Two weeks ago I decided that the site was starting to look a little dated and it was time for a facelift. Also motivating the call to action is the strong trend towards mobile device usage for web browsing.
So, over the last two weeks I have been busy overhauling the appearance of the site and also making it more "responsive", that is one that dynamically adapts the contents to fit the device screen size and orientation. This is more noticeable on tablets and smartphones. At the same time, I believe I have kept all the same navigation and functionality as was there previously. You can still go directly from any page to any other game page with one click.
One of the major challenges I have faced is that all the Flash based games (the majority) do not work on mobile devices and so I have been forced to have different pages for mobile devices and restrict them from accessing many games. But I am putting more work in making more games and functionality available on mobile, specifically tablets. I have just improved the HTML5 based Sudoku for tablets and smartphones and released it today.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
New game - Triplets
Following on from the crazy success of games like Bejewelled and Candy Crush, I thought I would add my take on a "Match-3" style game. The result is Triplets which was released on the site a couple of days ago. It is a very "no-frills" version, with simple graphics and is written entirely in HTML5/JavaScript and so will run on tablets as well as PCs.
There are 25 pre-defined levels to complete and the highest scores for all levels are posted on the main page. There is also a daily challenge which is a quick one level with the objective of scoring as high as possible. Each day a new challenge with different parameters will be presented.
There are 25 pre-defined levels to complete and the highest scores for all levels are posted on the main page. There is also a daily challenge which is a quick one level with the objective of scoring as high as possible. Each day a new challenge with different parameters will be presented.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Comments on Recent Survey
My name is Derek and for those that do not know, I am the founder and developer of DKM Software (DKM Games). I stopped posting on this blog a while ago but have decided to renew it as a means of communicating new content.
Firstly, I would like to thank you all for such a huge response to the survey that I posted on the site last week. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the response and comments. As you may have gathered, my motivation for creating the site is certainly not for the money (I am fortunate to be in a position where I do not need to work for money anymore). I am doing this because I still love programming and being creative (started programming back in 1975 - yes, on punch cards and mainframes using COBOL), and also to provide enjoyment and benefit to others. Your feedback reaffirms why I am spending all my time developing this site. (For those interested, you can read some of the nice things said here.)
Your suggestions have give me enough work for a lifetime. On a general note, there are a couple of observations. The first is one that is disconcerting and relates to advertising on the site. A number of users have made comments (even before the survey) that they are experiencing very obtrusive and plentiful ads. It is very clear to me that these ads are not coming from my site but that their PC is infected with "Adware" - a malware type of virus. I do have Google AdSense ads on the site but they are always to the side - occasionally at the bottom of a page - but never interfering with any game play. If you are experiencing any pop-up ads, ads that obscure any game play, ads that require you to watch them first, or strange commercial links embedded in the page, then this is not from DKM Games. Please see the note on the FAQ page for more info.
The second is that many features requested are actually there already. Also some new games requested are also available now, eg Freecell and Mahjong. I need to find a better way to make all features known without being obtrusive in any way. Perhaps a "tip of the day dialog" that you can switch off if you don't want it. Also, the Preferences dialog in many games is under the Edit menu option and clearly missed - I should change that.
Improvements to Existing Games
Here are a few of the requested changes I have identified as a first pass (cannot guarantee when/if I will implement all).
In the survey you could rate certain new features from 1 - 5. As expected, there were lots of ones and lots of fives for each. But as an average, the one that scored the highest is "Memory Games". This is an area I would like to develop and I think would be very beneficial to the current base of users to improve and exercise their brains. I will not only add games but also articles on how to improve your memory and practice exercises.
I have written a multi-user quiz where there is are live quizzes ongoing. Limited time to answer each question and the one that gets the answer first gets bonus points. The problem is that this need tens of thousands of questions to prevent same ones repeating. I have amassed a database of over 30,000 questions (from free ones that certain sites offer). Unfortunately, as expected many are too difficult or inaccurate or inappropriate. It will take a significant amount of time to check and edit these so I am reluctant to release it right now.
A couple of the other games suggested I like but cannot add due to copyright issues. The ones I have on my short list to do are:
Firstly, I would like to thank you all for such a huge response to the survey that I posted on the site last week. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the response and comments. As you may have gathered, my motivation for creating the site is certainly not for the money (I am fortunate to be in a position where I do not need to work for money anymore). I am doing this because I still love programming and being creative (started programming back in 1975 - yes, on punch cards and mainframes using COBOL), and also to provide enjoyment and benefit to others. Your feedback reaffirms why I am spending all my time developing this site. (For those interested, you can read some of the nice things said here.)
