BGs for variations of the game

[Vote4Nixon]

In the future, we may be looking at a separate UI for the game for 6key (wider middle lane) and possibly FB (could be an overhaul of how the game looks). Since we haven't really ironed out the requirements, I'd say there are two options for how we should move forward with BGs:

1) Completely separate set of BGs for 4key, 6key, FB, etc...most songs will have different images and we can just copy/paste those bgs that can be used in multiple domains. PROS: more creative license to the designers as they can customize BGs separately with separate templates. CONS: triple the work, but no rework (other than fixing the slightly offset ones ;))

2) Redo BGs to be compatible in as many domains as possible...most likely entails making a BG that's a full 800x600 without the middle lane that would look good with the 4key lane width, and also 6key lane width, and who knows for FB. PROS: less work in the long run, as you don't have to make up to 3 BGs per song. CONS: limitations on artists for what they can come up with, since it has to work with everything.

Am I missing anything? Thoughts?

[kisler]

Option 2 is a definite yes. They're harder to make interesting throughout, but there are so few existing graphics with bars in them to redo anyway. And there's potential for different game themes(?!) or something like that, which may not occupy the same space as the current theme and cause graphical issues. Full 4:3 can be resized or cropped appropriately to fit any smaller-window things as well.

[Nocturne]

Option 2 is a definite yes. They're harder to make interesting throughout, but there are so few existing graphics with bars in them to redo anyway. And there's potential for different game themes(?!) or something like that, which may not occupy the same space as the current theme and cause graphical issues. Full 4:3 can be resized or cropped appropriately to fit any smaller-window things as well.

I agree, I wouldn't mind just doing 1 full 800x600, it'll be less creative space yeah, but I'm willing to compromise that for efficiency.

[Halogen-]

For something that is going to be visible to a much larger group of people, organization is important. Option 2 seems like the better idea for multiple reasons; it's more efficient and in comparison to the different content over different styles of play, it will be more consistent. Both are very appealing.

As mentioned before, it gives slightly less freedom in design but I highly doubt that it will be any sort of a detrimental issue.