What IS "bob's game?"

welcome to "bob's game" thank Yuu for playing

stage 097
the end boss wasn't that hard.

"It's a game, about a guy making a game, who is in a game, but is also making a game,
and his marketing campaign is like a game, and that's about a game, in a game,
but also outside the game, where he is making a game, about him making a game,
which is about the game industry, and you play other games. In the game."
- Inanimate (TIGsource forum)

We have a winner.

i herd Yuu likes games, REGGIE.

Hello.
My name is Bob, age 25.

This is my game for Nintendo DS, a 20-hour-long retail-size,
retail-quality adventure title by a single human being-
the largest game ever made by one person.

"bob's game" is a simple 2D adventure game, with focus on
story, puzzles, item collection, and communication instead
of repetitive battles with palette-swapped enemies.

Many characters (over 200 completely unique characters!)
have deep personalities that evolve, and many things
depend on the in-game time, day and weather.

It's the game I wanted to play when I was younger,
a vision I've been following since then.

The game industry is evolving rapidly into a new era where
titles are made by teams of more than a hundred developers.

I saw a window of opportunity quickly closing- what may be the
last chance for making a console game to be possible by a single individual.

Even on a portable platform, singlehandedly creating something
generally made by large, well-funded teams was no small effort.

All concepts, story, code, sprites, tiles, music, samples,
fonts, etc. were created entirely from scratch by me-
and I had to teach myself the skills as I went along.

The code is straight C, the music is tracked, and the art is all
completely hand-clicked tiles and sprites- done the right way,
pixel by pixel, like the classics we all know and love.

"bob's game" is a sort of masterpiece for me.
I've invested well over 15,000 hours into
its development over 5 years of dedication-
That is no exaggeration, and it shows.

I intend this to become one of the last great old-school
2D retail console games- truly the vision of a single mind.

-bob
20080808

Asset/Engine Demo
Click here to comment on the YouTube page!

Teaser Trailer
Click here to comment on the YouTube page!

"bob" does not exist
Click here to comment on the YouTube page!

the legend of "bob"
Click here to comment on the YouTube page!

The Meeting
Click here to comment on the YouTube page!

The Rules:

I am partying hard in my TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED UNDERGROUND FORTRESS, which is now aboard an alien spacecraft of some kind.

Yuu cannot find me.
Yuu cannot stop me.
Yuu cannot defeat me.

This is my 100 day Alien Space Party to Yuu, Nintendo!

It's official!

6-8 weeks = 25 Nintendo weeks.

1 Nintendo week = 3-4 weeks.

WEAK!

Thank you for your interest for Authorized Developer status for Nintendo DS.

We have completed our evaluation of your application and are unable to offer your company Authorized Developer status at the present time.

In evaluating developers, Nintendo looks for relevant game development experience.
In addition, Nintendo looks for secure business facilities, sufficient equipment and staffing, financial stability and other attributes that would distinguish the developer.

Nintendo provides Authorized Developers with highly confidential information and many of Nintendo's Licensees rely on recommendations and referrals by Nintendo to Authorized Developers.
For these reasons, Nintendo exercises a very high level of discretion in approving only a select number of applicants.

In accordance with our policies, we are not able to re-evaluate requests for developer status for at least six months.
Again, we appreciate your interest, and welcome any questions or concerns you might have regarding this decision.

Best regards,

Software Development Support Group & Licensing Department Nintendo of America & Nintendo of Europe

I just don't understand! Have I done something wrong?
What's the problem, Nintendo? Don't stop the party!
Why does Yuu have to be such a party pooper, REGGIE!?

They're just mad because they weren't invited to the party!

I've got to do something about this! I feel terrible!

Nintendo, DON'T WORRY!
I am officially inviting Yuu to the day 100 party!

R.S.V.P. unnecessary, I already know Yuu will be there!
Bring a friend! B.Y.O.B.! Goes until ???
Location: Yuu knows where!

;}

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2009-01-31 (Stage 50)
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Bob visits The Nintendo World Store
Click here to comment on the YouTube page!

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2009-01-25 (Stage 45 - Suspicious)
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I've been given a device that allows me to communicate with the aliens by amplifying the telepathic signal.
That's really a relief for both of us. There's only so much you can learn with a probe, apparently, so they've resorted to communication.
(That's just a little alien humor. ;} )

So anyway, here's the deal.
I'm supposed to give everybody a message, and they're giving me secrets about Nintendo they've picked up on their thought network.
Here's what they wanted me to say. I'm not really sure about all of it, but it's the best I can understand it.

Supposedly, they came and talked to the leaders of some civilizations a long time ago on different sides of the world, but they didn't really understand anything they were told.
Since they only communicate through telepathy, there were all these guys running around saying they had "visions" and "prophecies" and most of them got locked away.
I guess this was back before they knew what gravity was, so that makes sense. I can see that it would be hard to explain the origins of the universe to people that think the earth is flat.

