From technology to politics to video games; these are the random thoughts of a geek with too much time on his hands
Published on July 8, 2008 By Zoomba In 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!


Comments (Page 3)
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on Jul 08, 2008
Great let's see if i can get my skin finished in time for this one...... not like last time...

That's why there's so much warning this time around!
on Jul 08, 2008

In regards to creating .dreams.

If I remember correctly one of the winners, or top choices, created their .dream and didn't even have Vista.  They relied on other people to help test.

Even if you aren't on Vista, but still have the capability of making animations, it's still possible to compete.

 

on Jul 08, 2008
This year, we have dropped the Wallpaper event and will instead be replaced by Animated Wallpapers (Dreams).



what??? this can't be true...., what it's wrong with cursor themes?   
on Jul 08, 2008
Maybe at some time in the future there should be a GUI Championship held for lesser known applications, like Winstep ,DS ,Beatnik ,Rainlendar ,Talisman , Sysmetrix et al
I'll be happy to judage at your event. 
on Jul 08, 2008
judage
Make sure you have your glasses on   
on Jul 08, 2008
hehe ... Zubaz , I'm typing the invites out now ... ( I wish ! )    ~ and as Al says , get yer spex on !!  
on Jul 08, 2008
Great let's see if i can get my skin finished in time for this one...... not like last time...


You were pretty close Robbie, look forward to ur entry this time around   


Good concise explanation Zoomba   
on Jul 08, 2008
I'll be happy to zubaz at your event.


new verb, as in "F it, I'm just going to Zubaz it".   
on Jul 08, 2008
Is that like.. doin' a Zubaz?   

Looking forward to the contest this year, I'll try announce a team and what folks will be doing or not doing sometime soon for Team Maxstyles.

We won't be doing docks..     
on Jul 08, 2008
Cool! I hope to see some good stuff! (Maybe more 256 x 256 IP sizes?)
on Jul 08, 2008
.
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.



Does that mean no teams? Just going by what John said above.
on Jul 09, 2008
Is that like.. doin' a Zubaz?   Looking forward to the contest this year, I'll try announce a team and what folks will be doing or not doing sometime soon for Team Maxstyles.We won't be doing docks..     


yeah and we wont be doing dx stuff, and cursors...
on Jul 09, 2008
I, for one, request that none of you freaks refer in any way to "doin' a Zubaz".  Htank you very much.
on Jul 09, 2008
Htank you very much...?
on Jul 09, 2008
Htank you very much...?


It's zubish...he Zubazed Thank...

I, for one, request that none of you freaks refer in any way to "doin' a Zubaz".


That got a giggle out of me...htanks Zube.
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