Slavic Game Jam 2018, Warsaw, Poland
This is an edited coverage of Slavic Game Jam 2018, Warsaw, Poland, 20-22.07
Lunar Shuriken at Slavic Game Jam 2018
20.07 Friday
11:20 Game Jam begins! Check-in and the registration. Each participant’s got a shirt button in a color designating an order at meals. Also a map with an event schedule, an ID card, and some swags.
12:00 Found a nice, spacy room for work. This is where I’m going to spend most of the weekend.
12:30 Keynote presentation starts. Elie Abraham giving a speech about how he has got into game jamming.
13:30 The theme for a game jam is about to be announced.
And the theme is…
COMPETITION
14:00 Lunch’s being served. I’ve had a nice hamburger. There’s also a small kitchen on the site, supplied with apple juice and assorted fresh fruit. Nobody’s at risk of working on an empty stomach (as long as they don’t forget to eat/drink!).
Hyde Park is an event where you can talk about any topic or propose any game related activity.
15:30 First presentation at Hyde Park:
Adam Bryla. „Procedural Magic”.
A procedural approach to making content. The discussed example was the functionality of Houdini Apprentice application. It allows you to prepare multiple meshes for 3D object procedurally.
16:00 Another presentation at Hyde Park:
Luke Spierewka. „Unity toolbox: SGJ edition”. Tips & tricks for maintaining your sanity in check.
Some useful tips on how to write a clear, simpler code in Unity. A presenter discussed the application of functions like AddListener and State Machines. There were also some games presented, both published and pre-released. The games showcased the practical use of different approaches to the programming.
16:30 The third presentation at Hyde Park:
Damian „Threef” Komorowski. „Seed based challenges”.
How to have some game elements random and keep the game fair to all the players participating in a multiplayer session. The usage of procedural generation seeds was discussed. Examples of games that create semi-random challenges for players on a daily basis.
18:00 Hyde Park presentation.
Elie Abraham & Dalton: „How to win a game jam!!!”
The talk is actually about how to get the most from a game jam outside of actually winning it (especially if the jam is competition-free!). Elie is a living example of how the game jamming can change one’s life. Elie travels the world, participating in game jams. From kindergarten care to stand-up comedian, to voice actor, to game music creator – he’s a true icon of an accomplished game jammer. And a great person!
Game jams not have to be limited to being an opportunity to practice your skills in the game industry. This should also be an opportunity to share a best social experience with a community of gamers.
Game jams give anyone a chance to find a friend for a life as it seems. And that’s how you win EVERY game jam!
20:30 Dinner. Hot nuddles with a meat sauce.
21:00 Serious game designing begins!
21.07 Saturday
After almost a whole night of designing, the game is 50% completed. I’ve had some rest, napping on a huuuge bag.
10:00 A hearty breakfast.
Jamming goes on. There are more presentations and fun activities going on at Hyde Park. People are playing all sorts of games, listening to the music, chilling out, flying drones. Generally, socializing and having fun. And making games, of course!
I’ve decided to work hard on my game today. After all, I work alone and first time using a new engine.
Did I just hear someone strumming on a ukulele? Never mind: an ice-cream is being served! There are all sorts of snacks available: fruits, toasts with salami and cheese, soda water, tea, and coffee. Because one cannot stay alive on a determination alone!
The logic of my game seems to be working fine. I need to implement all the assets I’ve prepared (the pictures from my smartphone) and test everything. No big deal. ETA: 18 hours, haha!
15:00 BBQ for a lunch! Polish sausages, cut meats, salads and full meals for vegetarians and vegans. Spend some nice time talking with people at the table.
While the majority of jammers are Polish, no surprise here, we have guests from all over Europe it seems. To mention: Finnish, Danish, German, and quite a number of representatives of different Slavic countries. 🙂
Back to work. I don’t feel very tired. The joy of making a fun game, and without the pressure of competition keeps me going. And the game should be playable before dinner.
I have the music for my game ready! Brilliant Liz Katrin has generously agreed to lend her amazing musical skills. And here’s the result: E.Y.E. – an official soundtrack for my game titled COMPetition.
Working… Working… And working…
19:30 Good news everyone! I’ve made it! Finally, the game is fully playable (two different endings), the winning conditions are reachable. Also, no game-breaking bugs that I can find. Generally, the game is not completed yet, needs lots of polishing but this is quite a milestone! And I’ve reached it right before the dinner!
20:00 Dinner time. A classic: Polish pierogi with meat or spinach. Yummy!
After the dinner, the said game polishing commences.
Other jammers have decided to do karaoke in the evening! Fun and games all around.
22.07 Sunday
Just after midnight, I submitted my final version of the game COMPetition to Slavic Game Jam 2018 collection. See all entries here.
Screenshot from COMPetition game
At the moment there are 48 game developing teams (from solo devs like me to groups of 5+ people). Teams submitted with 36 game projects added to the collection. This consists of more or less final versions of games, ready to play.
I’ve had some good sleep on the baggy pillow down at the spacious reception hall and refreshed myself. Now I’m writing this and waiting for the breakfast. Since midnight my game had gained some views so that’s a good sign. Good morning everyone! 🙂
9:00 Pancakes for breakfast.
Doing some more testing of COMPetition. Also preparing the game for a round of presentation that will happen later today.
13:00 The work is over! Time for the closing ceremony of Slavic Game Jam 2018. Then the games will be presented by their developers.
13:30 The closing ceremony, thank you for the sponsors, organizers, and all jammers. Short video compilation of some of the games made during this jam was presented.
Group photo of all participants taken outside the venue.
14:00 Lunch and ice-cream.
15:00 The presentations start.
Lots of gamers tested my game, going full way to one of the endings. Wow! I’m humbled by such kind reception. A success. :)))
18:00 THE END of Slavic Game Jam 2018. Thank you all for reading!
Home… Sleep… Happy…
GREGG
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