Java 4K Game Programming Contest - Revision history

2b-bear: Updated short description

2025-01-19T13:56:51Z

Updated short description

← Previous revision		Revision as of 13:56, 19 January 2025
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	{{Short description\|Game programming ~~contents~~}}		{{Short description\|Game programming contest}}
	{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}		{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}
	The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''', also known as '''Java 4K''' and '''J4K''', is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.		The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''', also known as '''Java 4K''' and '''J4K''', is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.

InternetArchiveBot: Rescuing 6 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5

2024-10-03T03:11:33Z

Rescuing 6 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5

JivanZa: Undid revision 1207345442 by 2001:EE0:41A1:A512:A535:370B:CC89:A832 (talk)

2024-06-14T15:17:11Z

Undid revision 1207345442 by 2001:EE0:41A1:A512:A535:370B:CC89:A832 (talk)

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:17, 14 June 2024
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	== Concept ==		== Concept ==

	The goal of the contest is to develop the best game possible within four [[~~kilobyte~~]]s (4096 bytes) of data. While the rules originally allowed for nearly any distribution method, recent years have required that the games be packaged as either an executable [[JAR (file format)\|JAR]] file, a [[Java Webstart]] application, or a [[Java Applet]], and now only an applet.		The goal of the contest is to develop the best game possible within four [[kibibyte]]s (4096 bytes) of data. While the rules originally allowed for nearly any distribution method, recent years have required that the games be packaged as either an executable [[JAR (file format)\|JAR]] file, a [[Java Webstart]] application, or a [[Java Applet]], and now only an applet.

	Because the Java class file format incurs quite a bit of overhead, creating a complete game in 4K can be quite a challenge. As a result, contestants must choose how much of their byte budget they wish to spend on graphics, sound, and gameplay. Finding the best mix of these factors can be extremely difficult. Many new entrants believe that impressive graphics alone are enough to carry a game. However, entries with more modest graphics and focus on gameplay have regularly scored higher than such technology demonstrations.		Because the Java class file format incurs quite a bit of overhead, creating a complete game in 4K can be quite a challenge. As a result, contestants must choose how much of their byte budget they wish to spend on graphics, sound, and gameplay. Finding the best mix of these factors can be extremely difficult. Many new entrants believe that impressive graphics alone are enough to carry a game. However, entries with more modest graphics and focus on gameplay have regularly scored higher than such technology demonstrations.

2001:EE0:41A1:A512:A535:370B:CC89:A832: /* Concept */

2024-02-14T15:51:19Z

Concept

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:51, 14 February 2024
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	== Concept ==		== Concept ==

	The goal of the contest is to develop the best game possible within four [[~~kibibyte~~]]s (4096 bytes) of data. While the rules originally allowed for nearly any distribution method, recent years have required that the games be packaged as either an executable [[JAR (file format)\|JAR]] file, a [[Java Webstart]] application, or a [[Java Applet]], and now only an applet.		The goal of the contest is to develop the best game possible within four [[kilobyte]]s (4096 bytes) of data. While the rules originally allowed for nearly any distribution method, recent years have required that the games be packaged as either an executable [[JAR (file format)\|JAR]] file, a [[Java Webstart]] application, or a [[Java Applet]], and now only an applet.

	Because the Java class file format incurs quite a bit of overhead, creating a complete game in 4K can be quite a challenge. As a result, contestants must choose how much of their byte budget they wish to spend on graphics, sound, and gameplay. Finding the best mix of these factors can be extremely difficult. Many new entrants believe that impressive graphics alone are enough to carry a game. However, entries with more modest graphics and focus on gameplay have regularly scored higher than such technology demonstrations.		Because the Java class file format incurs quite a bit of overhead, creating a complete game in 4K can be quite a challenge. As a result, contestants must choose how much of their byte budget they wish to spend on graphics, sound, and gameplay. Finding the best mix of these factors can be extremely difficult. Many new entrants believe that impressive graphics alone are enough to carry a game. However, entries with more modest graphics and focus on gameplay have regularly scored higher than such technology demonstrations.

Ottawajin: link approval voting using Find link

2023-07-12T14:25:32Z

link approval voting using Find link

← Previous revision		Revision as of 14:25, 12 July 2023
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	The winner was ''Metro4k'' by Blaine Hodge, followed by Jojoh's ''Roadfourk'' and Ulf Ochsenfahrt's ''aichess4k''. Metro4k is a [[Sim City]]-like city simulation game, Roadfourk a racing game, and aichess4k a chess game featuring an AI opponent.		The winner was ''Metro4k'' by Blaine Hodge, followed by Jojoh's ''Roadfourk'' and Ulf Ochsenfahrt's ''aichess4k''. Metro4k is a [[Sim City]]-like city simulation game, Roadfourk a racing game, and aichess4k a chess game featuring an AI opponent.

