Hey guys, about sprite competitions., and the Pixel Art / Sprite distinction.

So, unless I'm very much mistaken, it used to be an unspoken rule that entries into the sprite competitions had to be at least theoretically usable in a game-type environment. This generally meant that large, single frame, nigh unanimatable entries weren't valid.

Now, my question is: What happened to this?
Lately the competitions seem to have been flooded with pixel art. Now, while I have nothing against pixel art, I do feel that it doesn't belong in the sprite competitions, simply because the skills required and the overall feel of the final work is so vastly different. Even the experience of creating it is very different, so much so that many sprites find it unappealing. I believe this has led to a decline in the number of entries, since large pixel art like pieces are entered and win so often, people feel that they have to enter similar pieces to stand any chance of winning.

Now to get around to the proposal that prompted me to start this, I feel it would be in the best interest of the community and the continued success of the competitions themselves, to disallow large single frame pieces, that have no conceivable use in a game-environment.

Just to clarify:
Pixel art is , I have nothing against it or those who choose to enter it, I just don't feel it belongs in the Sprite competitions.

What about those that are inexperienced at animating?

Pixel-art is generally used in video games too.

I never said animation should be a requirement, I just said that large single frame entries that would have no use in a game, and that couldn't be made to have a use shouldn't be allowed.

I really don't know where exactly I stand on this. I wouldn't care if the rules were changed to disallow pixel art or not.

But if there really is a problem with pixel art consistently winning against sprites in general (and not just because of all the pixel artists happening to have the greatest skill), that could be a reason for reform. After all, the comps are Sprite Competitions.

Its simply really: MFGG only like big and shiny things. :>
So I stand on both sides of this argument, like Grant.

This post has been edited by Omega on Aug 2 2007, 12:38 PM

There is no difference between sprites and pixel-art, other than animation is concerned. There is no "size limit" for sprites either.

The problem is that the rules already disallow pixel art, and it just hasn't been being enforced as of late.

So, I think we should either abolish the rule and allow pixel art, or start enforcing it again to disallow such entries. I'd prefer the latter.

I'm against PA in Sprite compos. They should be allowed in the Art compos, I think.

I agree with Jak

i'd say to allow both, but hold separate top 5's for animated and non-animated entries

... but that might not work so

Sprites are Pixel Art.

Thats not the point.

There are differences, I'm pretty sure. I don't know the technicalities, though. I think a lot of it has to do with whether something fits into a game or not.

EDIT: Actually, sprites are probably more of a sub-category of pixel art. But not all pixel art is sprites, as far as I know.

@Jak: I had no idea until now that pixel art was disallowed. This is mainly due to some members in Sprite Comps loudly insisting that it was allowed. Apparently they've never seen the rules of the comps either. Could someone possibly point out the location of said rules, so that I can see them?

This post has been edited by Grant on Jun 25 2007, 02:36 PM

But see, I was quoting Jak. Who said he was in favour of banning PA.

I believe it was an unwritten rule, but it was being very strongly enforced. I still consider it a rule since no major discussion changed the standards of the competitions, they just degraded over time.

hey this could work damnit

EDIT: oops i contradicted myself

This post has been edited by Xgoff on Jun 25 2007, 02:38 PM

Believe it not, sprites are a form of pixel-art, along with backrounds and other objects.

Okay, everyone, yes, we know that the term "Pixel art" can encompass everything being discussed here, thet's not the point. In this context Pixel Art means large pieces that are obviously not what was intended when the Sprite Competitions were created.

I don't think MFGG understands, as a whole, that sprites are created on a grid with limitations in size and color. If a piece presented in a competition does not apply with this then it is not a sprite that is usable in a game.

This post has been edited by Joey on Jun 25 2007, 02:47 PM