.: Zpectre: Awards for ZDooM Excellence

In this corner of DooM Nexus space are to be found the Zpectre awards for excellence within the ZDooM universe. "What does that encompass?" you ask. In a nutshell, the ZDooM universe covers all initiatives related to ZDooM and its derivatives (GZDooM, SkullTag, etc.) Here are the basic guidelines:

A. What Qualifies for Consideration?

1. Any wad or mod that relies on ZDooM & derivatives for its principal features. This includes maps, gameplay mods (e.g., weapons, enemies, etc.), graphics mods, etc. Wads that alter the game without specifically requiring the use of ZDooM or that do not specifically take advantage of ZDooM features (e.g. music, sounds, sprites that can just as easily be used in other source ports or in vanilla DooM) will not be considered.
2. Any program or software that promotes the use or ease of use of ZDooM & derivatives. This includes front-end game loaders, utilities that make editing the game easier, editing software, etc.

B. What Criteria Will be Used for Consideration?

1. Innovativeness - does the wad/mod push the envelope of ZDooM/derivative features?
2. Fun - does the wad/mod satisfy the crucial reason for playing all games?
3. Groundbreaking - does the wad/mod pave the way for other wads/mods that build upon the features in the original?
4. Memorable - does it stand out from the other offerings?

C. How Will Wads/Mods be Selected for Consideration?

1. At present, all nominees are selected at my sole discretion.
2. However, readers can feel free to nominate ZDooM wads and utilities and submit them to me via email - gurkha_boy @ yahoo.com.
3. People can nominate as many candidates as they feel are deserving. However, the nomination process will require a fairly specific identification of reasons for nomination (based primarily on the criteria outlined in B, above.

D. How many Awards will be Given?

1. The original plan was to make 2 awards in each of the criteria outlined in B, above, plus 2 "wild cards" for a total of 10 awards. There were to be "honorable mentions" for nominees that didn't make the cut for the so-called "top ten".
2. However, at present there will be an indeterminate number of awards, mainly depending on how much free time I have to identify, nominate, and judge the wads.
3. A nominee may qualify for an award in more than one criterion, but will only be eligible to win one award. [Of course, if a nominee qualifies in more than one category, then it will receive the award for the category for which it most qualifies.] In this way, the spotlight can shine on all deserving candidates.
4. If I get volunteers to setp up and help with the nomination and judging process, then we may be on track to get 2 awards in each category.

E. Are There Only Going to be Zpectre Awards for 2010 and Going Forward?

1. There will be awards for the top wads since the advent of ZDooM.

F. Are There Going to be Prizes for Winners?

1. Yeah, right!