Notices

I don't know how to create a garage project (out of my depth there) but I could open us a wiki page if that would do?

I tend to think of stuff in the wiki as things that appeal universally. (a wiki page on game programming on maemo, how the accelerometer works, etc). IMHO a garage page would be better for this since it is a fairly specific topic that won't necessarily appeal to all audiences.

OTOH, I'm but a sheep, and you the shepherd, Kathy :-) Stated a less Confucius-like way "You lead, I'll follow"

if you want I'll setup the garage project then set you as admin

The garage is down till Monday anyways

I gathered the garage was down. It was a way of avoiding thinking about it... I think I have the right log-ins as I can access both brainstorm and bugzilla. But it's way outside my experience. I'm happy to watch and make helpful suggestions if someone else would like to set it up.

I just registered sheep-dog.garage.maemo.org it will take some time for them to approve it then if everyone will register we can share ideas,code, and graphics there as well. I will also set RevdKathy as project manager.

Gosh! That sounds/feels like a lot of responsibility! Especially for someone with zero actual skills.

It's amazing, though, watching this all come together.

Project Managers often have no programming or design skills just the ideas and the motivation to keep the programmers programming, and the designers designing.

I had some time to put together a basic engine for the game.

Some screenshots:







and a movie (yes, quality sucks):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIVFR1fnFOo

Main features/idea:
-sheep are influenced by various objects (attracted or deterred)
-influence from objects sum up and sheep move in this direction
-accelerometers control is implemented as single attracting object moved on the map
-pens are objects with three distracting objects, leaving only one enter
-objects can be added by tapping the screen, such points remains as attraction for some time and then changes to deterring object (then disappears)
-simple collision detection system is implemented, based on the attraction mechanism

All the parameters can be easily adjusted and expanded (strength of attraction, sheep character etc.).
This allows easy adding of new control options and should be a natural way to interact with sheep. Touch screen, accelerometers, dog, lasers, ruber ducks...
I haven't really done anything with graphics, it works as you can see

What do you think about it? Especially @RevdKathy, how it goes with your vision?
If there is anyone interesting in moving this into functional game (some work with engine and then actual game logics) I could use some help If not, I will probably work on this in my free time.

Brilliant!

(The lambs are coming home ... and other snatches of carols...)

I presume in the finished version the blue and red dots become invisible - other than that, it works exactly I I envisaged.. though you are going to have trouble getting all those sheep in those two pens!

Do the sheep become 'inert' once penned - or is there a risk of attracting then out of the pen while you pen another? In the simple version, it would be easiest if they stay put once penned. Can that be done? Put them in a 'dead spot' once penned?

It's lovely! I'm hopping about with excitiement!