Re: 2 hour limit timing


28 May 1995 14:33:28 -0400

>I wondering, since we are supposed to have our game solvable in
>2 hours, what is a good way to tell how long it would take to beat
>a game? None of my friends/family have any interactive fiction
>experience, and I'm lousy at telling how hard a puzzle is going to
>be. Normally I would simply have a couple people test the thing, but
>since this is a competition I won't really be able to use enough
>people.

Well, personally, I think that if you write a game that a total IF newbie
can finish in under 2.5 hours, you're in good shape. Just try to
guesstimate,
and if you aren't sure, guess on the low side.

>Or maybe I'll just say 'heck with it' and let it take as long as it
>takes. Would anyone _really_ have a problem if it took more than two
>hours to finish?

No, but the judges will be asked to rate the game after 2 hours have
passed.

>Another option I was considering is simply having hints. If the game
>is winnable in two hours with hints, would this be reasonable?

Hints are fine. I've got nothing against them.

[Somehow I saw a post like this coming. It had to, since I'm down to
one rule. Of course someone has to complain about it. Anyways,
:)'s all around.]