The only thing those leaders understood was that we're supposed to build triangular polyhedron buildings so that our position is easier to triangulate from another dimension when we die.
Sounds a little bit crazy to me, but I guess we humans DO know there's another dimension and we just don't know how to use it yet. We're just now getting into that whole "spooky action" quantum thing.
They told me it's what they use for the telepathic communication, and we're all capable of it, something like a subconscious neural network. Sounds cool enough.
I don't really get the whole gist of it, but I'm sure there's some stuff we haven't figured out yet, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt.

They said something about implanting some guy with a matter-manipulation module a couple thousand years ago, and everyone got really upset about it.
I guess that was some kind of test, and everyone really got the wrong idea. They're on the fence about doing it again, they're still not sure if we're ready.
They think the best way might be to give it to a lot of people in a few years instead of just one guy. That's all I know, I'll try to find out more.
Anyway, take this all with a grain of salt. I really don't know what they're talking about, since they don't even communicate in English.
It's more like abstract thoughts get beamed into your head. Sort of like dreaming while you're awake. Really strange stuff.

As far as Nintendo goes, the aliens said Super Mario 128 is still in development and Nintendo is probably going to show it at E3, along with Metroid Dread and Kid Icarus.
That makes a lot of sense too, since Super Mario Galaxy wasn't made by the regular team, it was made by the Jungle Beat guys.
I guess that Miyamoto fellow said the Wii was made for Super Mario 128, then he backpeddled and said it was cancelled.
I'm not sure how this helps me destroy them, but I suppose spoiling that guy's magnum opus will upset him at least.
I'll try to find out more details. Remember, it's not like I have any contacts with NCL. It's aliens.
Definitely aliens.

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2009-01-22 (Stage 42 - The Abduction)
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I am trying to negotiate with the aliens (through telepathic means, of course) to bring me back to earth so that I can continue destroying Nintendo.
They seem to be confused about this, but they've given me my equipment back so that I can keep working. They've also increased my webcam bandwidth.
Aliens are awesome! Thanks, aliens!

Stage 50 is THE BEST. (THE BEST!)

NEW! FREE! DOWNLOAD THE TRAILER! F*CK YEAH!
(All thanks to the aliens!)
MP3 also - 34-Yuu's_Theme.mp3

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2009-01-18 (Stage 38)
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The egomaniacal creator of "bob's game," the once-mild-mannered-but-now-insane-villain known as "Bob," has apparently been abducted by aliens.
"Bob" will be continuing his campaign/solitary confinement/protest/party/challenge/workaholism from an unidentified craft somewhere in OUTER SPACE.
Not even "Bob" is exactly sure what is going on here anymore, but he assures Yuu- he is VERY SERIOUS- as usual, of course.

WE'RE BACK, REGGIE!

bobsgamecam

The Rules:

I am secluded, barricaded, and locked into my TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED UNDERGROUND FORTRESS, which is now aboard an alien spacecraft of some kind.
The LED board will be incremented once a day.
Sometimes it will display hints and secret messages.

On day 100 the "bob's game" tournament will begin.

Yuu cannot find me.
Yuu cannot stop me.
Yuu cannot defeat me.

This is my 100 day Alien Space War against Yuu, Nintendo.

I, the magnificent, omniscent, omnimpotent Bob- legendary developer of the greatest game ever made-
hereby challenge Yuu in the First Interdimensional "bob's game" Championship!

I'll see Yuu there on day 100, REGGIE!

It turns out it was, in fact, aliens.

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2009-01-16 (Stage 36 - The Intrusion)
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THAT IS NOT ME!! IT'S NOT ME!!!
SOMEONE CAME INTO MY HOUSE
THEY CAME INTO MY HOUSE!!!
THEY WENT THROUGH EVERYTHING, WENT THROUGH MY PC, FILE TIMESTAMPS CHANGED, FOOTPRINTS, EVERYTHING MOVED, DOOR UNLOCKED
THEY TRIED TO OPEN THE SAFE
MY PC IS KEYLOGGED
12 HOURS OF CAMERA FOOTAGE WAS DELETED
CAMERA WAS UNPLUGGED WHEN I WOKE UP
I WAS SLEEPING!!
THEY DID IT WHILE I WAS SLEEPING!!
THIS IS NOT PART OF THE PLAN
THIS IS NOT A JOKE
THEY MADE HANAFUDA CARDS FOR 100 YEARS
THAT IS A YAKUZA GAME
THEY ARE THE JAPANESE MAFIA
THEY ARE THE JAPANESE MAFIA
THEY ARE THE JAPANESE MAFIA
THEY ARE THE JAPANESE MAFIA
THEY ARE THE JAPANESE MAFIA
THINK ABOUT IT!!
THEY WANT TO SILENCE ME
FOR A REASON!
IT'S EITHER THEM OR ALIENS
I'M PRETTY SURE IT'S NOT ALIENS
I'D RATHER IT BE ALIENS !

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2009-01-15 (Stage 35 - The Disclaimer)
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This is the end of my pitch to Nintendo of America- which Mr. Tom Prata, Senior Director of Project Development, authorized on Feb 22, 2008.
Thanks to all Nintendo staff and to Nintendo's PR department for allowing this to continue as long as it has.

