1. Hi there! What's your name? Want to introduce yourself?
I go by Alaris, Alarikun, or Tom IRL. 29 year old hobbyist game-maker at the moment. I hope to one day advance to more serious game making, but for now, I will jam!
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 participate in the last one, but I did participate in MFGJ Winter 2017 (so, almost 2 years ago).
I want to get back into jamming, and I have a few ideas. My goal is to make something simple. Something fun.
3. What games are your favorites? Did any of them inspire you, or made you want to make your own?
Final Fantasy Tactics is my absolute favorite, and I would totally make a game in that style one day if I could.
4. Do you have experience with game development? What did you do/with what engine?
Very limited experience; I've made 2 prototypes in gamemaker for previous jams, but that's about it. I'm a programmer at heart, and have little to no skill in any of the other facets of game-makery.
5. Tell us about something you're passionate about!
Gaming and Writing in general. I'm great at gaming, subpar at writing... but I'm passionate about both! Maybe one day I'll combine my passions... you'll see an epic visual novel created by Alaris out there!
6. What are your goals for this game jam?
See question 2: I want to make something simple, ideally fun, to help me get back into jamming. It's been almost 2 years since I've done anything with it, and I remember having so much fun back then.
For Returning Jammers:
7. Any advice to new participants?
Realistically, set your sights low. Do not plan to make your perfect game over the next 2 weeks. Plan to make something playable, and to learn a lot. That's what we're all here to do!
8. What can the admins do to improve your jam experience?
Nothing that I can think of.
9. What are some of the past works you've made for the jam? Show off your favorites!
Umm, I made 2 for jams in the past. I wouldn't call them 100% finished, but I learned a lot from both of them:
Cat in a Box - My first game (if you don't count something made off of a python tutorial years ago), Cat in a Box was a simple game about picking up cats and putting them in boxes. I made it for MFGJ Winter 2017. [Secretly, my goal for this jam is to make the original vision I had for this game... but don't tell anyone :P ]
Duels of Aether - My second game, made for Betajam 2. This is a game I collaborated with 2 other people on, to create a Active Time Battle RPG-esque game. It's far from finished, and the difficulty curve is definitely... well, it leaves something to be desired. It was very fun to make, though, and I learned a ton.