18 replies to this topic

[newcoleco]

Well, because I'm a ColecoVision fan and homebrewer for a long time and because things are evolving, changing constantly, I have to consider what is going on and take important decisions regarding what I'm gonna do in the near future to keep my passion alive.

I'm juggling with a couple of options to either keep going or step aside and "enjoy the show". The big questions for me are : Should I gave up and consider that I've done enough already? Should I continue the way I'm familiar with? Should I change my way in order to get more money? or Should I give a try to something completely new?

I've programmed new ColecoVision games and development tools since 1999. My dream of making games for this incredible game system became a reality a dozen of times already. The homebrew scene is going in a direction that I can't follow anymore. My vision of creativity and modest production is more than ever in question even if I put a lot of my time and energy. I'm kinda tired to feel doing the wrong thing while all I want is to have a chance like others to express myself, give my opinion and share my passion.

I've received a few times already messages telling me that I'm doing the wrong thing, that I'm not considering the team effort, that it's no more a single man work... even if I keep helping in other CV projects and some people are still at this day offering some of my games under their labels including GoodDealGames and AtariAge. I gave up to understand what I'm doing wrong, but apparently I do.

I like the experience of the whole process, from creating new games from scratch to distributing my games. And if to get enough money to restart a cartridge production I have to consider digital distribution of my games, then I will do it. Of course, with all my current ColecoVision games available all around the web, there is nothing really I can do except offering something new. So, as a first try, I will propose a ROM file as an experimentation, as a test to see if it's working. To give the experience a chance, to see how long it will takes to see copies of it everywhere, I will only offer the ROM file in order to avoid a rom dump from the cartridge version. If it goes well, a second ROM will be availebe but this time by using both digital and cartridge distribution. By comparing the 2 ways, I will have to take an important decision, as a new start for me, to be "up-to-date" with the homebrew scene I've enjoyed so much during more than 10 years now.

Feel free to give your honnest opinion and ask questions. I will not reveal anything about what or when the new ROM files will be available (because I don't know either at this moment).

I have a question, and you have the answer : If I leave the ColecoVision homebrew scene, what should I do next? Coleco-like games for Android seems to be a viable option, no?

[youki]

You should continue to create your great games and make it publish by J-F or Luc .

And propose a paid music composition "service" to help other homebrewers like me to have good music for their game.

Coleco like game for Android is in my opinion not interesting at all. a Coleco Like game on something else than a coleco is not a coleco "like" game!

[retroillucid]

Like youki said, let them be published and get royality for each cartridge sold, or you can even publish them yourself CIB but you'll have to consider putting money up front

You should not leave as EVERY homebrewer here play a major role in the hombrew scene, each one have its own manner to work (wich is good btw)

[Murph74]

Daniel, you are regarded as one of the "Godfathers" of Colecovision homebrews. For you to leave the scene would be an immense loss for the entire community. You're talented, bright, imaginative and selfless. All very admirable traits that I'd love to see continue contribute to the scene for years to come. But I also understand that you will do what you have to do, and wish you the best in whatever direction you proceed.

As for your digital distribution, I'm all for it! I don't think the publisher model is the right decision for all games, as the prices tend to jump too high too quick to keep up with all the releases for alot of us. I'll be as interested as anyone in the results, but I can assure you I'm prepared to buy reasonably priced ROMS from any homebrewer.

[sermajic]

you have all my "support"

Murph74, on Fri Jun 24, 2011 3:38 PM, said:

Daniel, you are regarded as one of the "Godfathers" of Colecovision homebrews. For you to leave the scene would be an immense loss for the entire community. You're talented, bright, imaginative and selfless. All very admirable traits that I'd love to see continue contribute to the scene for years to come. But I also understand that you will do what you have to do, and wish you the best in whatever direction you proceed.

As for your digital distribution, I'm all for it! I don't think the publisher model is the right decision for all games, as the prices tend to jump too high too quick to keep up with all the releases for alot of us. I'll be as interested as anyone in the results, but I can assure you I'm prepared to buy reasonably priced ROMS from any homebrewer.

[sermajic]

thinking it as a new start for anyone...

[Pixelboy]

newcoleco, on Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:02 PM, said:

I have a question, and you have the answer : If I leave the ColecoVision homebrew scene, what should I do next? Coleco-like games for Android seems to be a viable option, no?