	Unlike previous years, year 5 saw no game take the "last place", because the approval voting system used only gave votes to around half the games.		Unlike previous years, year 5 saw no game take the "last place", because the [[approval voting]] system used only gave votes to around half the games.

	* '''Year 6 (2008)'''		* '''Year 6 (2008)'''

The Anome: copyedit

2022-07-14T21:58:35Z

copyedit

← Previous revision		Revision as of 21:58, 14 July 2022
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	{{Short description\|Game programming contents}}		{{Short description\|Game programming contents}}
	{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}		{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}
	The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''' ~~(aka~~ "'''Java 4K'''" and "'''J4K'''") is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.		The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''', also known as '''Java 4K''' and '''J4K''', is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.

	== Concept ==		== Concept ==

The Anome: fmt

2022-07-14T21:57:38Z

fmt

← Previous revision		Revision as of 21:57, 14 July 2022
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	{{Short description\|Game programming contents}}		{{Short description\|Game programming contents}}
	{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}		{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}
	The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''' (aka "Java 4K" and "J4K") is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.		The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''' (aka "'''Java 4K'''" and "'''J4K'''") is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.

	== Concept ==		== Concept ==

The Anome: Adding short description: "Game programming contents"

2022-07-14T21:57:15Z

Adding short description: "Game programming contents"

← Previous revision		Revision as of 21:57, 14 July 2022
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			{{Short description\|Game programming contents}}
	{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}		{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}
	The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''' (aka "Java 4K" and "J4K") is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.		The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''' (aka "Java 4K" and "J4K") is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.

Dhhepting: /* External links */ the original link

2022-03-01T20:53:11Z

External links: the original link

← Previous revision		Revision as of 20:53, 1 March 2022
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	* [http://www.ahristov.com/tutorial/java4k-tips.html 4K Tips and Sources] - A set of tips, tutorials and game source codes for 4K Java participants		* [http://www.ahristov.com/tutorial/java4k-tips.html 4K Tips and Sources] - A set of tips, tutorials and game source codes for 4K Java participants
	* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=46.0 JavaGaming.org Contest Forums] - Each year (starting with year 3) has its own sub-forum.		* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=46.0 JavaGaming.org Contest Forums] - Each year (starting with year 3) has its own sub-forum.
	* [~~http~~://~~www.java~~-gaming.org/~~forums~~/~~index.php?topic=11611.0~~ Why are 4K Games so much fun to write and Play?]		* [https://jvm-gaming.org/t/why-are-4k-games-so-much-fun-to-write-and-play/25390 Why are 4K Games so much fun to write and Play?]
	* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=11509.0 Should there be Java game competitions without size limits?]		* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=11509.0 Should there be Java game competitions without size limits?]

Nat965: Apply Gen fix(es), typo(s) fixed: August 28, 2002 → August 28, 2002,, completely eliminate → eliminate

2022-02-27T08:58:18Z

Apply Gen fix(es), typo(s) fixed: August 28, 2002 → August 28, 2002,, completely eliminate → eliminate

← Previous revision		Revision as of 08:58, 27 February 2022
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	{{~~refimprove~~\|date=September 2012}}		{{more citations needed\|date=September 2012}}
	The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''' (aka "Java 4K" and "J4K") is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.		The '''Java 4K Game Programming Contest''' (aka "Java 4K" and "J4K") is an informal contest that was started by the Java Game Programming community to challenge their software development abilities.

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	=== Contest creation ===		=== Contest creation ===

	The Java 4K Game Programming Contest came into being on August 28, 2002 when a user by the handle of ''codymanix'' posted the suggestion to the [[Sun Microsystems]] [[Java Platform\|Java]] forums. After a bit of argument over how feasible a game would be in 4K, a user by the handle of ''mlk'' officially organized the contest on August 29, 2002.		The Java 4K Game Programming Contest came into being on August 28, 2002, when a user by the handle of ''codymanix'' posted the suggestion to the [[Sun Microsystems]] [[Java Platform\|Java]] forums. After a bit of argument over how feasible a game would be in 4K, a user by the handle of ''mlk'' officially organized the contest on August 29, 2002.

