1. Hi there! What's your name? Want to introduce yourself?
Hey! I'm Simon. Before I started getting into game development, I focused primarily on digital artwork! I ended up easing into pixel art a few years back, and it gradually drew me closer and closer to game development. I realized making a game was a big dream of mine, so here I am, trying to learn the ropes so I can hopefully make something awesome in the future!
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?
I didn't! I hadn't discovered this jam in time to join the prior event—but I'm excited to participate in the summer jam! I've been trying to join game jams so I can learn more about making games and utilize the knowledge and skills I develop later on, and this seems like a really cool and fun jam to participate in!
3. What games are your favorites? Did any of them inspire you, or made you want to make your own?
Some of my favorite games are Final Fantasy VII, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Um Jammer Lammy, and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky!
They've all played some part in making me want to make games—Final Fantasy VII has made me want to try my hand at a JRPG in the distant future, while Symphony of the Night was what made me form the idea for my primary big passion project, a Metroidvania game.
The unifying factor between them all are the vivid, evocative feelings they inspire in me. Whether it's the simple satisfaction of "getting into the groove" in Um Jammer Lammy, or the iconic and emotional scenes in Final Fantasy VII or Explorers of Sky, all of these games have made me really feel something, and in turn, they've made me want to make games that inspire that kind of emotion in others!
4. Do you have experience with game development? What did you do/with what engine?
Very little! I've done artwork in a team for two games made for two separate jams (Character sprites for a short visual novel, game sprites and concept artwork for a short Metroidvania), and solo development where I created original artwork, writing, and programming for a visual novel made with Ren'Py. I'm still very much a novice with the program, though.
5. Tell us about something you're passionate about!
I am very passionate about making characters and telling stories—I love putting a heart and soul into a character regardless of how prominent or "important" they may be to a narrative. There are so many people with countless different experiences and personal stories out there in the world, and I think it breathes so much life into your creations to reflect that through acknowledging the rich inner world of everyone you run into.
6. What are your goals for this game jam?
I think it'd be awesome to make something with a new engine, maybe Godot (which I am trying to learn as a "main" engine) or RPG Maker! I'm not sure how practical it would be for the scope of this jam, but getting some experience with developing a Metroidvania would be awesome, haha.
If I can't make something outside of Ren'Py/with a different program, I'm hoping to at least get more "advanced" with how I utilize it—maybe making a visual novel with branching paths, or multiple short routes! Even just learning some more snazzy effects would be great, haha.