This is part of the Scratchware Manifesto.
Phase Three: What is Scratchware?
This is the Scratchware FAQ, containing everything you always wanted to know about scratchware games but were afraid to ask.
What is scratchware?
The phrase scratchware game essentially means a computer game, created by a microteam, with pro quality art, game design, programming and sound to be sold at paperback book store prices.
A scratchware game can be played by virtually anyone who can reach a keyboard and read. Scratchware games are brief (possibly fifteen minutes to an hour or so), extremely replayable, satisfying, challenging, and entertaining.
Why the term scratchware?
Scratch; chump change; nickles and dimes.
Ware; warez; software.
Why do we need scratchware?
We need scratchware because game programs cost too much for most people. Games are running $35 for last year's model and upwards of $55 retail for the latest title. Most aren't worth that much money.
Consider the one-time-through linearity, lack of replayability and derivative gameplay that many games suffer from, then reconsider the price that the publishers of these games are demanding again and again and again...
Cheapass Games is a board game company that manufactures and sells award winning board and card games for $3 to $7, and very successfully. It might be said that scratchware is to commercial computer games what Cheapass Games is to commercial board games.
Like Cheapass Games, the philosophy of scratchware embraces the idea of value; of worth. This philosophy provides for a new frontier of thoughtful ideas, reasonable design goals and careful and dedicated craftsmanship.
We also need scratchware because development teams are too large.Imagine writing a song or a poem with ten other people. Imagine weaving a tapestry or painting on canvas or writing a novel with twenty people.Now imagine making big budget computer entertainment. The design team for an Unreal based 3D shooter game, for example, would be comprised of fifty to one hundred people.
On the other hand, imagine making a computer game with one or two other multiskilled people. They might even be your friends or family members. Imagine doing this without the restraints imposed by deadlines or bureaucracy. Imagine actually being in control of content, gameplay, art and design rather than subordinating it to someone else. Imagine a game that can actually be made and make it.
Imagine scratchware.
We need scratchware because there is more than one way to develop good computer games. Corporate computer game making is in a panic right now. Game publishers seem clueless and in denial. They aren't willing to admit that they may be insufficient judges of developer maturity, management ability, audience intelligence or design originality.Meanwhile scratchware game designers, by their honest indifference to the computer game industry at large, can ignore all of this nonsense and simply create great games...
Does the term scratchware refer to other applications besides games?
Absolutely, although scratchware applications and tools probably already exist.
How are scratchware games made?
One to three people design, build, test and release them. They are made using normal software and hardware tools for the average computer system. They are made at night, on weekends, during vacations or whenever one can.
Tasks are delegated or shared. Anyone involved should have at least two of the following skills: writing, programming, art, game design, sound design and/or music production.
A scratchware game relies primarily on 2D art, which defines both its look and design. Most of you realize the distinct advantages of this. 3D games are complex and costly. [3D is discouraged unless one can program an engine one's self and are, or are working with, an artist competent in 3D tools, model making and textures.] 2D game art is faster to create and implement, and certainly possesses unplumbed aesthetic potential.
Who makes scratchware games?
Nobody intentionally makes scratchware yet; the concept is fairly new.
Some of the better low priced shareware games might fall under this category. Some low priced shelfware games might qualify.
If the game has original content, offers great gameplay and replayability, has a professional look, is bug free, costs $25 or less for the complete program, and was made by three people, it is scratchware.
How much do scratchware games cost to design and make?
Each person involved puts their talent and tools into a pool. The question is then asked: Which one of our game ideas can we create using only the skills, assets and tools we already have?
In essence, it costs little or nothing to make a scratchware game. If a special tool or asset library is required, freeware programs and sources are recommended over shelfware, beyond what one can personally afford.
If scratchware costs anything to make it probably costs about as much as your average hobby, like golf, photography or mountain biking.
What game genres are appropriate for scratchware?
Any, either in terms of broad category (adventure, strategy, puzzle, etc.) or specific setting (science fiction, historical, fantasy, etc.). Any genre or category, really.
How much do scratchware games cost to purchase?
$10 to $25. Downloadable or on CD ROM.
What do I get for my money?
A good game, with professional quality art, programming, writing, design, sound and music, at a reasonable and worthwhile price.
Who distributes scratchware?
Nobody. Currently no distribution models or systems exist outside of the shareware model. When shareware is readmeware and not responsible enough to remind the customer of its price up front, it might as well be freeware. A slightly more aggressive approach is needed.
Scratchware needs very creative distribution methods. Solutions to this problem will vary but innovations in how we communicate and do commerce on the internet seem to offer the best possibilities at this time.
Creating a distribution system for indie games and scratchware should be very attractive to the more business minded entrepreneurs among us. Such a thing could be very profitable.
With the right kinds of creative online placement, spotlights and reviews at game oriented
web sites, and a fair bit of guerilla marketing, these hurdles could be overcome...at
least until scratchware distribution networks, which are inevitable, come to be.
- Designer R
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