your scent. Ignore the C&D and it'll be 12 rounds with Bubba in the local jailhouse as he politely asks you to pass the soap. Either that or you can kiss goodbye to your family home as your 50c savings won't cover the cost of the legal fee's

Jee, that'd make Mom proud. My son, the one who lost us our house through having a dream!

How do I code it? What basics do I need to know?

Well man, you learn to code. You know - how to draw shit on the screen and things then move them around and stuff. The basics of any game. You see it running in a game - thats the shit you need to know right here, right now. I can't tell you that though, you've gotta work this stuff out through your brain, make sure it aint no seive so none of the information falls out of your lughole when you tip your head to the left and learn.

Learning is good.

Mmmm, learning sandwich anyone?

How do I save it to a console (as in Gamecube or Wii) disc?

Well, you learn to code in the appropriate development environment, learning to harness the API's of the particular machine, make sure your code is as bug free as possible, fully playable and a complete and wonderful game! Easy!

Thats all there is too it...

Well, except for the amount of money you need to raise to buy a Devkit and start your company up. But lets not let practicalities like that get in the way, dude.

Or, you could take up homebrew using some of the illegal emulation kits if one such kit should exist for the appropriate console - and man oh man, you can bet Nintendo will love you for cutting into their certified revenue streams and showing some initiative that way.

I can see it right now, they'll be round your house with presents in both hands to thank you so much for not following the official DevKit route.

That'll get your game noticed for sure.

Please, tell me everything! I'm begging you!

The answer you seek, my child, is 42.

It's a really cool idea too!

Get to work then, you know where your desk is...

If I get any rights to the game that means I get money right?

You think dev teams have rights these days? Ahahaha.... cog in the wheel, son. Cog in the wheel.

Get to your desk and do what your told and you can go for a piss when I tell you.

Still seem glamorous?

Would I have to sue to get money out of my own game? Please, help me!!!!

No, you'll get a wagepacket like every other codemonkey on the planet and be grateful.

Have a nice day, dude.

[Genius]

BTW - has it started yet?