I'm not sure you want to go where this post is going, but I feel I should play the part of Mr Spock here, so I'll just go ahead and ask: Have you found a job? You didn't have one last time we discussed it, which was probably at last year's AdamCon.

Programming for the ColecoVision is always fun, and a fulfilling experience. But programming for a 30-year-old gaming console isn't going to put bread on the table, if you know what I mean.

I'd say developing for today's machines, especially Smartphones and other similar handhelds, would be good for you. Develop enough of a mastery of these platforms, and you can find a job in that field, and from there, you just keep learning and gaining experience. And create cool games in the process that more than 100 people with aging consoles will enjoy.

Of course, I don't want you to leave the ColecoVision homebrew scene, but studying new gaming platforms and different programming languages requires time and dedication, so if it's something that truly interests you, you'll probably have no choice but to leave the CV scene behind, at least in an "active" manner.

If I didn't have a job and was contemplating programming games for modern machines, I wouldn't hesitate to leave the CV scene behind. My career would come first.

It's up to you, Dan. Whatever you choose to do, you'll have to dedicate yourself to the path before you. That's really the bottom line.

[Yurkie]

Along the lines of what Luc said, if you have the abilities to program for smart phones or modern consoles and this would help your financial situation go for it.

You can look forward to people hearing your incredible music in Side Trak when it is released, I know Russ is giving you proper attribution for your work.

Plus even if your not programming for the ColecoVision, you can still stop by the forums for fun.

My very best wishes for you, regardless of your choice!

Sincerely,

Todd Scheele

[sermajic]

just PM if you are in need of more support

[ozma wars]

youki, on Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:20 PM, said:

You should continue to create your great games and make it publish by J-F or Luc .

And propose a paid music composition "service" to help other homebrewers like me to have good music for their game.

Coleco like game for Android is in my opinion not interesting at all. a Coleco Like game on something else than a coleco is not a coleco "like" game!

100 % agree.

[SlowCoder]

Just do it the way you enjoy it most. If you're not doing it for the money, just do it for the fun. If for the money, still keep it fun. Otherwise it just becomes another job.

[65Gamerguy]

newcoleco, on Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:02 PM, said:

Well, because I'm a ColecoVision fan and homebrewer for a long time and because things are evolving, changing constantly, I have to consider what is going on and take important decisions regarding what I'm gonna do in the near future to keep my passion alive.

I'm juggling with a couple of options to either keep going or step aside and "enjoy the show". The big questions for me are : Should I gave up and consider that I've done enough already? Should I continue the way I'm familiar with? Should I change my way in order to get more money? or Should I give a try to something completely new?

I've programmed new ColecoVision games and development tools since 1999. My dream of making games for this incredible game system became a reality a dozen of times already. The homebrew scene is going in a direction that I can't follow anymore. My vision of creativity and modest production is more than ever in question even if I put a lot of my time and energy. I'm kinda tired to feel doing the wrong thing while all I want is to have a chance like others to express myself, give my opinion and share my passion.

I've received a few times already messages telling me that I'm doing the wrong thing, that I'm not considering the team effort, that it's no more a single man work... even if I keep helping in other CV projects and some people are still at this day offering some of my games under their labels including GoodDealGames and AtariAge. I gave up to understand what I'm doing wrong, but apparently I do.

I like the experience of the whole process, from creating new games from scratch to distributing my games. And if to get enough money to restart a cartridge production I have to consider digital distribution of my games, then I will do it. Of course, with all my current ColecoVision games available all around the web, there is nothing really I can do except offering something new. So, as a first try, I will propose a ROM file as an experimentation, as a test to see if it's working. To give the experience a chance, to see how long it will takes to see copies of it everywhere, I will only offer the ROM file in order to avoid a rom dump from the cartridge version. If it goes well, a second ROM will be availebe but this time by using both digital and cartridge distribution. By comparing the 2 ways, I will have to take an important decision, as a new start for me, to be "up-to-date" with the homebrew scene I've enjoyed so much during more than 10 years now.

Feel free to give your honnest opinion and ask questions. I will not reveal anything about what or when the new ROM files will be available (because I don't know either at this moment).

I have a question, and you have the answer : If I leave the ColecoVision homebrew scene, what should I do next? Coleco-like games for Android seems to be a viable option, no?

Daniel,

I know I am a little late to reply to your original post and I don't know if you will receive this but here are my thoughts.

