Nearly every gamer has crossed a point in life where he or she has considered, thought, or fantasized about a career in video game development. After all, there’s nothing more wonderful than to be able to make your job out of your hobby.
But not all of us have intricate knowledge of Python or C++, and few are prepared to really go down the learning route (someday, perhaps). So dreams stay dreams, and we get over to the reality side of business.
Oh really? MakeUseOf showed you could have your non-coding hand in games before, when Damien wrote about Sploder, a game where you could create the next chapter. However, BonusLevel takes this concept of creating your own video games to the next level. Literally.
BonusLevel
BonusLevel hosts several really fun flash games, but that just makes it one of many sites for flash gaming. The reason this site is different, is because it’s about creating and expanding the games, as well as playing them.
The Games – Creating Your Own Video Game Levels
BonusLevel was launched by 3 game developers, with a few of their flash games. Since then, it has changed to a user-supported system for games and game levels. Anyone who wants to develop a game with the BonusLevel API is welcome to do so, but that’s not always an easy objective.
As a result, the total number of available game is very limited, only seven at the moment. But that certainly does not limit the fun that’s to be had. The available games are top quality, and sometimes even genre-redefining, like Push, which comes highly recommended.
Apart from the level-creating system, about which you’ll read more below, registered users can keep themselves busy by competing for the charts and earning various awards.
Creating Levels
This is what makes BonusLevel stand out. This is where the site gets its strength.
To create levels, you must register for a free account on the site. Once that’s done, you can summon an editor from every game page on the site.
Each and every game that’s available on BonusLevel, is accompanied by a simple level editor. This means anyone can produce new content for the games. As a result, these games never end. If someone writes a good game engine with merely five levels, you can come back in a few days and play some more, or continue the game yourself.
To make sure the site isn’t bombed with crap, all newly created levels are played, judged and moderated by a special group of selected members. If your level is deemed worthy and fun, it’s shared with all other users, registered and guests, to enjoy.
These days, a lot of levels are seeing the light of day, thanks to the size of the community and the user support. This self-maintaining system keeps even the oldest games up to date and ensures a whole lot of additional fun.
What do you think of the idea of creating your own video game levels? Have you tried making your own games? What were the tools you used? Let us know in the comments.
Tagged: flash • gaming tools • online games