If Nintendo decides not to proceed, "bob's game" will be released for iPhone, Android, and possibly OpenPandora, XBLA, Steam, and PSP.
I am a Nintendo fan, and I would like to see "bob's game" released on the Nintendo DS more than any of these systems.
Please let Nintendo know if Yuu would like to support "bob's game" being released on the DS.

In this age of nearly infinite information flow and instant turnover, getting a message out there is nearly impossible, even with millions of dollars for advertising.
Yet I have succeeded at this and caught the attention of nearly the entire online gaming world- from a locked room with a cell phone and no budget whatsoever.

If this does not demonstrate to Nintendo the determination, passion, creativity, and ingenuity that I am capable of, then I don't know what will.
Unorthodox, of course. I had to do something completely new, something that hadn't been tried before- and it worked.
bobsgame.com has now had over 1 million unique visitors. My mission has been a success.
In other words,
Thank Yuu for playing.

THANKS, REGGIE!

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2009-01-14 (Stage 34)
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;}

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2009-01-13 (Stage 33 - The Mystery)
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Hold on just a second- that's not nearly villainous enough. I need to stay in character here.

Sometime in the next 20 days, I am going to reveal information with the potential to completely destroy Nintendo, simply for my own enjoyment.

Does Yuu hear me, Mr. Iwata? Mr. Miyamoto? Mr. Yamauchi?
I know the truth.
Why doesn't Yuu ask NOA? I told the entire company everything on day 10.
I even told them about THAT a month ago.
Don't tell me they didn't tell you! Those fools!
Iwata- YUU will realize, tensai.

I'll do it. ;}
REGGIE is done. DONE.
I'll ruin it. I know.
Does Yuu hear me?

GAME OVER, REGGIE!

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2009-01-12 (Stage 32)
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It seems I've got Nintendo all wrong. They haven't abandoned their core gamers afterall.
Why, REGGIE himself is excited to play the fresh new Wii version of Pikmin. He must be a core gamer!

Undoubtedly, they've been listening to their fans. That's exactly what we've all been asking for.
It's definitely not some kind of hasty, misguided attempt to fulfill what they seem to think their fans want.

They couldn't possibly be so far out of touch with things that they'd try and satisfy us
with something as dull and boring as a new franchise or fulfilling promised titles like Mario 128.

No, they're right on the money. They know what we're really asking for.
Pikmin with different controls, Animal Crossing with identical graphics, and Wii Music- just what we wanted.
This is the very definition of HARDCORE. Hats off to you, Nintendo.

I had Yuu all wrong, REGGIE!

Also, I've observed a new psychological phenomenon and coined a term for it.

"Denioll" - When someone is "troled" SO HARD their brain completely rejects it and
puts them into a temporary, malfunctioning state of irrational excuse-seeking.

I should win a Nobel prize for this discovery. ;}

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2009-01-11 (Stage 31 - The Metamorphosis)
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The mild-mannered programmer of "bob's game," hopelessly tormented into a state of apparent madness from solitary confinement,
has been valiantly pulled from the tragic wreckage of his former office by the local authorities- but they were too late.

The mental torment Bob has suffered has begun his metamorphosis into the end boss villian of "bob's game,"
the egomaniacal creator of the "bob's game" inside "bob's game" known as "Bob."

Once again barricading himself inside of what appears to the untrained eye to be the same office but is assuredly a secret dungeon lair,
he will begin carrying out his ridiculous, meticulous, deluded, convoluted, senseless mess of vengeance... Or has he already begun?

GAME OVER, REGGIE!

The Rules:

I am secluded, barricaded, and locked into my TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED UNDERGROUND FORTRESS.
The LED board will be incremented once a day, beginning at 31 for some mysterious and likely villainous reason.
Sometimes it will display hints and secret messages.

On day 100 the "bob's game" tournament will begin.
Yuu cannot find me. Yuu cannot stop me. Yuu cannot defeat me.

This is my 100 day challenge to Yuu, Nintendo.

I, the magnificent, omniscent, omnimpotent Bob- legendary developer of the greatest game ever made-
hereby challenge Yuu in the First Interdimensional "bob's game" Championship!

I have had ENOUGH.
YUU JUST WON'T LISTEN!
I'm not playing around here. This isn't some kind of game.
I've spent FIVE YEARS trying to play by the rules.
I've tried going by the book, reading the manual, following the instructions - but Yuu just won't play fair, Nintendo.

This time, Yuu will play by MY rules.

It's time for a surprisingly surprising turn of events- a twisted plot twist!
By playing "bob's game," Yuu will destroy the evil, corrupted GANTENDO organization!
(EVERY TIME Yuu plays "bob's game," Bob kills a Pikachu!)

But I like Nintendo! This is terrible!
YUU MUST NOT PLAY "bob's game!"
YUU MUST DEFEAT ME!

YUU MUST BE STOPPED!
YUU CANNOT WIN!

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!
THIS SENSELESS REVENGE MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE!

I ASSURE YUU- I AM VERY SERIOUS!

I'll see Yuu there on day 100, REGGIE!
;}

(Oh yeah, I'm still waiting for that developer application decision so I can get that SDK. Just letting yuu know. No pressure, man.)