Your suggestions have give me enough work for a lifetime. On a general note, there are a couple of observations. The first is one that is disconcerting and relates to advertising on the site. A number of users have made comments (even before the survey) that they are experiencing very obtrusive and plentiful ads. It is very clear to me that these ads are not coming from my site but that their PC is infected with "Adware" - a malware type of virus. I do have Google AdSense ads on the site but they are always to the side - occasionally at the bottom of a page - but never interfering with any game play. If you are experiencing any pop-up ads, ads that obscure any game play, ads that require you to watch them first, or strange commercial links embedded in the page, then this is not from DKM Games. Please see the note on the FAQ page for more info.
The second is that many features requested are actually there already. Also some new games requested are also available now, eg Freecell and Mahjong. I need to find a better way to make all features known without being obtrusive in any way. Perhaps a "tip of the day dialog" that you can switch off if you don't want it. Also, the Preferences dialog in many games is under the Edit menu option and clearly missed - I should change that.
Improvements to Existing Games
Here are a few of the requested changes I have identified as a first pass (cannot guarantee when/if I will implement all).
- Record personalized scores on relevant games to show how you are progressing relative to yourself and also relative to other users.
- Add some more archive puzzles in a couple of the games
- Sudoku: Already added a couple of options to highlight all cells with a particular number when you click on it and also to de-emphasize a number when complete (all 9 entries filled correctly). Add other very advanced strategies.
- Codewords: Have already significantly increased the dictionary size to prevent certain words repeating over puzzles. If this does not solve the problem, then I need to rework the generation algorithm. There should be very few repeats as dictionary is very large (except maybe three letter words). Also, look at maybe adding larger grids and 10 letter words.
- Word Ruffle: Numerous requests to improve the dictionary. I am aware there are common words missing - it just is a very tedious and time consuming exercise to go through all missing words (from a very large word list) and remove uncommon ones. It would be a trivial exercise to provide a full dictionary but that would make the game much worse than it is, because users would never get all the words in any of the lengths. Also, such a long list of words to find would not fit on the screen.
- Yubotu: Improve the input options and automatically convert indeterminate ship parts to actual shape when already known. Problem with clicking not registering is a Flash player issue and I think related to using custom mouse cursors. Will need to perhaps implement option not to have to use these cursors. Also, add larger fleet/grid size that was in the desktop version when it was available.
- Jigsaws: I like the idea of a mystery challenge where you do not know what the picture looks like. Also add an option to change the shape of the pieces.
- Cryptograms: Add new ones and perhaps allow users to submit their own phrases. This is the only thing holding back having many more available.
In the survey you could rate certain new features from 1 - 5. As expected, there were lots of ones and lots of fives for each. But as an average, the one that scored the highest is "Memory Games". This is an area I would like to develop and I think would be very beneficial to the current base of users to improve and exercise their brains. I will not only add games but also articles on how to improve your memory and practice exercises.
I have written a multi-user quiz where there is are live quizzes ongoing. Limited time to answer each question and the one that gets the answer first gets bonus points. The problem is that this need tens of thousands of questions to prevent same ones repeating. I have amassed a database of over 30,000 questions (from free ones that certain sites offer). Unfortunately, as expected many are too difficult or inaccurate or inappropriate. It will take a significant amount of time to check and edit these so I am reluctant to release it right now.
A couple of the other games suggested I like but cannot add due to copyright issues. The ones I have on my short list to do are:
- Hashi (or Bridges)
- Slitherlink
- Nonograms (also known as Pic-a-pix, Hanjie, Griddlers). I like these puzzles but the problem is getting all the pictures. Happy to implement if someone can provide me with appropriate pictures.
- Scrabble. I already have SpeedCross (a single user variant I made up). Would like to make this multi-user in various formats. Did ask on Forum if anyone interested but only got one yes. However, I think this is because very few read the Forum.
- Kakuro
- Card games such as Hearts and Spades. Also more solitaire games.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Shichi Sudoku
A new Sudoku variant has been greated by DKM Games, called Shichi Sudoku (from the Japanese word for "seven"). It contains 7 interlocking grids along the lines of the previous 5-grid Samurai Sudoku. It's guaranteed to give you a challenge!
Because of the large size of the puzzle, a new popup input pad has been introduced to aid input. This can be disabled if you prefer the traditional input. Keyboard input is also still available.
