We used to organize a big Winter Flash-Off each year but more recently I decided I don't like encouraging people to spend their time making MORE movies about winter and the holidays. However, a few great animators have asked about it and Adam Phillips just released a fun movie so I thought we could still provide some reward for people who want to get in the spirit!
This contest is just for movies and the deadline is December 25th. The best Christmas / Holiday / Winter Season movie will receive $150, the second best $100 and third best $50. You're welcome to use our API for ads or include the NG Winter Preloader but neither is required. You could also promote the Christmas 2012 collection! If your movie is in MP4 format, let me know in advance and I can give your account access to upload.
The other thing I was thinking would be fun this year is to give everyone some GIFTS on Christmas Day, in the form of new games! Who doesn't like getting new games for Christmas?
JohnnyUtah and I are trying to wrap up a game that I really hope to release on Christmas Day. If you're a game developer you could do the same! Don't make your game about Christmas or Winter unless you got a really great idea for those. Your game doesn't have to be HUGE either, it should just try to be something COOL, something MAGICAL. Try experimenting with some new ideas, make something that will tickle the eyes, ears or brain. Publish it on Christmas Day (or late on Christmas Eve) and everyone can wake up and open their presents!
Tag your game with "giftjam2012" and we'll use that to see what games participated on Christmas Day. The best game will receive $150, second $100 and third $50.
Never made a game before? This could be a good time to experiment with Stencyl or Construct 2! If you're making a game in HTML5, notify me in advance so I can give your account access to upload HTML5 games.
Also consider sharing some of your ad revenue with the Child's Play Charity account!
Voting for the Best of November begins this Saturday!