itch.io

Hello everyone,

The summer game jam is officially over - the jury has decided!
Big thanks to everyone who attended the jam, and also to those who even just thought of attending it - we hope that you will join us next time! 

The results are posted here: https://itch.io/jam/no-code-summer-jam/results. You can play the games on both Itch and MANU marketplace - it's up to you to decide. 

We'll get in touch with the winner in the upcoming day about the precious prize 

P.S. If you have any feedback on the game jam - please, don't be shy: this one was the first for us in a long time, so we'll be happy to know what you think, what was good, and what was too much.

Hello everyone! 

We’re in the middle of the game jam! It seems that by now most of you already decided what you want to build and are already in a playable state. (If you just joined - these tips can be useful for you: https://itch.io/jam/no-code-summer-jam/topic/3906134/tips-for-a-great-game-ja)

We prepared some more tips for this stage of game production: 

• Halfway through the jam, you should start thinking about an ending for your game, winning or losing criteria, and focus on that. Your game will look more complete with this.
• If you have time, add some collectibles. Everyone loves collectibles, especially the hunt for some rare ones. Collectibles are easy to make and populate at an empty level. It will give your player an extra purpose.
• Focus on optimizing while making your level beautiful. Play with a paint group - it will solve both of your problems. Add flowers, trees, rocks, and pebbles, and turn your world into a living canvas.
• Add some music. A background song or some ambient forest sounds. Add some sound effects. Audio will dramatically boost the player's experience. You can find a lot of CC0 quality audio files.
• Don't forget to give the player tips or guidance on how to play the game. You can use written guidance, icons, sounds to follow, and lights to show the right path.
• Make a test export of your game in our marketplace. Become familiar with the system and ask for help if you are stuck. The video on how to do it is here: 
   
• Prepare some screenshots (or even better - a video!) for the Itch.io page of your game. It’s your game, after all, you need good marketing materials for your game page.
• Test your game with the more silly way a player will do. Remember that the players are not familiar with your creation and usually they don't play the game the way you imagine it or you want them to. Test for game-breaking events: something that will stop them from playing the game. Check the colliders that will prevent them from stepping outside of the game area.
• From a level design perspective, don't add invisible walls. Nobody likes these. Add obstacles that would make sense in the game and will prevent the players from stepping out.

Good luck, fellow creators! 

Hi! Thank you for your submission. 

Please make sure that your submission is made with MANU Video Game Maker and  exported to MANU marketplace: it's in the rules of No-code summer game jam hosted by MANU Video Game Maker. 

If the game doesn't meet those two criteria, we will not be able to include your game into the voting process. 

Thanks again!

Hi! Thank you for your submission. 

Please make sure that your submission is made with MANU Video Game Maker and  exported to MANU marketplace: it's in the rules of No-code summer game jam hosted by MANU Video Game Maker. 

If the game doesn't meet those two criteria, we will not be able to include your game into the voting process. 

Thanks again!

Hi everyone! 

Our game jam is in full action, but some of you just joined - welcome aboard! Don’t forget to take a look at the tips we shared in the beginning: Tips for a great game jam!

If you still feel stuck with ideas about your game, maybe check this list out. Here’s a manually selected list of media where you can get some inspiration. Not that we encourage you to make an adaptation or a fan edition of those pieces - but sometimes a deep dive can adjust your creative vibes and get you going.

Games:

• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Although the game is not particularly about summer, it is set in various exotic locations, including lush jungles and ancient ruins. So, maybe a quick run - or just a couple of playthroughs can put you in the mood for adventure and treasure-hunting game creation.

• Firewatch

The game is set in the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming during the summer of 1989. Players take on the role of Henry, a fire lookout stationed in a remote forest watchtower. Henry's job is to watch for smoke and ensure the safety of the forest. The game has unique visuals and a deep plot. Again, summer's not always equal to beach life: it can be a time of self-discovery in the woods.

• Far Cry 3

Old but gold! The game is set on a fictional archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are a tropical paradise with lush jungles, mountains, and beaches. Players assume the role of Jason Brody, a young man who is stranded on the islands with his friends after a skydiving trip goes wrong. Jason's friends are captured by pirates, so he must rescue them and escape the island while dealing with the local resistance fighters and uncovering the dark secrets.

There’s also a Reddit thread where people talk about the topic: https://www.reddit.com/r/patientgamers/comments/vi0c7n/there_is_a_distinct_lack_of_summer_style_games/ 

Films & Animation

• Gravity Falls

Quirky, fun, and clever animation series about twins uncovering strange and mysterious secrets of the town of Gravity Falls with their friends, relatives, and neighbors. No matter how old you are, these series will make you reminisce of your almost-teen days, and remind you of all the ghost stories you used to know at the time. Why not use them for the game?

• The Beach

A drama thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a young traveler who discovers a secluded paradise in Thailand, only to find that paradise comes with unexpected dangers and dark secrets, challenging his notions of utopia and isolation. Starting as some kind of adventure, this film turns you inside out in the end and leaves you thinking about human nature. That’s definitely an idea for a game. 

• Lost

Gold standard of TV series, it follows the survivors of a plane crash stranded on a mysterious tropical island. As they struggle to survive and find a way home, they uncover supernatural phenomena, complex relationships, and deep personal mysteries, leading to a gripping narrative that blends suspense, drama, and mystery across its six seasons. Get inspired to make a beach survival drama.

You can always talk to the community in our Discord and use the hive mind of fellow indie creators: https://discord.gg/D4hx65yeaG 

Have a good one!

Hi everyone - let’s make those two weeks of constant creativity great!

We have gathered for you some tips for a smooth start of a Game Jam. Here you go:

• Start simple, don't plan a very complicated project.
• Don't try to do a very complicated logic with your games. And If you feel stuck, ask for help in Discord: https://discord.gg/D4hx65yeaG 
• When planning, divide your time into three parts where around 60% of your time should be the main building with the features, 30% is optimizing the game, making changes, level design, and 10% leave for testing and bug fixing.
• Make sure to have your project exported and test it in the export version as well
• Upload your game to Itch.io and MANU marketplace https://manu.org/  when your game is in a good state, playable for backup reasons. Better submit half game rather than no game at all.
• Don’t forget to share your progress in Discord - or with #MANUSummerJam tag on social media!

Good luck and have a lot of fun!

Hello everyone!

Have you already picked an idea for our No-code Summer Game Jam? It’s time to rush - the  game jam starts in two days! Also, as a reminder: it’s a MANU exclusive game jam. 

We’ll play all the submitted games, promote them on our socials, and pick a winner! 

Don't forget to  join our Discord https://discord.gg/D4hx65yeaG for more chatter on the way!