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2009-01-11 (Stage 31)
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"bob's game" 2009
RAIDED BY THE POLICE WHILE FAKING HIS OWN DEATH ON WEBCAM AND DOESN'T AFRAID OF ANYTHING!

Yes, I woke up to several very angry police officers in my room.
The good news is that upon evaluation, I'm officially CERTIFIED SANE!
(So they THINK, anyway...)
Heh.. heh.. heheh.. haaaaaa.....
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Hey, no more headache!

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2009-01-10 (Stage 30 - The Rampage)
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100 day tensai sit-down protest fail ;{

rampage
Really stupid boring webcam showing some guy developing LIVE!

This is the end of my 100 day protest to Nintendo!

All I needed was for them to allow me to purchase a DVD with the software I need to finish!

I REALLY WANTED TO FINISH THIS GAME!

~~I needed your help! Please let Nintendo know if you wanted to play "bob's game!"~~

It was foolish of me to think Nintendo would hear my pleas. They're just another heartless corporation, only interested in the biggest profits.
The core gamers don't matter anymore. It's not about the games or the fans, it's about spreading out and getting casual gamers to buy Wii Fit.
The golden days of video games are long gone. A game like mine has no place on the shelf along with games like "Crossword Puzzles" and "Sudoku."

Nintendo sells all these games about "doing your best" and "being the hero," telling kids "you can do it if you try," but in the end that's just a story, a marketing lie that sounds good.
That's business. That's the real world. In reality, if Link approached the castle gate, a guard would just throw him out. It doesn't matter how much courage he has.
It doesn't matter how talented he is with his sword, or how pure hearted he might be. He's wearing a dirty tunic and he has no credentials.
"Get out of here, you stupid kid." The evil kingdom of Ganon (Or should I say "Gantendo") spreads across the land, Zelda dies, and the credits scroll. Game over.
That's the real Nintendo, I guess.

I've had enough. I'm ending the protest. I give up on getting the SDK. I really tried my best. Show's over. It's just not going to work.
Sorry, everyone. I just can't stay in here. My head won't stop pounding. I feel like I'm losing my mind. It's like I'm splitting in half.
I keep seeing these posts that I apparently wrote, but I can't remember writing them. I'm afraid I'm becoming someone else entirely.

Nobody even takes me seriously anymore- how is Nintendo supposed to? Everyone thinks it's some kind of viral ad. It's obviously not. I'm one guy that can't get a break.
Don't you think that maybe I might get a little angry being locked in here for a month with no response? So maybe I have to joke around a little to cheer myself up. Big deal.
I'll stay locked in for the rest of today to make an even 30 days, and then the protest is over. I know I lost. I've been completely disgraced and humiliated.
I've been stepped on, pushed around, and trampled from all sides. It's like trying to fight a machine with words, with an army mocking you the whole time.

It's OK, Nintendo. I'm trying not to blame you, I really am. It's just.. man, I was stupid to believe that stuff.
"Be a hero! You can do it!" Yeah, right. "Throw away five years of your life." I guess that doesn't sell as well, huh?

My head hurts, so I'm ending this post. Sorry, everybody. Whatever. Why does this HURT so much?!
:'{

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2009-01-09 (Stage 29)
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I really need to get out of here. This headache just won't go away! It's beginning to worry me.
I'm starting to become paranoid that there's some kind of camera hidden in my room.
I can't shake this feeling that I'm being watched. Ridiculous, I know. What am I thinking?

Oh, about yesterday's post. I'm just kidding around.
I mean, look at what I said. It's obviously a joke!
I wouldn't spit on the smoldering remains.
That would put them out!

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2009-01-08 (Stage 28)
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I sincerely apologize to all Nintendo staff, and all "bob's game" fans.
I don't know what's come over me lately!
I would never try to damage you, Nintendo! I'm a huge fan!

I'm trying really hard here... I believe in you, Nintendo.
You know how hard this is on me, right? It's practically torture! What else can I do, Nintendo? You won't ignore my protest, I know you won't!
Your company must hear my pleas! A young hero trying his best- like Mario, or Link- won't be abandoned and tossed aside, will he?
A kindhearted company like Nintendo would never ignore the pleas of a distressed young talent! I have faith in you, Nintendo!
In fact, I... Ugh... My head... This pain! Why won't this pain go away?! DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME, NINTENDO.
I DEMAND THE SDK- AND IF YOU DO NOT OBEY I WILL TAKE MY REVENGE, YOU MISERABLE FOOLS!
I WILL RUN YOUR PATHETIC LITTLE COMPANY INTO THE GROUND AND SPIT ON THE SMOLDERING REMAINS!
I WILL CRUSH YOU INTO DUST AND FLUSH AWAY THE ASHES LIKE ANY OTHER FILTH! ROTTING, PUTRID SEWAGE- THAT'S ALL YOU ARE!

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2009-01-07 (Stage 27 - The Headache)
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Oh man.. did I really write that?!
That's not like me! I can't even remember.
My head hurts...
73 more days. I can do it. I'm fine. I'll be fine.
I need that SDK! Please, Nintendo! I'm begging you!

