1. Hi there! What's your name? Want to introduce yourself?
I'm Seren! Nice to meet you. I like video games and movies, and reviewing them, mentally, because I haven't worked up the courage to make a blog or Youtube channel. I'm studying computer science but would love to join some indie game company after graduation.
2. Did you participate in the last jam we held? If so, what do you plan on doing better this time? If not, what's your reason for joining?
Yes! I'm hoping to make my game a more satisfying experience this time (the last one was "finished" but not really, yanno?), and to make it from mostly-scratch. Last time I used Ren'Py, but this time I'll just be using straight-up Java.
3. What games are your favorites? Did any of them inspire you, or made you want to make your own?
Honestly, too many to count, and I have some favorites across all genres. Overwatch and Borderlands for shooters, Mario Odyssey for platforming, BOTW for sandbox, Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright for puzzles, Dangan Ronpa for visual novels, um...there's a lot more. I think all of them collectively have inspired me, especially the early Zelda and Pokemon games which I played religiously. I just want to give people a fun time.
4. Do you have experience with game development? What did you do/with what engine?
Nooot really! Just the last game jam, which was a visual novel/kind of memory-puzzle game in Ren'Py.
5. Tell us about something you're passionate about!
Animal husbandry! I care very much about animals and would like them all to be treated well with all the misconceptions out there cleared up (especially with fish!!!!). I'm also very into clean energy and stuff like that. Can't have a good time if the planet's gone, yanno.
6. What are your goals for this game jam?
To present a finished product and to provide multiple routes in the story! I'm hoping to make an overall satisfying experience, something more polished than my last attempt. I'm also going to be basically self-teaching myself all the stuff you need to know to make video games in Java--I've never done anything but class assignments in it!
7. Any advice to new jammers (if you're a veteran)?
Don't be afraid to cut back! Last jam I cut what must've been 3/4 of my game, but I'm so happy I did it, because I walked away with a finished product. Having something you can really share with others and present as something "finished" is a great feeling, and those features you cut out can always be added later.
8. If you're a returning jammer, what can the admins do to improve your jam experience?
Can't think of too much! Maybe more forum interaction as far as updates with people's games go? I honestly didn't go on the forums much last year (so I don't know what would need to be improved) but I will be this time.