I think Murp74 said it best that you were the "godfather" of homebrew ColecoVision games. To give you some perspective When I first got on the internet with AOL, yes I used AOL, in 1995 I found out about games that you had programmed, mainly Dacman. I was excited and thought that maybe the ColecoVision isn't dead after all. Unfortunatly at that time I didn't have the ability to purchase that game, and later I heard about other games that you had created. Back then we didn't have you tube so there was no video of Dacman but I really wanted to play that game. I wanted a Pacman game on the ColecoVision! You were like the savior of the ColecoVision with Dacman.

I truly respect your work. As far as I know you were the first one to do this. I am not saying that as a fact just the first one that I knew personally of.

This brings up a point that I kind of have a problem with, and point I think you are tying to get across. Since I wasn't able to purchase your fine games in the day I have them today only as roms. I know that that isn't really right, and that is why I feel kind of bad about it. It is not my intention to steal from you or anyone else. You made these games and you deserve to be compensated for them. I don't know how the homebrew system was back then, so I don't know how you even distributed the games at that time. I admit that I have roms that you and other people created and I have been reluctant to make any you tube videos of them out of respect for the creators of these games. But if they aren't available any more how can we get them? I'm not sure of the answer to that question because in a way it amounts to the same thing, theft.

In my Youtube channel I want people to see the ColecoVision and everything it can do. I would like to show every game ever made for it. I know my videos don't do it justice, but I am not a TV personality so it is what it is. But I don't want to include games from people like yourself have done if they think it was stollen, so I am not sure what to do about some of these roms.

I can understand your frustration. I wish many other ColecoVision owners, and I know there are many more than watch my videos, and know about the homebrew scene, knew about the work that you have done, and others.

Only you can make the decision of what you need to do. Whatever you decide I wish you well and will respect it.

As a fan thanks for all the work you have done.

Best wishes,

65Gamerguy

[Yurkie]

I would like to offer a challenge to newcoleco. You are indeed the Godfather of homebrew.

My challenge... Work your magic and dissemble and add sound to Atarisofts Joust.

Everyone that follows the forums know what a wizard you are with music . Sound effects would be a piece of cake for you.

[newcoleco]

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

I was excited and thought that maybe the ColecoVision isn't dead after all. Unfortunatly at that time I didn't have the ability to purchase that game, and later I heard about other games that you had created. Back then we didn't have you tube so there was no video of Dacman but I really wanted to play that game. I wanted a Pacman game on the ColecoVision! You were like the savior of the ColecoVision with Dacman.

I was not aware of the AtariSoft Coleco version of PacMan before making DACMAN, and honnestly I've made DACMAN because of my childhood memories of a clone of PacMan for the Commodore VIC-20 (I've made a video about the story of DACMAN). What I was aware is the enthousiam right after the release of DACMAN, there was even a high-score record on TwinGalaxies regarding DACMAN... sadly it's not mentionned anymore, lost in the cyberspace.

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

Since I wasn't able to purchase your fine games in the day I have them today only as roms. I know that that isn't really right, and that is why I feel kind of bad about it.

Don't feel bad about it... I fully understand the situation and also I've released myself the rom files to avoid people spreading bad dumps of my games all over the Internet.

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

I don't know how the homebrew system was back then

I don't know either because from my point of view it was passion frenzy than an elaborated system with a lot of thinkings.

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

I have been reluctant to make any you tube videos of them out of respect for the creators of these games.

It was granted as soon as you asked for it, even if it's only ROM files... but it's certainly more cool to also see the original cartridge when possible.

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

But if they aren't available any more how can we get them?

I've started a topic asking people here about the possibility to make a oomplilation of my CV games, a kind of "all-in-one" cartridge. It looks like it's possible, that I just need to leave a message and the project will be lunched, but I didn't get much interest in the project so far... maybe a Youtube video can spread the word about this, what do you think?

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

In my Youtube channel I want people to see the ColecoVision and everything it can do. I would like to show every game ever made for it. I know my videos don't do it justice, but I am not a TV personality so it is what it is.

I've enjoyed watching your videos and I'm telling you that I'm looking forward to see your next ColecoVision videos.

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

But I don't want to include games from people like yourself have done if they think it was stollen, so I am not sure what to do about some of these roms.

You can show my CV games on your channel.

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

Only you can make the decision of what you need to do. Whatever you decide I wish you well and will respect it.