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2009-01-06 (Stage 26 - The Threat)
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Nintendo, Yuu cannot continue ignoring me.

There is nobody like me. I have created the entire game, start to finish.
I am far better than Miyamoto, Itoi, Kojima, Carmack, and Wright COMBINED.
NONE of these "designers" could create the entire thing if their lives depended on it!
They rely on the assistance of others- and take all the credit. They don't even deserve their titles! I have bested them all by far.

"bob's game" is a game by ONE PERSON, and it's one of the GREATEST GAMES EVER MADE- if not THE BEST.
I stand alone on a mountain no other has even dared to climb. I have swam across the ocean only cruise ships could cross.
I have walked through the desert of no return. I have stepped in the footprints of none, a path never taken.
I have MADE HISTORY, and history cannot be undone. It's too late, Nintendo.

No man has ever accomplished what I have accomplished at 25 years old- it's no wonder you fear accepting this truth!
My work has humiliated your teams of engineers. One young man- singlehandedly- has made their lifetime of work seem like child's play.
How can they possibly compete with such overwhelming skill? It's not even fair, is it? That's too bad, Nintendo. I'm real, and I'm here.
You can't ignore me forever. I AM RIGHT, AND IT WILL WORK.

I am the GREATEST GAME DEVELOPER THAT EVER LIVED.
I am a GENIUS, and I will be around for the next 40 years- eating away at your company until it exists no longer.
I will find way after way to slowly destroy your bottom line, and your business will fail.
The name NINTENDO will be forgotten, a discarded husk like so many others.
"bob's game" will live on FOREVER.

THOSE WHO DOUBT ME- YUU WILL BE PROVEN WRONG.
IN TIME THE TRUTH WILL PREVAIL.
PREPARE TO EAT YOUR WORDS.

YES, I AM COMPLETELY SERIOUS!

WHO'S TAKING NAMES NOW, REGGIE?!

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2009-01-04 (Stage 24 - The Solution)
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I have been approached recently by a "homebrew device" manufacturer that can secure a retail distribution deal with Wal-Mart and game stores like GameStop.
This is not unprecedented. There are already some homebrew devices in retail stores, such as the Datel Max Media Drive, and the GBA Movie Player by Nintendo themselves.

"bob's game" could be sold on a microSD card, along with a DSi-enabled "homebrew device," for less than the price of a high-budget DS title.

This is much like what companies such as Galoob and Tengen did in the past. "bob's game" would be sold with the memory cards and accessories, similar to how "Game Genie" was distributed.
It's a way to get my game on the shelf- but I would rather not do this. This is why I am protesting Nintendo to sell me what I need to publish through official means.

This situation shouldn't even happen in the first place! The competitors are reaching out towards independent developers and embracing this new phenomenon.
Nintendo, on the other hand, is once again a sluggish dinosaur- and they're supposed to be the ones driving innovation!
I believe Nintendo is once again losing touch with its fans, similar to what happened at the height of the original NES' popularity.

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2009-01-03 (Stage 23)
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Why is Nintendo releasing the DSi?
It has a few extra features, yes- but there is much debate over whether these features justify buying a whole new console.
The primary purpose of the DSi is probably as a countermeasure to battle the compatibility and availability of "homebrew-enabling devices."

Why would Nintendo need to do this? They're "printing money," aren't they?
Nintendo reportedly only makes $6 per Wii unit sold, and believe it or not- third party Wii sales are not satisfactory!
The highest selling games are all by Nintendo themselves- this is fine for a software company, but not for a console manufacturer.
It's the third party sales that generate the profit Nintendo needs to stay afloat!

In other words, Nintendo makes a very significant portion of their revenue from the sale of third-party DS titles.
Unfortunately, these sales are being affected by the recent popularity of "homebrew devices," and Nintendo has attempted to crack down on them.
There are a few legitimate options for those who wish to run homebrew software- such as the Datel Games 'N' Music cartridge, which I develop on.
Unfortunately, these carts reportedly do not function on the DSi. Nintendo has locked out legitimate homebrew!

The only options left are unauthorized carts, often used primarily for running commercial software- which justifies Nintendo's crackdown.
There are many good homebrew software titles available, but few commercial-quality homebrew games- and definitely no KILLER APP.
"bob's game" may possibly become the first significant legitimate reason to own one of these carts!

In these times of severe economic turmoil (especially in Japan) Nintendo needs the DSi to work.
A company of their size cannot operate for long in such a climate with diving profits!

If "bob's game" is released worldwide as a KILLER APP homebrew title, this could potentially lead to the DSi becoming completely useless as a countermeasure.
These devices may become even more widespread, available, and abundant than ever before- if the demand for a legitimate use was high enough.
This is simply my own line of reasoning- the reason why I do not want to release "bob's game" as homebrew software!
I don't want to damage Nintendo!

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2009-01-02 (Stage 22)
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Nintendo- I am publicly protesting for 100 days on live webcam for a reason!
I need your help to release "bob's game" in a legitimate way!