	Slowly but surely, entries began to trickle in for the contest. The majority of these entries were Applets, as it was believed that separating the images from the [[class file]]s would help reduce the size of the file. Future contests would see a reversal of this as game creators utilized compressed JAR files to reduce the size of their code.		Slowly but surely, entries began to trickle in for the contest. The majority of these entries were Applets, as it was believed that separating the images from the [[class file]]s would help reduce the size of the file. Future contests would see a reversal of this as game creators utilized compressed JAR files to reduce the size of their code.
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	After the results came back, ''Miners4K'' by [[Markus Persson]] was declared the winner. Second place was given to Kevin Glass's ''Roll4K'', and third place was given to ''Goomba4K'' by Woogley.		After the results came back, ''Miners4K'' by [[Markus Persson]] was declared the winner. Second place was given to Kevin Glass's ''Roll4K'', and third place was given to ''Goomba4K'' by Woogley.

	The results of Year 4's judging were significantly better than those of Year 3, in part due to the rule changes which forced the entries to conform to easily executable formats. However, this did not ~~completely~~ eliminate judging issues. Some controversy erupted when two entries (''Xero'' and ''JSquares'') were given lower scores due to technical glitches. Several recommendations were posed to prevent this from happening in future contests, including [[trimmed mean]] scoring and verification of judge's scoring before acceptance.		The results of Year 4's judging were significantly better than those of Year 3, in part due to the rule changes which forced the entries to conform to easily executable formats. However, this did not eliminate judging issues. Some controversy erupted when two entries (''Xero'' and ''JSquares'') were given lower scores due to technical glitches. Several recommendations were posed to prevent this from happening in future contests, including [[trimmed mean]] scoring and verification of judge's scoring before acceptance.

	* '''Year 5 (2007)'''		* '''Year 5 (2007)'''

← Previous revision		Revision as of 03:11, 3 October 2024
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	Year 5 launched in December 2006 and lasted until March 1, 2007. It saw some great games, with much less focus on 3D and pseudo-3D graphics. Most games were 2D, with ''Pipe Extreme'' and ''Trailblazer'' being the only notable exceptions (one could argue that a few others are 3D as well, but distinctly less so).		Year 5 launched in December 2006 and lasted until March 1, 2007. It saw some great games, with much less focus on 3D and pseudo-3D graphics. Most games were 2D, with ''Pipe Extreme'' and ''Trailblazer'' being the only notable exceptions (one could argue that a few others are 3D as well, but distinctly less so).

	Just like year 4, a forum was hosted on JavaGaming.org to host the contest. JavaUnlimited's system was used for hosting the games again, being considered the official site for the entries. A site update was planned for JavaUnlimited, but did not occur. Originally, the plan was to have a public vote and a judging panel. One month after the contest closing date the organizer without further explanation dropped the judging panel, which caused some unrest in the forums, accusations of censorship, locked threads and two participants withdrawing their entries from the contest (bringing the total down from 65 to 58).<ref>{{cite web \| title = JavaGaming Forum \| url = http://www.javagaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=16357.msg129239#msg129239 \| accessdate = 2007-04-30 }}</ref> Voting was limited to javagaming.org forum participants, and within the allotted time, 25 people voted. About two months after the contest closing date, the official results were announced.		Just like year 4, a forum was hosted on JavaGaming.org to host the contest. JavaUnlimited's system was used for hosting the games again, being considered the official site for the entries. A site update was planned for JavaUnlimited, but did not occur. Originally, the plan was to have a public vote and a judging panel. One month after the contest closing date the organizer without further explanation dropped the judging panel, which caused some unrest in the forums, accusations of censorship, locked threads and two participants withdrawing their entries from the contest (bringing the total down from 65 to 58).<ref>{{cite web \| title = JavaGaming Forum \| url = http://www.javagaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=16357.msg129239#msg129239 \| accessdate = 2007-04-30 \| archive-date = 2007-09-28 \| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928063639/http://www.javagaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=16357.msg129239#msg129239 \| url-status = dead }}</ref> Voting was limited to javagaming.org forum participants, and within the allotted time, 25 people voted. About two months after the contest closing date, the official results were announced.

	The winner was ''Metro4k'' by Blaine Hodge, followed by Jojoh's ''Roadfourk'' and Ulf Ochsenfahrt's ''aichess4k''. Metro4k is a [[Sim City]]-like city simulation game, Roadfourk a racing game, and aichess4k a chess game featuring an AI opponent.		The winner was ''Metro4k'' by Blaine Hodge, followed by Jojoh's ''Roadfourk'' and Ulf Ochsenfahrt's ''aichess4k''. Metro4k is a [[Sim City]]-like city simulation game, Roadfourk a racing game, and aichess4k a chess game featuring an AI opponent.
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	Year 6 launched in December 2007 and lasted until March 1, 2008. Notably less games were submitted than in 2006 and 2007 - only 21 in total. Most of the games were 2d, with a total of 3 games using 3D or pseudo-3D graphics.		Year 6 launched in December 2007 and lasted until March 1, 2008. Notably less games were submitted than in 2006 and 2007 - only 21 in total. Most of the games were 2d, with a total of 3 games using 3D or pseudo-3D graphics.

