GUIC 2008 – Lets Talk Details

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 by Zoomba | Discussion: OS Customization

The 2008 GUI Championships, the latest iteration of the world’s largest GUI customization competition, is quickly approaching.  This fall skinners from all over the globe will compete in one of three main events for their shot at hardware, software and cash prizes totaling near $10,000!

For the last few months we’ve been letting out little teasers here and there about what we’re going to be doing with this year’s event.  Today, I’m happy to reveal some of the contest details to everyone, so skinners can begin to prepare their masterpieces early.  In 2006, there were complaints that there wasn’t enough warning on the contest, so this year we’re giving you all months to prepare!

Events

In 2006, there were three main categories; WindowBlinds skins, Icon Packages, and Wallpapers.  This year, we have dropped the Wallpaper event and will instead be replaced by Animated Wallpapers (Dreams).  Here is the official event list for the 2008 GUIC:

  1. WindowBlinds Skins
    1. Most Original
    2. Most Usable
    3. Best Overall
  2. IconPackager Sets
    1. Most Original
    2. Most Usable
    3. Best Overall
  3. Animated Wallpapers (.Dreams)
    1. Most Original
    2. Most Usable
    3. Best Overall

We’re still debating a “User’s Choice” event, but haven’t decided how we’d handle it yet.  But the above covers the major categories and what the base events are.  Should be more than enough to get people started.

Timeline

The 2008 GUI Champs will officially kick off on October 12th.  Starting on that date, we will launch the new contest site and begin accepting submissions. The contest will run up to the end of December.  This gives everyone a 3 month lead before we even start accepting skins, to just over 5 months total before the competition closes.

A specific event schedule will be posted closer to the start of the competition.

Rules

The rules from 2006 are undergoing review and will likely see significant changes.  However, there are a few rules that will remain the same and that you should know before the contest starts:

  1. All submitted work must be 100% original
    You must be the sole author of the art used in the submission.  No working with other skinners, no reusing elements from other skins (either your own, or others) or art.
  2. Work submitted to the 2008 GUIC must be new.
    The GUIC must be the first place you submit a skin to.  Skins that are posted on other sites prior to being submitted to the GUIC will be disqualified.  Note that this does not mean you can’t post some preview shots of your work in progress, just that you may not make available for download a working skin (in any stage of development)
  3. Entries must not use logos, characters, or other imagery that is copyrighted/trademarked
    No Windows logos, no Apple logos.  No modifications or interpretations of cartoon characters, mascots, movies, games, television shows etc.  We expect all designs and work to be completely original.  So no making your ideal Windows Vista skin, or a Dragon Ball Z icon set.

Prizes

We’re still in talks with potential sponsors, but we’ve lined up at least one hardware vendor and have several software makers interested in being a part of the event.  We are currently working toward the goal of having at least $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. 

Once the sponsors are finalized, expect a big post listing them all out, and what the prizes will be.  I’m really excited so far based on the initial response I received from the companies I’ve contacted.

(Note: If your company would like to be a sponsor for the 2008 GUI Champs, please email me at mikec AT stardock DOT com).


Hopefully now you have a much better idea of what we have planned for this year’s event.  A lot of details are still to be worked out, and as we have major news (i.e. sponsors, the new site) you better believe I’ll be posting about it.

If you have any questions about the 2008 GUIC, post them below and I’ll answer what I can.

Get those skins started!

First Previous Page 8 of 8 Next Last
messiah1
Reply #141 Friday, July 25, 2008 6:37 AM
bigger is better



Typical female




BONEHEADdb
Reply #142 Friday, July 25, 2008 10:24 AM
Seems to me that anyone using a computer is using a cursor


But perhaps not CursorFX


No! Not naked cursors!Blushing 5
TCAlienWorks
Reply #143 Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:57 AM
Can we submit more than one project per category? Or are we limited to only one?
mkorashy
Reply #144 Wednesday, July 30, 2008 1:01 AM
If i made a WindowBlinds skin and sent it to someone for testing it on WindowsVista, Would that be "working with other skinners"??
Bebi Bulma
Reply #145 Wednesday, July 30, 2008 1:29 AM
Can we submit more than one project per category? Or are we limited to only one?

You can submit as much as you want.
If i made a WindowBlinds skin and sent it to someone for testing it on WindowsVista, Would that be "working with other skinners"??

