Several observations on the Dink Smallwood Phenomenon

Posted by MiloBones on 01/15/02 - 21:07:04

Observation 1:

This game is OLD. I remember tracking a game made at about the same time or slightly after called Warzone2100. Suffice it to say, the game is no longer in major circulation, although their message boards contain the 5 best programmers I've ever known... Dink remains though, and there is a high volume of newcomers. My analysis of this is as follows:

A: Dink kicks what I won't say for fear of losing telefragged sponsors.

B: It is free.

Observation 2: There is indeed a large Dink community with a high turnover ratio. Analysis: This game is very attractive to people for short periods of time because it actually lets them di something that they've never been able to do(create a game). They love programming for a month or two, and then get bored and quit.

Re: Several observations on the Dink Smallwood Phenomenon

Posted by Eso on 01/16/02 - 01:10:54

: Observation 1:

: This game is OLD. Dink remains though, and there is a high volume of newcomers. My analysis of this is as follows:

: A: Dink kicks what I won't say for fear of losing telefragged sponsors.

Exactly. One of the very reasons I like it is because it's old. It doesn't attempt to make me play with tons of people in my party, or do the fancy 3d bit so that I have to work my arrows or mouse to see every angle, i don't have to know tons of keys to play. It's simple yet fun, great stress relief, nothing complicated about the playing of it, only the puzzles to figure out, which is the part I love.

: B: It is free.

: Observation 2: There is indeed a large Dink community with a high turnover ratio. Analysis: This game is very attractive to people for short periods of time because it actually lets them di something that they've never been able to do(create a game). They love programming for a month or two, and then get bored and quit.

Well I dunno, I don't think I'll ever stop playing Dink as long as there are people willing to make the dmods I will play them. Little, Big, funny, stupid, stories with twisted plots and simple ones, ones with bad spelling and grammar, and hardness errors, and the perfect ones that leave you in awe of the creator, I love them all. The only ones I don't play are the ones that want to change the fighting to a final fantasy style, or the ones that don't have any point at all.

Re: Several observations on the Dink Smallwood Phenomenon

Posted by Christiaan on 01/16/02 - 16:38:33

: : Observation 1:

: : This game is OLD. Dink remains though, and there is a high volume of newcomers. My analysis of this is as follows:

: : A: Dink kicks what I won't say for fear of losing telefragged sponsors.

: Exactly. One of the very reasons I like it is because it's old. It doesn't attempt to make me play with tons of people in my party, or do the fancy 3d bit so that I have to work my arrows or mouse to see every angle, i don't have to know tons of keys to play. It's simple yet fun, great stress relief, nothing complicated about the playing of it, only the puzzles to figure out, which is the part I love.

: : B: It is free.

: : Observation 2: There is indeed a large Dink community with a high turnover ratio. Analysis: This game is very attractive to people for short periods of time because it actually lets them di something that they've never been able to do(create a game). They love programming for a month or two, and then get bored and quit.

: Well I dunno, I don't think I'll ever stop playing Dink as long as there are people willing to make the dmods I will play them. Little, Big, funny, stupid, stories with twisted plots and simple ones, ones with bad spelling and grammar, and hardness errors, and the perfect ones that leave you in awe of the creator, I love them all. The only ones I don't play are the ones that want to change the fighting to a final fantasy style, or the ones that don't have any point at all.

You won't play turn-based dmods? Ah man, I'm developing such a game... I promise it will kick ass, how about changing your mind?

Re: Several observations on the Dink Smallwood Phenomenon

Posted by Eso on 01/17/02 - 00:01:17

:The only ones I don't play are the ones that want to change the fighting to a final fantasy style, or the ones that don't have any point at all.

:: You won't play turn-based dmods? Ah man, I'm developing such a game... I promise it will kick ass, how about changing your mind?

Ok lol but only because it's a Dink thing lmao. The final fantasy style of fighting usually puts me to sleep, but if it has a great story, and lots of secrets it might just be worth it :)

Re: Several observations on the Dink Smallwood Phenomenon

Posted by MiloBones on 01/16/02 - 17:23:12

: You won't play turn-based dmods? Ah man, I'm developing such a game... I promise it will kick ass, how about changing your mind?

It's a matter of taste... literally.( ;) )

Oh, and to John, I actually bought the game. No, I don't regret it, but I think it is very cool of Seth to have this game public.

P.S. Is the Dink engine public source?

Re: Several observations on the Dink Smallwood Phenomenon

Posted by John on 01/15/02 - 23:08:50

: Observation 1:

: This game is OLD. I remember tracking a game made at about the same time or slightly after called Warzone2100. Suffice it to say, the game is no longer in major circulation, although their message boards contain the 5 best programmers I've ever known... Dink remains though, and there is a high volume of newcomers. My analysis of this is as follows:

: A: Dink kicks what I won't say for fear of losing telefragged sponsors.

: B: It is free.

: Observation 2: There is indeed a large Dink community with a high turnover ratio. Analysis: This game is very attractive to people for short periods of time because it actually lets them di something that they've never been able to do(create a game). They love programming for a month or two, and then get bored and quit.

I think the FREE part is one of the big reasons why there is even such a thing as a 'dink phenomenon'. It's what attracted me. Another reason why is because there are so many dmods out there. I remember when rtsoft was the only one who had any dmods. now everyone and their cousin is making dmods. That makes the replayability infinite, but as you say the game does get old. I go in spurts to tell the truth. of course christmas probably had a lot to do with that, and FFX...lol

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