Gearing up for this weekend's gamejam!

Its a 3 day weekend and Ive got all 3 days clear, so unsure at this point if I'll aim for the Compo or Jam. Feeling like Id prefer to do the Compo if possible to have a day to relax, but as per usual Ill see how Im going towards the end of the compo.

From LD44:

Theres a few things Id like to improve on after LD44, mainly the issue I always have of 'scope creep'. Something I really need to wrangle under control. I need to keep games as simple as possible and focus on key features and a core mechanic. Last time with LD44 I made Autumn Shores, and got so bogged down in certain features (like dragging objects) that I didnt get key features (like sailing) working as well as I wanted. So time management and scope management are big on my radar this time around. Id also like to for once get the game prototype down in the first 24 hours, leaving the second 24 hours for asset creation and polishing - thats the dream!

Likewise last LD I was lazy and spent the whole thing indoors. This time around I want to make sure to get out for some exercise and a mental break, at least once...

Self Improvements:

Also tonight I decided to put together a chart of all my past successful Ludum Dare's and results which is proving good for self reflection. I think this time around when I start brainstorming the game I'll take down notes as to how the game should fufil each catagory. Hoping that keeps me on track, because I find sometimes categories go forgotten.

Notes on themes in no particular order:

Theme: One I generally do badly with - when all it takes is a bit of effort to convey the theme better or work it into a core feature.

Humor: A tricky one, because I dont think every game needs humor thrown in your face at all times, if at all. Its always been a controversal catagory and tbh I wouldnt miss it if it was gone.

Fun: I struggle with this for some reason! Which is a shame, because I want to make games which are fun. Something to work on.

Graphics: Im generally happy with, an area I like to put some solid time into, so hoping to keep that at a decent level.

Follow me!

As usual Ill be on the lookout for fellow jammers, follow me on twitter to follow my progress, and send me feedback/questions/memes at any time! I'll happily follow other jammers!

https://twitter.com/Alex_ADEdge

See you at the LDJam :)