File formats

This page defines the music, graphics and video file formats used in the sound and vision compos, namely, music, graphics compos including the fast compos and the short film compo. In addition to these, also the Real Wild demo submission and the Gamedev presentation videos must comply to these format rules.

Music file formats

• The entry has to be delivered as single MP3 or OGG file at a bit rate of 160 kbps or higher. This is also the primary submission format in the Fast music compo.
• The music must have two channels. This year all the audio will be played back in stereo.
• You may also submit XM/IT/MID, etc original song format in the submission package. This song will be distributed along with the MP3/OGG, but will not be used in jurying or playing the song in the main hall.

Graphics file formats

The following file format rules apply to all graphics competitions (not including Oldskool graphics):

• The only supported image formats are PNG, JPEG and (uncompressed) TIFF. Only RGB colour space allowed - no CMYK images.
  
• If the original image was in vector format you may include the image in the submission package also in SVG format. However, the PNG, JPEG or TIFF image will be the primary submission and will be shown on the big screen
• Pictures will be shown in 1280 by 720 resolution with full 24bit color depth.
• Also submit a version of the final image with NO visible signature. Name this file with “_nosig” prefix (e.g. “cool_image.png” for the final image and “cool_image_nosig.png” for unsigned version of the same image).
• Entries without no-signature version will be disqualified.
• You must submit clear evidence of the process of creating the picture in the form of at least SIX versions of the unfinished picture that show the creation process.
  • This means that the different steps of the process (e.g. outline, coloring, retouching) are shown in different files from different points in time when the picture is being created
  • If you are using a modeler, it is not sufficient to submit six pictures of the final picture from different view points! If you are using a photograph, take few extra shots and include them as a proof.
  • The resolution of the unfinished pictures must be at least the same as the resolution of the final picture, but you can submit also higher resolution pictures.
  • In addition to the image files, a text file called Readme.txt stating used techniques and sources of any material used in the entry must be submitted. If possible, we will tell the information about the techniques when showing the pictures on the big screen and when voting for them in the PMS system.
  • Order the unfinished stages of the picture by renaming the files with appropriate prefixes (f.i. “stage1.png”, “stage2.png”) and put them into a subdirectory called “unfinished” in the ZIP archive.

Video formats

The supported video formats are Xvid, DivX, MPEG4 or h.264 video codecs and MP3 or AAC or DivX audio audio included in an AVI, MP4, or Matroska container or MPEG1 or MPEG2 video and audio included in MPG container.

This rule has changed to the previous years to guarantee better quality support for widescreen videos & modern codecs. Please make sure your entry runs with the Combined Community Codec Pack and the latest VLC Player.

• The maximum resolution is 1280x720. If the resolution is less, the video will be upscaled during playback to the video projector resolution.
• The best image aspect ratio will be 16:9. If the entry has different aspect ratio, the entry will be letterboxed to the 16:9 big screen.
• The only supported pixel aspect ratio is 1:1. This is to avoid hassle with wrong aspect ratios of the entries.
• The video should be progressve scan, namely 720p. No interlaced video files for maximum quality
• Audio must be 44100 Hz, 16bit, stereo
• Framerate should be over 24. Notice that if you have too high frame rate our compo machince can't handle, there will be frame skips.
• The production must be delivered on a standard CD/DVD. No hard disks, ZIP disks or floppy disks. The media will NOT be returned. Write the group name, entry name, PMS id and your contact information DIRECTLY ON THE LABEL ON THE MEDIA, in addition to the submission tag in the minigrip bag. This way we can keep the disks in much better order.
• In addition to the video file, a text file stating the sources of any material used in the entry must be submitted. The file should list the sources and the ownership issues related to the material. For example, if you have used photographs from a free source, you should include the information of this source, so that the reference can be checked.
• A screenshot image must be submitted with the entry to the competition management system. Width: 160px, height: 90px. Format: PNG.