Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Overlord?
- Why should I care?
- Does it cost a fortune?
- How many projects or users is it limited to?
- How long can I use it?
- Can I install it on multiple sites/servers?
- Who made it?
- Why did you make it?
- Are you going to continue development?
What is Overlord?
Overlord is a web-application for managing projects and people, created with PHP, XHTML, JavaScript, and MySQL. Installation is as simple as uploading the files to your own server and running the setup script, much like a forum or CMS script. Once setup, you can add as many users as you like, setup projects and then inside each project you can create tasks, milestones, checklists, and messages. Each project also has a bugs section to keep track of problems. It is intended for use mainly as a tool for mod or indie game developers to keep their projects organized and their team members up to date, but with a little creativity, it could be used for almost anything.
Why should I care?
By giving development teams a central location for messages, task updates, and checklists, they can stay focused on creating their game or mod, instead of constantly worrying about who’s doing what, when it’s going to be done, or what they are supposed to be doing. With advanced task management options, there will never be a question about what each team member’s assignments and responsibilities are, or what their progress is, everyone can see exactly what’s going on at any time by checking the project overview.
Communication is as simple as choosing a category and writing your message. Customizable message categories for each project mean less clutter and confusion. Messages are stored on the site as long as you want, so you don’t have to worry about losing any important information. Custom checklists allow you to group simple tasks and assign them to a person or let anyone check them off. Milestones allow you to create a timeline for your projects and see the overall status at a glance.
Does it cost a fortune?
Of course not! I'm a gamer myself, and I know not everyone has the ability to plop down a huge chunk of change or pay a steep monthly fee for something like this. So, a lifetime license is only $29.95 and that includes all future patches for free. I know some people might even think $30 is too much, but if you look at the alternatives, it is a small price to pay for such a great tool.
How many projects or users is it limited to?
There are no artificial limits in Overlord like there are in some other project manager applications. You can have as many projects and users as your database can hold.
How long can I use it?
You may use Overlord for as long as you like. You can download all future patches and have access to limited support.
Can I install it on multiple sites/servers?
Yes and no. You can install your copy of Overlord anywhere you want, the files are not important; but you are only granted a license to have one Overlord portal at a time. That is, you can only have it setup and functioning at one web address. If you want to use Overlord for two different development teams without having all of them use the same portal (i.e. one team uses http://examplemod.com/overlord and the other uses http://examplemod2.com/overlord), then you will need to purchase a second license. The only exception to this is a local install. You can install Overlord on your own computer, so that you don't have to access the web for your own personal use, AND have an Overlord portal setup on the internet for use by others.
If you are in any way confused by that, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Who made it?
The development team consists of me, myself, and I. I will introduce myself, so that you can get to know me. My name is Jacob Fike, and I'm just your average guy that loves games and the great mods that people have made over the years. I work in a computer lab and develop websites on the side. I've been developing websites for about 10 years now and developing with PHP and MySQL for about 5 years. My personal blog/portfolio is at Random Developer.
Why did you make it?
I have been wanting to create a tool like Overlord since March of 2005, after being part of several game mods that fell apart after a few weeks because their was no communication and no one knew what everyone else was doing. I created a "staff tools" system for a group of developers called Ghost Games when I coded their website and CMS system. It wasn't impressive or pretty, but it worked. Since then, I have kept trying to rewrite it and make it a really great tool, but I just wasn't motivated enough. Then I saw Basecamp.
Basecamp was almost exactly what I had wanted to build. It was simple and easy to use, and it looked like I wouldn't have to write anything myself, but it soon became apparent that it was not going to work for everyone. First of all, it was only hosted on their servers; you couldn't edit the look or extend the functionality. Secondly, to really use it, you had to pay for it, starting at $12/month and even then you were limited in how many projects you could have unless you got the most expensive package. Finally, you still need your own server if you want to share files. Paying for two servers just isn't in most people's budget, so, it was clear that a simple, extendable, and affordable project management tool was still needed.
In September of 2005, I started posting .plans at Garage Games, asking about how much interest there would be in a cheap, simple tool for project management. The response was that such a tool would be greatly appreciated as other offerings were sorely lacking in one area or another. So, I started on what would eventually become Overlord, the perfect tool for keeping your minions in line.
Are you going to continue development?
Yes. Development of Overlord will be ongoing, although it will be limited to my spare time now that I have a full-time job at GarageGames.