Team Finding
Making a game all by yourself can be a daunting task. Joining a team helps make the workload manageable and connects you with other people who share the same interests. If you're looking to team up with other people for this jam, here's the place to do it! I know there's a lot of introducing going on, but bear with me a little longer!
Post to the thread with the information below. A sample post will be provided.
Once you've found a team, edit your post to show you're no longer available.
I am a [role(s)] looking for [role(s) or team]!
1. Introduction: Include any basic information you wish for people to know. I.e., Name, timezone, pronouns, etc. Or go all out and give your entire life philosophy; it's up to you!
2. Skills: Stuff you know how to do, or kind of know how to do. You can also add things you're willing to try.
3. Programs/Languages: Engines/Programs (for any use, be it art, music, game dev, animation, etc) and markup/programming languages you are familiar with.
4. Portfolio: Not terribly necessary, but it'd be a good idea to provide examples of things you've done. Don't sweat it if you're a complete beginner!
5. Contact: Ways to keep in touch. Instant messengers, slack, emails, etc.
6. Other: Anything else you think is important. Have an idea for a game? Stick it here. Have any specific expectations from your team? Stick them here. Anything goes!
Team Tips & Tricks
- Communication is key! If you have concerns, frustrations, stress, other commitments, it is your responsibility to inform your team so they can help resolve the issue or accommodate. Most of these tips can probably be summarized as communication.
- Can't do your part? Tell your team. If you have real life obligations, let your team members know so they can either lessen your work load or find someone else to help out.
- Stay focused! Working together can be fun, but make sure you get things done! This is especially tricky for teams who know eachother well; sometimes the camaraderie can be a distraction.
- Set clear, manageable goals. This helps everyone stay on the same page and facilitates productivity.
- Dealing with stress/illness? Putting this one here for myself since I have this issue as well. If you have a history of health problems, whether it is physical or mental, please be up front about it. No one will blame you for needing to take it easy!
- Use productivity apps/ file sharing sites! There's a plethora of resources for effective team/file management. Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, and Trello are just a few of them. A list will soon be added here for anyone who wants to give them a whirl.
- Again: file sharing. Mentioned in the point above, but important enough to warrant its own point. Using a file sharing service like Dropbox enables everyone to work on the same things at the same time as well as allow real-time updates. An artist can stick assets into a shared folder, thus allowing the programmer to instantly access it. Making changes is much easier too. Highly recommend teams do this!
- Frustrated with your group? Nothing is perfect. Even with people you get along with, you're bound to have conflict. Keep a cool head and remember: even terrible game jam experiences have value. Be willing to carry on and don't give up!