- Try not to just have one idea. Sit and brainstorm and make a list of different ideas. I would say try to come up with 3 to 7 ideas on paper at least, before you start anything. Try to be as creative as you can with the theme.
- DO NOT OVER-SCOPE! If you plan the greatest game ever with 40 features, chances are very high you will be disappointed come deadline. Start simple! Make a basic prototype of the idea you decided on and make it super simple at first. Do not get caught in the common perfectionist cycle of trying to make everything perfect the first time. Make everything rough draft at first and slowly polish and add onto it.
- THIS IS FOR FUN AND PRACTICE! Do not stress about winning! Chances are you will learn many new tricks and tips throughout. If you don't win this time, there will be many other attempts in this repeating jam. You can use all the tricks you learn and apply them next time. The point of the prizes are there to motivate while not being the main reason to join. The reason you join should be to practice and have fun... who knows you might win while you are at it!
- Take frequent breaks - Over thinking or fatigue can lead to time costing mistakes. Take frequent breaks and you will notice a huge difference. All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy... Trust me. I would recommend setting up allotted times to work, to take breaks and eat, and when to call it a day. Stick to this schedule and try to avoid losing sleep if possible. If you are tired, you will make simple mistakes and cost yourselves more time. Make sure to rest enough and relax. Eating is a huge part of game jams, make sure you are eating! Red Bulls are not food!
- Use the discord for feedback. Get feedback as you go and use the hundreds of other community members help to make your game come out the best it can. I would recommend using the game-jam-chat to get feedback as you go! Getting this feedback early will really help all of you be able to focus on creating your exact vision before you even submit your game.
- The rules allow you to use any fonts and royalty free music, so take advantage of this.
- Upload at least 2 hours prior to give time to fix errors or bugs. Note I will provide re-submission tickets if there is a catastrophic bug within it. Have others playtest your game before uploading to catch these mistakes early!
- AGAIN... HAVE FUN - This is for fun remember! If you don't win this time, you will have many other attempts in my future jams
- ZIP ALL OF YOUR FILES BEFORE UPLOADING -