FAQ's
What Do I need to Bring?
Bring your laptop or computer with wireless conectivity which you will use
to log in to the application server we provide. Don't wish to bring your own computer?
Then register for the San Jose sessions at National University which are held in a Mac Lab where some computers will be available.
Do I need to attend all four sessions?
Attend whichever you want. If you are attending partly to learn
or practice background technologies or discipline yourself around giving yourself or a team time to make a game it is
recommended to attend all four sessions.
Do I need to attend all four sessions at the same venue or place? No.
Can I attend more than one social game fest? Sure, we understand it may be a smart strategy to help ensure essential uninterupted time to get a game or application out. Or you may just like game fests like we do.
Don't you need some sort of an application or web server to make social games? Yes and we provide that and an on site system administrator for all sessions. This is covered through the cost of the event.
Why is there a charge? Social games require an application server, preferably one with each participant pre-set up with tools. Many people have also expressed the desire for some background instruction. The set up and sessions are extensive enough that they cut into earning time. System administrators and organizer/intructors need to eat too occasionally.
I already have an app server do I have to use yours? Use what you want. Of course we will will only be familiar with our provided setup and will not be able to help you with anything related to a different one so please don't ask for it.
What about using your application server after the last session at the last venue I signed up for is over? Yes, there is regular web and application hosting which for the lowest option is $3/month. Check out the server specs. If you find a beefier web server at a lower price congratulations.
Can't I just learn these technologies and make games at home? If you are a very disciplined organized person who already has a team, knows what they are doing, and doesn't want to go to a game fest for motivation, comraderie or fun hey, do what's right for you.
I want to fly solo and not form a team. Got a problem with that? Hey go for it. Some people swear by that approach. May we suggest bringing something caffeinated?
Do you want to build a Social Game Making Network? Hey sure, that might be a nice side effect. People are welcome to hang out on the Facebook group and irc chat and wiki we will have around this and we would like to keep doing the Fests for the forseeable future. People are welcome to stay on cheap web and app hosting too if they want.
Will being Part of the Social Game Fest Help Get my Game Attention? There are no gaurantees. We are just starting to build a network of judges, sponsors and game industry people who may take interest in your game and help to generate buzz or more. Also we will be trying to work with participants around generating publicity in general for everybody. Groups are usually more successful at that than just a lone individual. Again, no gaurantees, just effort.
Does it cost anything to submit my game for an award? Submitting your own game for an award is free for people who have registered for least one Social Game Fest session
Community Connections
IRC chat channel: #socialgamefest on EFnet (active during fests)
General Facebook IRC chat channel: #facebook on FreeNode
Hosts and Sponsors
