Portal Technology for demos and downloads

[panforgold]

Has anyone compilled this type of data or can anyone please provide more information about which technology game portals require (Java, Flash, downloadable executable, ActiveX) for demos on their sites and for offline downloads?

For example: each portal seems to have different requirements and standards. For instance, PopCap would require us to develop our downloadable games using their PopCap game framework. Other portals might have other requirements. Thank you in advance.

[Pallav Nawani]

Has anyone compilled this type of data or can anyone please provide more information about which technology game portals require (Java, Flash, downloadable executable, ActiveX) for demos on their sites and for offline downloads?

I believe the only requirement would be that your game should run on the computers of most of the Casual Gamers. Flash, PopCap Framework, PTK, SDL are fine. Whereas a game that requires .Net or OpenGL might be rejected.


For instance, PopCap would require us to develop our downloadable games using their PopCap game framework.
I don't think this is true.

[Sybixsus]

I'm sure I've read representatives of PopCap saying that it was much preferred but not required that you use their framework.

[panforgold]

While we are learning about game portal technology requirements what about the process for submitting games to be reviewed? We are not sure what is protocol or if there is a standard practice.

Are developers expected to submit titles directly to portals for their review; or, would portals welcome the creation of a secure link on our website and come to us to view our game(s)?

Thank you, Panforgold

[Emmanuel]

We don't require any specific technology, as long as it will reasonably deploy on our customers' machines without hassle, and neither do any channels that we work with. We have top selling Director games (Mystery Case Files, Diner Dash 1), proprietary engines (TL360: Paris, Luxor 2, DD2), ptk (Mystic Inn, ASP..), rpg maker (Aveyond), Flash (Hidden Expedition: Titanic), Java (Cash Cow).. Beyond a proper compatibility and painless deployment threshold, it's really mostly irrelevant to the game's success, and the channels couldn't care less. All they want is great converting games!

As far as submission to BFG is concerned, please submit to the address specified on our website and follow instructions from our developer relations manager.

Best regards,
Emmanuel

[arcadetown]

Yeah like Emmanuel said I think you'll find most portals are flexible. Just make your downloadable work reliably on as wide a selection of pcs as possible. So for example don't use .net framework as it'll hurt on older pcs. As for web versions I'd highly suggest either Flash or Shockwave/Director as most all portals will take those.

Even if Popcap only accepted products made with the Pocap Framework, which I doubt, unless you have a sure contractual in there I wouldn't develop my product by those requirements as they are extremely picky. I'd target as wide an opportunity as possible and not be narrow focused as you'll never know who will take your product and who won't.

Every portal is different as far as submissions. Some have contact forms like us, some have official submission areas, others you have to know the secret sauce.