Best wishes to you, and I hope you'll decide to keep going with your Coleco videos.

[phattyboombatty]

65Gamerguy, on Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:29 PM, said:

I think Murp74 said it best that you were the "godfather" of homebrew ColecoVision games. To give you some perspective When I first got on the internet with AOL, yes I used AOL, in 1995 I found out about games that you had programmed, mainly Dacman. I was excited and thought that maybe the ColecoVision isn't dead after all. Unfortunatly at that time I didn't have the ability to purchase that game, and later I heard about other games that you had created. Back then we didn't have you tube so there was no video of Dacman but I really wanted to play that game. I wanted a Pacman game on the ColecoVision! You were like the savior of the ColecoVision with Dacman.

It's nice to see this, and I have to agree with Gamerguy, Daniel. Although I am relatively new here, I was browsing the interwebz on my college roommate's 33.6k dial-up modem in the mid to late 90s, and I was "Alta-Vista-ing" and "Excite-ing" and "Yahoo-ing" around for anything related to the Colecovision. Yes, I am a long-time lurker. I had been fascinated with "what had become" of this ultra-cool system over the years... The only thing out there besides the original ColecoVision F.A.Q, was the work of Marat Fayzullin and Daniel Bienvenu. I was tripping cause I was like "who are these dudes with such unusual names? They sound like they are from other countries, and yet they are the only ones developing modern stuff for the CV, I thought.

Well I guess my thank-you is long over due, sir, and I want to say that if it weren't for you, we all would have never come this far. I played just about every one of your games along with Dondzilla's PDM, and let me just say that NOBODY was doing anything else so cool and creative at that time.

Cheers,

Greg

[65Gamerguy]

I've started a topic asking people here about the possibility to make a oomplilation of my CV games, a kind of "all-in-one" cartridge. It looks like it's possible, that I just need to leave a message and the project will be lunched, but I didn't get much interest in the project so far... maybe a Youtube video can spread the word about this, what do you think?


I think a youtube video is a good choice. It would probably get more feedback than from what you may receive here since the base is broader.

[Inky]

I know I'd like to see CV clones on my 'droid.

[RKGames]

I think commissioning Dan to create amazing music for coleco projects could help him a bit! I wonder if dan where to release some of his best coleco chip tunes as an album on itunes (just not the copyrighted tunes of course) complete with albun art! I'd pay $10 for an official album download! chip-tune samples are huge lately in modern music which is funny! His music on side trak is amazing stuff and I really hope to have Dan do the music for Monster Bash!

I know you are not going to get rich off coleco games, but they are fun to code! I have 3 iPhone/iPad games available on the appstore. I spent about 6 months on each game and have not struck it rich by any means! in fact i get nasty email from 12 year olds expecting call of duty quality gaming for a .99 cent app and suggest crazy lists of features to add that would take months to code! I enjoy iphone coding but i've been having more fun on coleco games lately because at least the coleco community is positive about encouraging the homebrew developers to work on more games and seem to care about the people creating new coleco games! I've lived on the other side of the fence for 1 1/2 years creating iphone apps/games and again, i'm enjoying the ride on the coleco side more! Dont get me wrong, if you can create the next angry birds you are all set, but it's hard!

Russ

[harlock76]

Daniel je vais y aller en anglais pour que tout le monde comprenne

I've knew you about 11 yesrs ago at the time of ccjvq i remember Dacman and the adult games coding time back then
i allready knew back then it was a passion to you and for you to keep going it has to stay a passion but i'm really supportive of your work and i'm really impressed of the homebrew scene growing sadly i can't support most carts productions due to too many products going on and i know how it could go wrong with digital disttribution of games in rom format but i still want to contribute for your efforts is it by paying for a rom copy of a game or contributions ?

a problem here is distribution you must keep an eye on the selling or distribution of your game

is it by giving exclusive distribution rights to someone you trust?
i think there are enough coders right now for all of you guys to join together and open an online store which would distribute your carts or roms by yourself and for yourself opcode JF and pixellboy already do that but to generate money you guys must think production cost and to merge everything together is the way to go (just thinking of saving on production cost if you guys release 10 games at once)
for online distribution of games i would go online stores like xbox's gaming room (which doesnt have a coleco room by now but atari intelevision and some arcade games are there...just a suggestion)

Edited by harlock76, Mon Sep 5, 2011 2:12 PM.