	The competition was hosted on a new website, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080401185850/http://java4k.com/index.php?action=home Java4k.com]. Games from previous years can also be found on the new website. Before the launch of the contest, woogley had announced his withdrawal from arranging contest. The task of administrating the contest and hosting the site was therefore taken over by Arni Arent (appel) and Joakim Johnsson (jojoh). Just like previous years, there was also a [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=56.0 dedicated forum] at [http://www.java-gaming.org Java-Gaming.org].		The competition was hosted on a new website, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080401185850/http://java4k.com/index.php?action=home Java4k.com]. Games from previous years can also be found on the new website. Before the launch of the contest, woogley had announced his withdrawal from arranging contest. The task of administrating the contest and hosting the site was therefore taken over by Arni Arent (appel) and Joakim Johnsson (jojoh). Just like previous years, there was also a [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=56.0 dedicated forum] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104031610/http://java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=56.0 \|date=2015-11-04 }} at [http://www.java-gaming.org Java-Gaming.org].

	The games were then thoroughly reviewed by five judges; Arni Arent, Joakim Johnsson, Kevin Glass, Matt Hicks and Chris Melissinos. They reviewed each game in three categories; Overall, Technical and Presentation. The results were announced on March 28, 2008.		The games were then thoroughly reviewed by five judges; Arni Arent, Joakim Johnsson, Kevin Glass, Matt Hicks and Chris Melissinos. They reviewed each game in three categories; Overall, Technical and Presentation. The results were announced on March 28, 2008.
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	* [https://web.archive.org/web/20021029192411/http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jsp?forum=406&thread=293877 Web Archive of the Original Thread] - Actual thread was deleted by Sun during a regular system purge		* [https://web.archive.org/web/20021029192411/http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jsp?forum=406&thread=293877 Web Archive of the Original Thread] - Actual thread was deleted by Sun during a regular system purge
	* [https://web.archive.org/web/20030804050840/http://www.saber-x.com/midgarddesign/4k.html Incomplete list of first year entries] - Saved by Archive.org		* [https://web.archive.org/web/20030804050840/http://www.saber-x.com/midgarddesign/4k.html Incomplete list of first year entries] - Saved by Archive.org
	* [http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=471050&start=15&tstart=0 Year 2 Thread] - On Sun's Java Forums		* [http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=471050&start=15&tstart=0 Year 2 Thread] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050524050320/http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=471050&start=15&tstart=0 \|date=2005-05-24 }} - On Sun's Java Forums
	* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060610174139/http://javaunlimited.net/ Java Unlimited] - The repository for submitted games since 2005.		* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060610174139/http://javaunlimited.net/ Java Unlimited] - The repository for submitted games since 2005.
	* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060721122035/http://wiki.java.net/bin/view/Games/4KGamesDesign 4K Game Design Tricks] - A Wiki article to assist new entrants.		* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060721122035/http://wiki.java.net/bin/view/Games/4KGamesDesign 4K Game Design Tricks] - A Wiki article to assist new entrants.
	* [http://www.ahristov.com/tutorial/java4k-tips.html 4K Tips and Sources] - A set of tips, tutorials and game source codes for 4K Java participants		* [http://www.ahristov.com/tutorial/java4k-tips.html 4K Tips and Sources] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624154313/http://www.ahristov.com/tutorial/java4k-tips.html \|date=2007-06-24 }} - A set of tips, tutorials and game source codes for 4K Java participants
	* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=46.0 JavaGaming.org Contest Forums] - Each year (starting with year 3) has its own sub-forum.		* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=46.0 JavaGaming.org Contest Forums] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104031741/http://java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?board=46.0 \|date=2015-11-04 }} - Each year (starting with year 3) has its own sub-forum.
	* [https://jvm-gaming.org/t/why-are-4k-games-so-much-fun-to-write-and-play/25390 Why are 4K Games so much fun to write and Play?]		* [https://jvm-gaming.org/t/why-are-4k-games-so-much-fun-to-write-and-play/25390 Why are 4K Games so much fun to write and Play?]
	* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=11509.0 Should there be Java game competitions without size limits?]		* [http://www.java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=11509.0 Should there be Java game competitions without size limits?] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104031742/http://java-gaming.org/forums/index.php?topic=11509.0 \|date=2015-11-04 }}

	==References==		==References==