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Jam Survival Guide

A topic by Cheeseness created Mar 15, 2017 Views: 328 Replies: 2
Viewing posts 1 to 2
Submitted(+4)

Hi people!

I don't think I'll be in a position to participate (too many other game dev projects milling around at the moment, but I'm making everything on Linux, so I'll be here in spirit ^_^ ), but I did want to take time to share some advice on approaching game jams that I originally put together for Adventure Jam last year in a web based slideshow.

http://cheesetalks.net/surviving-adventure-jam/

In it, I make some suggestions on what kind of outcomes to look for, how to pace yourself, some tips on planning and prioritisation, and understanding the interesting constraints that game jams can provide.

Hope it's helpful to someone :)

(1 edit) (+3)

Awesome, lots of good pointers there.

Might I add some tips for those wishing to get to sleep;

1. Avoid caffine after esp. after 6pm (as cheese said)

2. Keep a pen and paper right next to your bed and use it! Decompressing all your ideas from your mind and subconscious is essential to calm your brain, then reread them in the morning. You will find that ideas that sounded good before bed are actually bad or you thought of something much better, this will stop you from making so many mistakes and mistakes cost you time.

3. Use flux and turn off all lights at night and dimm your display, this will help your body produce melatonin.

4. Remind yourself this is a game jam and it should be fun / challenging. Don't stress yourself out, there are no prizes or awards (except bonus point :D), it's just an exercise to expand your creativity and skills. If you find yourself not having fun, take a break and if you dread the next day, maybe call it quits.

Submitted

There are some good thoughts. Thanks for sharing :D