Stencyl

From RMRKWiki

A game making program in the vein of RPG Maker, in which users supposedly need no programming knowledge. With it they will be able to create 2D platforming games, such as Mario and Metroid. As of now Stencyl will be free, when and if it is released. Recently, Stencyl was given a board in RMRK for coverage and discussion, and, upon possible release, help.

Controversy

Since Stencyl is still under production and offers little to no information on what features it offers and what it's capable of, many people are skeptical. Some feel it's a hoax; others feel it's destined to become vaporware or glossyware.

Another large issue was the use of "snippets", sections of code (or pieces of script, in RPG Maker terms) that users piece together. Some people, ahref in particular, saw the large possibility that this would cause compatibility errors. Supporters of Stencyl didn't seem to think this was a problem. Irockman1 suggested ahref post on the Stencyl forums about it, since he, like everyone else, didn't know enough about the program to warrant a proper defense of what they adore so much. In time ahref did post there, and was given a response from members of the team. While they made it clear that anyone releasing snippets need to include clear documentation on it, they admitted that users cannot just grab random snippets and combine them. This is slightly contrary to the claim that users need no programming knowledge. They need at least enough knowledge to know what will and will not cause compatibility issues.

At one time Stencyl was under attack for seeming limited to fangames, although this is no longer the case. All of the screenshots and videos available were of games made featuring Mario, Megaman, Samus, etc. Even all their information regarding examples of Snippets included how to create Mario. Yet at the same time they claimed "Stencyl is not limited to fangames". Then they proceeded to show examples of fangames. They said at one time this was the goal of Stencyl, but has since changed and is up to the user to determine what game to make.

HaloOfTheSun and others have no problem with the program itself, as it stands currently Stencyl is not in existence, but more with the fanaticism of something which does not exist. Supporters of Stencyl deny it, but they defend Stencyl at every turn when they have no proof to back up their claims. Then in turn, they claim that those attacking Stencyl and its fanbase have no proof of their own, seemingly thinking they've made an excellent rebuttal.

Fanaticism is a strong word for this, as is fanboyism, in most cases. But there are people who feel that pointing out anything about the upcoming program is similar to insulting their mother. This is where the controversy lies, as these people have no information about Stencyl, other than that it will be a 2D game making program, capable of making platform games. Release dates have been pushed back until finally there was no release date, but promise to offer one soon. Screenshots and videos as well as information on capabilities are not given. At first this was due to that they didn't want to "build up hype" and have users disappointed (again, see vaporware) but now are claiming that they are a legal "company" (which they are not. They are an LLC at best). Now their claims of not sharing information are as such:

"The major implication of this is that we have to keep silent until we're done. Our intellectual
property (IP) and ideas differentiate us from the competition, and we don't want that leaking out 
until we launch. We can talk in generalities, but we aren't going to release any screenshots, videos
or major ideas until we are very close to launch. We ask that you understand and respect this." 
- Jon, Founder of Stencyl