I'm a core gamer. I've played thousands of games and spent thousands on games. I can name hundreds of titles for nearly any system off of the top of my head.
I've beaten almost every significant game for every Nintendo platform. I even beat Virtual Boy Wario Land! (And I'm not blind!)
I've played practically every demoscene game released in 10 years. I've played old-school adventure games, text games, DOS games, Flash games, Amiga games, you name it.
I've played imports in Japanese without being able to read them. I'm still patiently "waiting" for Super Mario 64 2, Mario 128, and Earthbound 64. (Not Mother 3 for GBA, it's not the same.)
I've never played Final Fantasy 7 because I'm still waiting for its release on Ultra 64. Yes, I know- it won't.
I know "bob's game" is great.
I even know that true fans don't want to be spoiled. They want to be surprised.
I'm not showing it until it's out. It matters. End of story.

I grew up with a Game Boy, a childhood spent buried in a magical box with ugly green graphics.
"At last, I am this wizard- this sorcery is mine now."
It means a lot to me, more than I can express. I tortured myself for half a decade for it.
I've made a DS title for this reason, and I'm trying to port it to other platforms, but it's MADE FOR THE DS.

I'm 25 years old and I have spent the last five years writing a game- not going to seminars or conventions.
I didn't learn how to make games. I just made one by figuring out how. How do you make games? Step one: make a game.
Think about it from my side of things-
I have no "industry connections," and I can't possibly understand how the process is supposed to work because all the information is locked up!
You've presented me with a form to fill out, with a few specific requirements and no further information.
I've met your requirements and filled out your form! What else am I supposed to do?
How am I supposed to know if you don't allow anyone to know?
All I know is that I'm supposed to receive a decision in 6-8 weeks, and my emails are not being returned!

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2009-01-01 (Stage 21 - The Party)
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"bob's game" has never been intended as "homebrew." I've aimed to make a commercial game from the very start.
I have tried every approach to release "bob's game" through official means- because it was never intended as a "homebrew" game.
Yet "bob's game," a highly-anticipated, highly-publicized, retail-length, retail-quality, 20-hour-long, 512 megabit adventure title- is being treated as such.

Releasing a retail length, retail quality game as "homebrew" indeed makes "bob's game" a KILLER APP for "homebrew-enabling" devices.
I do not want to support these devices, because many of them are able to run commercial software. This is damaging to developers like myself.

This puts me in a major predicament. Do I simply give up on five years of tireless effort? I cannot!
I am attempting to inform Nintendo what could happen if this project is released in the only way they have left me.
I am begging them- publicly, on live broadcast, for 100 days- I do not want to release "bob's game" as "homebrew."

"bob's game" is a five year, fifteen-thousand-hour masterpiece.

How can I say this to make them understand?
THE GAME IS TREMENDOUSLY GOOD. IT'S EXTRAORDINARY! IT MIGHT SELL A MILLION COPIES!
I'VE BARELY SHOWN ANYTHING AT ALL FOR A REASON. I'M NOT GOING TO SPOIL IT TO PROVE IT TO YOU.
YOU WILL FIND OUT WHEN IT'S RELEASED. I AM TELLING THE TRUTH! IT'S GREAT!
ARE YOU HONESTLY GOING TO FORCE ME TO RELEASE IT FOR FLASHCARTS? ARE YOU INSANE?!
THE GAME IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

Happy New Year, REGGIE!

//------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008-12-31 (Stage 20 - The KILLER APP)
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I am publicly begging a Japanese company with a Japanese style protest to sell me what I require (and meet requirements for)
to legitimately publish my game in a way that costs them nothing, puts them at no risk, and makes them licensing money.

As I've said from the very beginning,
My goal is to release a cartridge form of "bob's game" for the DS and DSi platforms.

If I cannot legitimately publish my game, the only option left to fulfill this goal is to release a KILLER APP for a DS "homebrew device."
There has never been a true KILLER APP released for this kind of device, especially as a launch title for a brand new console.
"bob's game" is being translated into many languages, including Japanese, and will be released worldwide.
Unfortunately, this has the potential to significantly cut into Nintendo's bottom line.

I like Nintendo.
The last thing I want to do is release my game in a way that might damage them.
Why do you think I spent five years making a "Nintendo game?"
I am going to see this project through to the end, and they are leaving me with no choice.
I've tried everything, and it's gotten me nowhere. I have done nothing wrong.

News of my protest has now reached several major Japanese gaming sites.
This means that Nintendo of Japan is becoming aware of what its Western branch has done-
and they are beginning to receive a great deal of negative PR on their home front.

In other words- because of what may be the decision of a single NOA executive-
Nintendo of Japan may now be at risk of some very serious consequences.

//------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008-12-28 (Stage 17 - The Blame)
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On November 17th of 2007, well over a YEAR ago, I contacted Mr. Tom Prata, Senior Director of Project Development at Nintendo of America.
I explained to him that I had worked for several years on a console game for DS, and that I wanted to purchase the NITRO SDK in order to finish the title.
Mr. Prata responded, and we emailed back and forth about 50 times discussing the title and the NITRO requirements.
After doing a background check in December, we teleconferenced to discuss the game. He wanted to see it.
This culminated in a meeting, scheduled for February 22, 2008, at the Game Developers Conference.