For testing purposes, I would say no. I don't think they want to limit anyone in terms of finding and fixing bugs (buggy skins aren't likely to win ), but more along the lines of sharing graphics and other skin bits (I would think).
Schwarzephix
Reply #146 Friday, August 1, 2008 4:14 AM
I have a new question. Am I allowed to do a sysmetrix skin, and icons based on my windowblind that I will be submitting for the contest, or will that be not allowed?

I mean as , I will not submit sysmetrix or icons into the comp, but release them before the competition.

I'm thinking the answer would be no, but I would like clarification, just in case.
rockergamerz
Reply #147 Tuesday, August 5, 2008 4:15 AM
have 2 questions,Is it possible for a single theme to win all three categories? It would be more logical to concentrate my work on a single theme rather than working in different themes like JJ Ying did. I'm still a college student and I still can't afford to buy skinstudio pro v6.2,my mom wouldn't give me so I'm using the free version.Is this competition open for anyone who has skinstudio pro v6.2? If that would be the case I can't use start menu animation builder and I'm in disadvantage for those who have  .
Island Dog
Reply #148 Tuesday, August 5, 2008 8:23 AM
I have a new question. Am I allowed to do a sysmetrix skin, and icons based on my windowblind that I will be submitting for the contest, or will that be not allowed?

I mean as , I will not submit sysmetrix or icons into the comp, but release them before the competition.


That might possibly fall under the "You must be the sole author of the art used in the submission.  No working with other skinners, no reusing elements from other skins (either your own, or others) or art" rule.


it possible for a single theme to win all three categories? It would be more logical to concentrate my work on a single theme rather than working in different themes like JJ Ying did.


It is possible, but I can't tell you how you concentrate your work.


Is this competition open for anyone who has skinstudio pro v6.2? If that would be the case I can't use start menu animation builder and I'm in disadvantage for those who have


The competition is open to anyone, but don't let that discourage you.  It's not so much about the tool itself, it's what you can do with them. 

On a side note, SKS6 Pro is only $20, I would suggest just putting $5 here and there, and before you know it, you will have it.
mkorashy
Reply #149 Thursday, August 21, 2008 8:11 PM
No logos??    Does that mean that I can't draw (not import) Microsoft Word logo on DOC file icon ?? Or is it about the entire icon package subject ??
TheMasterBaron
Reply #150 Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:59 PM
New question. Will dreams be judged on there appearance only, or will performance also be a factor. I would love to switch to WMV encoding to get a smother/longer more detailed dream.
ZubaZ
Reply #151 Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:21 PM
Will dreams be judged on there appearance only, or will performance also be a factor. I would love to switch to WMV encoding to get a smother/longer more detailed dream.
If I were judging I'd have a weighted score for both and average it out.
Winmodify
Reply #152 Monday, September 15, 2008 6:07 PM
I see 2 dates: on the index it says October 13th, and on this page it says October 8th...?
ZubaZ
Reply #153 Monday, September 15, 2008 6:49 PM

The other page is more recent . . editing this one.

lypnjtu
Reply #154 Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:26 AM
Great~
Island Dog
Reply #155 Saturday, September 27, 2008 4:30 PM

Also, you can visit www.guichamps.com for the latest information. 

Xiandi
Reply #156 Saturday, September 27, 2008 5:53 PM

I have a question. One of the rules is that we cant upload somewhere else before we upload to the GUIC. So, could I upload it to WinC the day after I upload it to GUIC? or do I have to wait till the competition is completly over before uploading it to WinC?

Anywong
Reply #157 Sunday, October 12, 2008 7:09 PM
Nice!
HG_Eliminator
Reply #158 Monday, October 13, 2008 6:07 AM

HG_Eliminator is still trying to merge Flaming Aero,brittany,dolphins and a lens flare, in to a animated sequence. Man Zubaz I dont quite follow your "vision' on this dream, but  Il give it my best shot.  

ZubaZ
Reply #159 Monday, October 13, 2008 8:44 AM

HG_Eliminator is still trying to merge Flaming Aero,brittany,dolphins and a lens flare, in to a animated sequence. Man Zubaz I dont quite follow your "vision' on this dream, but Il give it my best shot.
You, are the best!  Make sure to add cow bell too!

t2wave
Reply #160 Monday, October 13, 2008 10:02 AM

I have to get started.

So how/where would I upload if they're supposed to start accepting things now

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