Because of the large size of the puzzle, a new popup input pad has been introduced to aid input. This can be disabled if you prefer the traditional input. Keyboard input is also still available.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Hanidoku
A new logic puzzle called Hanidoku is now available.
It is an interesting and challenging variant of Sudoku. Like Sudoku, you need to fill the grid with numbers so that each line contains unique numbers 1-9 but the grid is shaped like a honeycomb and not all lines are nine cells in length. If the line is less than nine cells, the numbers used must be consecutive.
Tutorials are available as well as the usual hints, clues and "solve one cell" walkthrough.
It is an interesting and challenging variant of Sudoku. Like Sudoku, you need to fill the grid with numbers so that each line contains unique numbers 1-9 but the grid is shaped like a honeycomb and not all lines are nine cells in length. If the line is less than nine cells, the numbers used must be consecutive.
Tutorials are available as well as the usual hints, clues and "solve one cell" walkthrough.
Monday, October 25, 2010
DKM Jigsaw Desktop
A new version of DKM Jigsaw Desktop is now available. It adds a number of new features not found in the online version such as resizing of images, "pockets" to organize pieces, selection of pieces containing like color, background textures, easily moving groups of pieces and more.
It is also written on Adobe AIR and runs on all computers.
It is also written on Adobe AIR and runs on all computers.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
DKM Sudoku Desktop
A new version of DKM Sudoku Desktop in now available. The code for this release is now based on the Flash version (rather than Microsoft's .NET) and so it looks and feels the same as the online version. This also means it will now run on all versions of Windows (from XP up) as well as Mac OS X.
It does however mean that the skins feature from the previous release is no longer available.
It does however mean that the skins feature from the previous release is no longer available.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Yubotu on iPhone and Android
You can now play the online version of DKM Yubotu on your iPhone/iPod Touch or Android touch phone. Simply navigate to http://dkmgames.com on your phone.
Due to the size limitations of the screen, only the ten fleet puzzle options are available.
Due to the size limitations of the screen, only the ten fleet puzzle options are available.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sudoku on iPhone and Android
DKM Sudoku client has been rewritten to allow you to play online on your iPhone/iPod Touch or Android touch phone. Simply navigate to http://dkmgames.com on your phone.
Most of the features are available and exactly the same puzzles as accessed from a PC browser.
If you have an iPhone/iPod touch, you can place an icon on your home screen and it will act as per a "native" iPhone application.
Most of the features are available and exactly the same puzzles as accessed from a PC browser.
If you have an iPhone/iPod touch, you can place an icon on your home screen and it will act as per a "native" iPhone application.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Shisen on Facebook
Shisen has now been added to Facebook. For those that enjoy the daily challenge, you can now compete against other Facebook users and your friends.
Click here to play.
Click here to play.
Friday, April 23, 2010
DKM Sudoku on Facebook
You can now play DKM Sudoku on Facebook. It does not have all the features of the DKM Games site (limited puzzles), but you can compete in the daily challenges and see how you fare against your friends and other Facebook users.
Sudoku on Facebook
Sudoku on Facebook
Sunday, April 4, 2010
New Jigsaw Site
DKM Jigsaw has now moved to a new site called jigsawjam.com, dedicated to jigsaws only. All the features of the existing jigsaws are available plus more, for example, a high quality new puzzle each day. We hope you will enjoy.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sudoku Statistics
Sudoku statistics are now recorded for all registered users. When you complete a puzzle that is eligible to be scored, the program shows your average score, highest score and your Rank Index. This index is the average of the last 12 scores, excluding the highest and the lowest.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sudoku Scoring System
A new scoring system has now been introduced for Sudoku puzzles. The motivation behind this is to try introduce a uniform performance metric across all puzzles, including those entered manually from other sources. This will be used to provide player rankings and statistics in the future.
Currently, the only measure of performance is your time and a grading of puzzles across four levels. A new rating index is now calculated for all puzzles, roughly ranging between 900 to 1600. This attempts to provide a much finer-grained indicator of puzzle difficulty although, as you well appreciate, this is not an exact science.
The actual score is calculated when you complete the puzzle according to the following formula:
where:
The parameters of the formula will most likely be refined based on empirical data collected as well as user feedback. Please feel free to comment here.
Currently, the only measure of performance is your time and a grading of puzzles across four levels. A new rating index is now calculated for all puzzles, roughly ranging between 900 to 1600. This attempts to provide a much finer-grained indicator of puzzle difficulty although, as you well appreciate, this is not an exact science.