At the meeting, Mr. Prata barely even bothered to look at the game he had stalled me for months to see.
He advised me to apply for a developer license, and assured me that he would do what he could to make sure my application was fast-tracked.

Why is my application being mysteriously stalled, Mr. Prata?

business cards

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2008-12-25 (Stage 14)
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MERRY CHRISTMAS, REGGIE!

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2008-12-10 (Stage 01 - The Protest)
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100 day tensai sit-down protest

NEW! Extra special insanity extreme solitary confinement development LIVE!

I cannot finish "bob's game" for Nintendo DS until I have the Nitro SDK!
I am supposed to receive a decision in 6-8 weeks. It has been 16 weeks!

I don't really know what else to do!
I'm beginning to think someone at Nintendo is insanely jealous they didn't think of it first and
wants to keep me from releasing "bob's game!" I've got my eye on that "Reggie" guy, he's suspicious for sure!
I heard he beats people up and writes down their names or something.. I'm onto you, Reggie! ;}

The Rules:

I cannot leave this viridian room. The door is locked and barricaded from the outside.
I am sleeping behind the camera, and yes- I've got a shower. Food is delivered once a week by a friend.
I have no internet access, television, or game consoles besides those I am developing on.
I can receive and send email on my Android G1, so I can get Nintendo's reply and update my site with tether.
The LED counter will be incremented once a day, and sometimes it will display hints and secret messages.

This is my 100 day protest to Nintendo!

All I need is for them to allow me to purchase a DVD with the software I need to finish!

I met with Nintendo in February- almost a YEAR ago- to ask to purchase the SDK.
I did teleconferencing. I flew to GDC and had a face-to-face meeting.
I asked the WarioWorld division, and they sent me to marketing.
I talked to marketing, and they said apply with WarioWorld division!
The agreement on the application states I will receive a decision in 6-8 weeks. It has been 16 weeks!
I fulfill all the requirements- I'm a financially stable registered company with a FEIN working from a commercial address.
When Nintendo decides to approve my developer license application I will end my protest.

I worked on this project for five years because I wanted to make a "Nintendo game."
I'm not about to give up just because some stubborn intern or mid-level marketing exec at NOA is deleting my emails!
I want an answer, and I want to hear it from the top.
Will themen of talent at Nintendo- those with passion and ideas of their own- dismiss mine?

I REALLY WANT TO FINISH THIS GAME!

I need your help! Please let Nintendo know if you would like to play "bob's game!"

I don't need a publisher, that's not the issue. I must become a licensed developer to have a licensed game with licensed tools.
I'm not asking Nintendo to publish my game- they aren't a publisher for third party titles. Many publishers are interested in "bob's game."
All I'm asking from them is that they allow me to purchase a DVD with the software I need to get my game into retail shrinkwrap.

There is no cost to them whatsoever- in fact, they would be profiting from the SDK costs, and from every retail cartridge sold!
I'm a bit frustrated with the process- Why is my development studio (Robert Pelloni LC) with a full, complete, polished, high-quality
title being treated any differently than the hundreds of studios putting out "Fluffy Bunny's Movie Franchise Platformer 16?"

The issue is something else entirely. Someone at Nintendo doesn't like this project, because it blurs the line between homebrew and commercial.
In the past, if you wanted to make games you got a job for EA- and worked on drawing a part of a shoe.
I wanted to make the whole thing, so I did. What's wrong with that?

Nobody has ever single-handedly created a retail length RPG type console game this size. How do I know that? They told me!
It's a special case- an industry first- and it's going to take someone in the company taking extra initiative and making a move.
In other words, they're going to need some convincing. Can I fly there and negotiate? I asked that already. They don't know.

There have been petitions from fans towards Nintendo in the past that have fallen on deaf ears, such as the Mother 3 campaign.
The only tools I have on my side are dedication and determination. I had to do something different. How can I show Nintendo I'm serious?
A nonviolent passive sit-down protest to a Japanese company- live on webcam 24/7, by a high-profile independent developer.

I plan on staying in here 100 days or more, so we'll see where it goes. The lease on my office might have to be extended.
Solitary confinement isn't exactly pleasant. I'm working 16 hour days with no human contact.
If I'm not mad yet, I will be! Of course, that'll only make the sequel better.. ;}

In the meantime, I'm working on the Android, iPhone, and OpenPandora ports for 100 days straight.
These platforms are awesome! Yuu doesn't even need a publisher! What a great idea!
I'm also looking into XBLA and Steam, thanks to everyone who suggested it!

My site gets several thousand viewers a day, including many prominent gaming news outlets, magazines, blogs, and even Nintendo employees.
They're definitely aware of what I'm doing, and they're probably hoping that it'll blow over or that I'll give up. I won't, of course.
The longer this goes on, the more interesting it becomes.
I'm not wrong, and it will work.

I'll see you there on day 100, REGGIE!
;}

It's been exactly 4 months since I've introduced "bob's game" to the world.

I'm not dead!
The "bob's game" development team (me) has moved to a new
TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED UNDERGROUND FORTRESS!

"bob's game" has a huge full page article in the Italian game magazine Game Pro/EDGE issue 16!

