A: Seriously? A Fakemon is a combination of the words "Fake" and "Pokemon" and is commonly referenced in fan community. We accept Fakemon submissions from the already large community of fan creations. We implement them into the Scanimals world along with our own creations. Q: What is a Scanimal?
A: The name "Scanimals" is the tentative title for this project, and is subject to change. We had to change the name in order to protect ourselves from being sued by Nintendo, GameFreak, Creatures Inc., etc. Q: So why the name Scanimals? Seems kinda lame.
A: Scanimals uses GPS and other mobile phone technology to enhance the already-awesome formula of the Pokemon series. This name reflects those changes. We are currently up to suggestions. Q: Will this play just like a Pokemon game?
A: Yes and no, we plan on using mobile phone technologies such as GPS and touch screen to their fullest. Therefore, we will be adding some new features as well as changing some old ones. Q: How does the GPS play into this?
A: Using your GPS location is vital to catching new Scanimals. If you are in Florida, you will be able to catch tropical Scanimals exclusive to that region. Similarly, if you are in Alaska, you'll be able to catch northern Scanimals, in Japan, asian Scanimals, and so on. Q: Does that mean I can play Scanimals outside the US?
A: Yes. Our goal is to have creatures available in all parts of the world from the get-go. As development continues, we will keep adding new Scanimals. Q: Will there will be 150 Scanimals per country one day?
A: Not necessarily. Our priority is to create quality creatures and gameplay, not specific quantities. We may find that the game needs more or less creatures. We cannot and will not bind ourselves to an exact number. Q: I have an idea that I think may make this better? What should I do?
A: We are super friendly people to talk to! Contact Trevor if it's about the game's design, or anyone on the team if you have any questions at all.
A: Yes! We are not planning to have any fee up front so as many people as possible can enjoy your creations. Q: Tell me more about this in-game store. How does it work?
A: Once a week, we will offer a "guest Scanimal" to our players. The purpose of this feature is to advertise individual Scanimals. Once the week is up, if players enjoy the aforementioned Scanimal, they have the opportunity to purchase it in the store. Q: Whoa there, are you saying I HAVE to buy Scanimals from an in-game store?
A: Absolutely not! The store is available to those looking to boost their roster. The main purpose of the game is to catch them by scanning with GPS. Q: How much will it cost to buy the Scanimals app?
A: Nothing, it will be free! In order to encourage quick market penetration, we don't want any barriers to entry for other fans! Q: So if Scanimals will be free, how are the developers making money?
A: The short answer, we're not...yet. Part of our business plan includes partnerships with other companies using GPS and QR Code scanning. For now, we are relying on our in-game store. We won't see much income for a long time, and that's assuming this game becomes popular. Q: You mentioned the Apple Store. Does that mean it will only be available for iPhone/iPad?
A: For the time being, yes. However, once we get a functional demo running, we will be petitioning to kickstarter and other investors. Part of the money we will earn will be put towards android and other mobile phone conversions. Once we have a server up and running, we plan on having communication between platforms.
A: Absolutely not! Feel free to continue creating fan art, sprites, animations, and whatever else you see fit. Your creations belong to you. Our goal is to help you make money from your creations! Q: If I submit a Fakemon and it is accepted, will my name be in the credits?
A: Anyone who submits a Fakemon will have their name in the credits, regardless of whether or not it is accepted. If your submission is accecpted, your name will also be listed under the "Contributing Artists" section. Furthermore, if you help out with in-game assets such as animations, code, etc. your name will also be listed in whichever section(s) bets fit your contributions. Q: What is the best way to get a fakemon into the game?
A: The best way is to tell use we can use any of your creations. This way, we can fit creatures that fit best in the context of the game. We don't want to many creatures of the same type, or that look too similar. That would make the game unbalanced. Q: Can I submit Fakemon that I've designed in the past? Or do they have to be brand new?
A: You can submit any Fakemon you see fit as long as you are the creator. In order to keep the quality of the game up to par, we are going to be pretty strict with the Fakemon we accept. That means you should put some thought into making interesting/creative creatures. If you're creating and submitting handfuls of Fakemon everyday to increase your odds, chances are you're going about it wrong. Q: If the Fakemon I submit isn't accepted, does that mean it sucks?
A: Probably not. We have to make sure no two creatures are too alike. Similarly, we may receive too many Fakemon of the same element (too many grass types). It is our job to make sure the game is balanced as well as pretty. Q: Can you tell me what Fakemon you need so I can increase the chances of having a Fakemon being accepted?
A: What we need will vary as we continue accepting Fakemon. Be sure to check the Submission Guidelines page for more details. Q: Can you give me some feedback to make my Fakemon better?
A: In most cases, we will provide feedback if a Fakemon is not accepted. If you are looking for general feedback, you can send us an email, but it may take some time for us to get back to you based on how many submissions we receive the day you contact us. Q: Does my Fakemon submission have to be sprited/animated?
A: No, in fact a still image will work just fine. We have been known to accept black-and-white images if the body shape is cool enough. However, color can be a great tool for you to help portray the awesomeness of your Fakemon. Q: Can I animate the sprites of my submission once it is accepted?
A: Spriters are always welcomed to help out. However, just because you animate it doesn't mean we will use it. It varies from case to case. Q: Will you alter my Fakemon's design after it is accepted?
A: When we look at your submission, we will determine whether or not any changes need to be made to fit the overall tone of the game. We will notify you and ask you permission for those exact alterations. At that point, it will be your decision whether or not it will be accepted. Q: Do you prefer one generation of Pokemon art styles to another?
A: YES! We are looking for creatures that resemble the Sugimori style of Generations 1 and 2. Generations 3-5 have a noticeably different tone.
A: Yes, we need all sorts of assets, not just fakemon. Please submit everything you want to see in a real game! Q: I want to help out, but I'm not good at designing/drawing Fakemon. Should I even bother?
A: Of course, this is a project for everyone who loves Pokemon, Fakemon, the creature-catching genre, and/or making money! Send us an email and Trevor will find a way to best utilize your individual talents. We will always have room for people who can spread the word about this project. Q: I'm a shy person, but I really like this project. Can I support you without contacting anyone?
A: Yes! Like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter. Every person brings us one step closer to success. Q: I know how to program iPhone apps. Can I help out?
A: Send us an email and we'll discuss opportunities and payment and salary. Programmers will earn salary once we receive funding. Q: I know how to program Android apps. Can I help out?
A: YES! Email us.