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Is this Game Jam just for fun?

A topic by dedasf created Jul 15, 2021 Views: 319 Replies: 10
Viewing posts 1 to 7
(+1)

I have never made a Game before or participated in a Game Jam. I am looking for a jam that isn't serious as i'm not the best. I am 14 and struggling for ideas so I thought joining would help.

(+2)

I think that this kind of Game Jam is going to help you a lot. You don't need to be the best or good in anyway, just have fun! Try to finish the game and have fun with it, no need to overwork and learn to manage time frame is a key here.

Thanks for the support. I'll try to finish a simple game.

HostSubmitted(+1)

Yeah, good idea. Pico-8 is a GREAT place to start, as all the tools are built in.  Just draw stuff, and make a simple game! Fourteen is a great time to start -- I started at 16 (long ago)!

https://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php

It's 15 USD if that is affordable for you.  Also there are other tools like Twine and Bitsy and such! Doesn't hurt to try!

If you get it, this demo cart from my TOY BOX JAM has a lot of free graphics, sounds, and music to mess with.

https://www.lexaloffle.com/bbs/?tid=36429

I will make a post for BEGINNER'S RESOURCES for PICO-8 so all beginners can benefit. Thanks for reaching out!

HostSubmitted(+1)

Also, if you try to make a game. Make a SIMPLE one for your first one. You will learn so much?  A game like Snake, Concentration, Space Invaders, and so on. One screen, simple player controls, simple movement.  Just get a simple game DONE! It will feel so great to get it finished. I made 50 little games and demos before I got in the industry. Gotta learn your craft.  It's okay that it is simple. Getting games done is the hardest thing to do, so give yourself a break and make the first one easy to make! Good luck!

(+3)

Thank you for your advice. I will try to make a simple one as you suggested.

(+1)

You can join most jams even if you aren't that good tbh. Some people might take it seriously and competitively, but many just join for fun. Just remember to get inspired by the other more skilled jammers rather than get discouraged. 

Good luck, and remember to have fun! 

(+1)

Thank you for the advice, I will try to improve

Me too!

As a game dev you'll constantly be learning so don't stress on not being too good. I'm not either - but I find the limitations inspire me and force me to think more constructively. Start with a simple game with simplistic controls - but you'll still be amazed at what you can make! And it feels very fulfilling just completing a few projects. Don't sweat it - just apply yourself, learn and you'll create something special, at least to you if not anyone else :) 

Thank you. I've tried to make games before but I have never even been close to finishing the. My scope is always too high but I will try to make a simple game as you suggested.