1. Hi there! What's your name? Want to introduce yourself?
Hey! I'm Kenna May! This is my first time using itch.io as well as participating in a game jam, and I'm VERY excited if also extremely nervous. I'm also going to be blogging during the jam at gamingofkenna.tumblr.com.
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?
Nope! First jam ever! I've been interested in game writing and design for a couple years now, but have been too busy to do much about it. I've been planning on practicing game design using a bunch of different introductory programs, so when I heard about My First Game Jam it was the PERFECT opportunity to finally move on to RPGMaker, the free version of which I've had sitting on my computer for over a year.
3. What games are your favorites? Did any of them inspire you, or made you want to make your own?
Too many to name, but for the project I'm working on this year I was particularly inspired by the games Battle Chasers: Nightwar, Birdland, Undertale, the entire Ace Attorney series, and Supergiant's game (Bastion/Transister/Pyre). I'm particularly fond of adventure games like Legend of Zelda, and Assassin's Creed, as well. I haven't played many tabletop games, though what I have had the chance to play I've highly enjoyed.
4. Do you have experience with game development? What did you do/with what engine?
Last year I created a game in Twine for the Interactive Fiction Competition, which is the only completed project I've ever worked on. I've played around a bit with RPGMaker (VX Ace) before, and I have coding experience from school/working on personal projects online. I'm working on another Twine game now as well.
5. Tell us about something you're passionate about!
Stories! My lifelong dream has been to work in storytelling, and in the last decade or so I've been fascinated with the idea of using games to tell stories. I really love how the stories that games can tell are different from the kinds of stories you find elsewhere. I also love writing and particularly editing (what I actually went to school for), as well as graphic design, and lately audio drama and podcasts.
6. What are your goals for this game jam?
To create a finished game! Or, baring that, to get as close to that as possible. I want to get proficient in a new program, and learn skills in creating my own game assets. I'd also like to get better at project management.