Ozzie, I was actually considering trying to host such a panel myself. If you would be interested, perhaps we could co-host the panel?
And I generally agree with what the others were saying. I was thinking of showcasing scripts of varying complexity, both to show the variety of what can be made and to show people that anyone can get into it, and that they don't necessarily have to make ZUN-tier games to be able to participate in the Danmakufu community.
I was also considering at the end providing a very brief introduction on how one can get started with making a Danmakufu script, just so the task of doing so doesn't seem as daunting. Because while showing off the scripts would definitely get people interested, we need to show them that it's not all that hard to jump in and get their feet wet, or they're just going to walk away thinking "yeah there's no way I could ever make anything cool like that". Maybe do like a small step-by-step process on "how to make a spellcard 101"--like "if I add this code here, my boss will shoot bullets in a circle", and so on.
Yes, ABSOLUTELY!! I would love to have you on board. I was lamenting the fact that I'd probably have to do it on my own, I had no idea you'd be attending. It's also fitting how you have made some of the most creative contributions to Danmakufu fan works, especially with your latest Yakumo Ball script. The kind of scripts that push the boundaries of what Danmakufu is capable of is definitely something that I want to highlight in the panel.
From what all of you have been saying, it seems that the best way to go about this would be to come up with some sort of interesting presentation of notable and varied scripts from the community. Then afterward (if there's time) some sort of brief 101 tutorial type thing could show that it's not so hard to make these things yourself. Prefacing the 101 part would be something simple to make, yet still of very high quality. Something like Trickysticks' scripts, which have low effects and flare, but always interesting and fun gameplay. That would show that the SUPER AMAZING EFFECTS are not required to make something fun to play.
Also curious, what is your personal goal?
- Do you want to show people there is a ready-to-use engine with plenty of wiki material and community for it?
- Do you want to draw more people to make fangames?
- ...
I'd probably say yes to both, but the first one opens up a good point. It would be a good idea to at some point during the panel to show the wiki, the RaNGE help thread and its various resources, as well as other helpful utilities.
So yeah, AJS, talk to me on Skype about the arrangements for TouhouCon.