The actual score is calculated when you complete the puzzle according to the following formula:
Score = Rating + TimeBonus - Accuracy - SolveAids
where:
- Rating = the rating index assigned to each puzzle. This index attempts to measure the difficulty of the puzzle by examining at each stage of the solving process how many cells can be solved by logic relative to the number of unsolved cells. It also looks at what techniques are required to solve those cells. Those that rely on more sophisticated techniques greatly increase the rating index. The current difficulty level (Easy, Medium, Hard, Tough) is only based on the techniques required to solve and you may now find that some Easy puzzles have a higher rating than other Medium ones or similarly for Medium/Hard/Tough.
- TimeBonus = extra points for completing the puzzle quickly. In fact, time is still the most important factor determining your score. The time bonus is computed by taking the average time per difficulty level divided by your time and then multiplied by the rating index. For example, the average time for Medium puzzles is currently set at 12 minutes (720 seconds) so if you complete a puzzle with a rating of 1100 in 6 minutes, you will score a time bonus of (720/360 * 1100), ie 2200 which is twice the rating for that puzzle. If you completed the puzzle in 20 minutes (1200 seconds), your time bonus would be (720/1200 * 1100) ie 660.
- Accuracy = the number of errors you make. For the first cell that you enter an incorrect value, you lose 30 points, for each subsequent error the points lost increases by 10. So you would lose 40 points for the second error and so on. Note that pencil marks do not affect the scoring in any way.
- SolveAids = each time you use a hint or clue or check your input. You lose 40 points for each hint, 50 for each clue and 20 each time you check your input.
The parameters of the formula will most likely be refined based on empirical data collected as well as user feedback. Please feel free to comment here.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Facebook Page
For those of you who are Facebook users, there is now a DKM Games page. Feel free to post comments, start discussions or just become a fan -:)
Click here to go to the page.
Click here to go to the page.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Daily Challenges
A daily challenge has been added for Shisen and Word Ruffle. Each day, users can solve the same puzzle and the best times/scores are posted on the leaderboard. Based on the popularity of these, the challenges may be extended to other games.
The user registration system has now been implemented in Sudoku Sniper and Word Ferret to avoid name abuse.
The user registration system has now been implemented in Sudoku Sniper and Word Ferret to avoid name abuse.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
User Registration
A user registration system has finally been implemented. This will help greatly in managing users and preventing abuse in regards to the leaderboards and other multi-user functions like Word Ferret.
But, more importantly, having a centralised database of users will allow many more user specific enhancements to be implemented in the future, such as personal statistics.
Initially, registration is only required for the daily Sudoku Challenge. This will be extended to multi-user Word Ferret and Sudoku Sniper. Daily challenges for other games will be implemented shortly.
Registration is free and takes less than a minute. Once logged in, your computer will remember you for future sessions.
But, more importantly, having a centralised database of users will allow many more user specific enhancements to be implemented in the future, such as personal statistics.
Initially, registration is only required for the daily Sudoku Challenge. This will be extended to multi-user Word Ferret and Sudoku Sniper. Daily challenges for other games will be implemented shortly.
Registration is free and takes less than a minute. Once logged in, your computer will remember you for future sessions.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Welcome!
This is the first blog entry for DKM Games. The purpose of this blog is to keep you up to date with additions and changes to the site and provide other useful information and tips to make your gaming experience better.
Why the reference to "DKM Games" and not "DKM Software"? Well, DKM Games is a more apt description of the contents of site dkmsoftware.com and will be used as the marketing reference for the games in the future. DKM Software is the holding company of DKM Games and may publish other software in the future not related to gaming. So a new domain "dkmgames.com" has been registered solely for the purpose of gaming. For now, http://www.dkmgames.com/ and http://www.dkmsoftware.com/ both point to the same website, so you can use the addresses interchangeably. No existing links should be broken.
Why the reference to "DKM Games" and not "DKM Software"? Well, DKM Games is a more apt description of the contents of site dkmsoftware.com and will be used as the marketing reference for the games in the future. DKM Software is the holding company of DKM Games and may publish other software in the future not related to gaming. So a new domain "dkmgames.com" has been registered solely for the purpose of gaming. For now, http://www.dkmgames.com/ and http://www.dkmsoftware.com/ both point to the same website, so you can use the addresses interchangeably. No existing links should be broken.
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