I've apparently made the front page of IGN in an article about Bizarre DS Games!
Thanks to Ryan S., Jesse T., Leonardo F., Droqen, and Ahmad M. for the news!

"bob's game" has also made it into another IGN article about the DSi!
Thanks to BigTechNick for this news! You guys are awesome!

I've done an excellent interview with ClassicGamerBrain!
Thanks for waiting, guys! Sorry for the delay!

I have begun work on the Google Android port.
Project 2 will be revealed shortly!
Something else will also be revealed soon!

The WiiDS Podcast is up!

The WiiDS Podcast will be recorded tomorrow!
I'm also doing an article for a newspaper in Chile!

Here's a Q&A I've done for RetroVideoGamer.com.
I've been mentioned in the Spanish videogame magazine MarcaPlayer! Google Translation.
I've also had a short QA with CC from the LUE2 forum at brossmancorp.com

The well-known Japanese site GPara has done a short article! Google Translation
Spanish site La Gran N has done an interview, in Spanish of course. Google Translation

Here's a new interview with the excellent DifferentPixel discussing the new trailer.
I've also done a short discussion with Jackreyes Gaming Blog.

Also- I'll be joining the WiiDs Podcast next week!

I've done an interview for a major game magazine! It will be in the next issue, details soon.
The Florida Orlando Sentinal Newspaper article is up.
I've made it onto Destructoid!
I've been asked to upload the trailer song, it's available here: 34-Yuu's_Theme.mp3

I've done an interview for http://www.blankpixels.com/, a wonderful indie gaming site!

Cinematic trailer is up.

I've been asked to speak a few words for a yet-unnamed magazine...

The cinematic trailer is in progress.
Yuu hasn't seen anything yet!

Also, there is a cinematic trailer in preparation... :)

I've been interviewed by the French TV station France24!

More publishers have expressed interest.
There's a lot going on behind the scenes, so look forward to what's coming!

DSFanboy has reported on the gameplay teaser!
http://www.dsfanboy.com/2008/08/18/confirmed-bobs-game-has-gameplay-several-publishers-interes/

7 days later, several publishers have expressed interest-
I've more than accomplished my original goal.

Most importantly to me, however,
I've received an answer to my five-year question.

People want to play it. A lot of them.

Enjoy the new video!

#15 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Gaming
#65 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Germany
#26 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Australia
#42 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Canada
#38 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - United Kingdom
#29 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Ireland
#84 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - India
#35 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - New Zealand
#35 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming
#6 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Spain
#33 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Mexico
#30 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - France
#58 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Italy
#44 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Gaming - Netherlands
#54 - Most Viewed (This Month) - Gaming
#10 - Top Favorites (This Week) - Gaming
#69 - Top Favorites (This Month) - Gaming
#10 - Top Rated (This Week) - Gaming
#70 - Top Rated (This Month) - Gaming

I have received contact from a much larger, well-known publisher!

YouTube has suddenly implemented annotations for embedded videos.
This means my subtitles will play on videos embedded in websites!
Either it's an incredibly convenient coincidence, or someone at YouTube really likes me! :)

The story is front page on Reddit.com, and very popular on StumbleUpon.
The Digg count is at 200-something.

I've been informed of mass-emails at development
studios, petitioning management to publish my game.
Even professional developers are impressed-
That's the most encouraging feedback I could hope for!
Thank you, guys!

I have been contacted by a small publisher!

I've also been interviewed by a large non-local newspaper.
I'll post a link to the article when it's published!

YouTube page is at 11,000 views.

Kotaku.com, a very well known gaming news site, has picked up the story.
http://kotaku.com/5036261/what-15000-hours-of-ds-homebrew-development-looks-like/

YouTube page receives 2400 views.

DSFanboy.com, a division of Engadget, has picked up the story.
http://www.dsfanboy.com/2008/08/11/five-years-of-work-bobs-game/

Hits from IBM, Apple, Intel, Microsoft, HP, Xerox, LucasArts,
Disney, Pixar, NBC, E! Entertainment, Harmonix, MTV, Viacom,

every company I can think of- except one that starts with N.

YouTube page received 600 views.

Hits from THQ, Activision, Sony, Bioware, Blizzard, and more!

"bob's game" officially announced.

YouTube video published, a simple asset and feature demo.

"This is the first demonstration video released.
It is an asset and feature demo, not gameplay or marketing.
There is much, much more than what Yuu has seen. . . ;} "

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2008-08-08
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"bob's game" website goes live.

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email me at this address

Please contact me if Yuu are a representative from a
publisher and would like to offer me a generous contract.
YUU REALLY SHOULD GIVE ME A LOT OF MONEY!

Nintendo(TM) is a registered trademark of Nintendo(TM).
All respective trademarks are respective trademarks of their respective companies(TM).
I respectfully respect all corporate overlords with all due r-e-s-p-e-c-t, find out what it means to me.
Any similarities to persons living or dead, or zombies living and undead, or actual places, companies, institutions, or alien spacecraft is purely coincidental, unless it isn't.
How can Yuu even sue me in space, anyway?