Lying on the edge of the swimming pool, it’s time for a post-mortem. Let´s make it quick.

I hope you enjoyed this jam as much as I did. The theme was not that original but the final results of the community definitely were. This marks the first time I used Unity3d for a jam, and the very first time I tried to make a 3D game. I always worshiped 2D game and always imagined games in a 2D perspective. But learning Unity for the past weeks and playing with Blender for 15 days now, I decided to give it a try. I of course knew that to start a game jam without proper knowledge of the tools is the best way to fail bit what the hell, I’m here to learn and have fun…

So, what went good.

1. The theme.
This theme was straightforward ! Be the monster. Ok then, but let’s switch role this time. Don’t be the sneaky nightmarish creatures hiding in the dark or beneath the bed, but the chased monster, hatred for the color of his skin, some exotic nutrition and mating habits. The enemy would be an angry mod of overpowered peasants.. Go !

2. What I learned
Starting nearly from scratch with 3D games, is learned a lot those 48 hours. Collision, camera movement, GUI, 3D modeling. That was definitely exciting. I took a lot of notes and should maybe write some simple tuts.

3. Low poly “ art”
Crazy what you can do when blender and Unity work hand in hand. And, for non artists, simple 3D models are faster created that 2D draws. A tree in 5 minutes and thanks to a well placed lamp, it renders good enough. Never forget the 20/80 concept 😉

And what failed

1. Not a mind-blowing idea, not an original idea either.
That was definitely the most original idea of the jam. That’s for sure.

2. Polishing
Lacking time to polish the game, nor add the features I wanted

3. Newby code issues
Example : how can I make this troll jump. How works the GUI and why is it so ugly (haven’t find out this one yet). I had to learn to walk… But that was expected.

4. Strange things happening, sometimes
Some funny glitches happened. And strange and not yet explained Unity problems disappear once you reopen the software. Lost precious time on those frustrating issues.

5. Socialize/PR/Marketing
I had no time to promote the game during the jam, as I would have. Some early screenshots, thoughts, updates… I think sharing progress is important during a jam. It is fun, and the feedback always rewarding, bringing extra motivational boost in your work.

Don’t miss the time lapse of the game here

and rate the game here : http://ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-33/?action=preview&uid=40976

I said short…

See you next time.