Originally I had planned, since the main layout of objects in the stores is randomly generated as is location of the tank, and the structure of the store is fixed, that I would make a large mall. The store in the game I submitted would be the easy skill level, a smaller level with a tutorial walk through, a medium skill level that would encompass a wing of the mall and then expert which would be the whole mall. Given the area the tank affects grows the longer it goes unfound, that would be super challenging. I also wanted to add bodies randomly (but not too common) throughout the store as well as random decorations, mirrors near dressing rooms, sales signs, splatters of blood on a wall, air vent (which I actually planned on using as a hiding place). In fact all of the art for those was created and is part of the sprite sheet I used. There was just one small problem.

I am a father of two very active children and am married to a wonderful and understanding woman.

Unfortunately, I had forgotten to tell my wife about the jam. Anyone ever forget to explain that you have this timed event that requires all your focus and energy? I don't know why I thought, with everything that she had planned for that weekend, that I could do any quality level of work.

Friday, the theme was announced on Twitter and I got to see it about an hour late due to wrestling with dinner and collecting the family redbox movie. While everyone was formulating their ideas in front of their thinking spots, I was being treated to Lego Movie part 2 for family movie night. I always enjoy my family's company but even without the game jam inthe back of my mind I did not enjoy this experience. :P First movie was way better.

Once the movie was over, I spent a few hours of quality time with my wife discussing her new found interest in wood working. While I certainly enjoy my wife's company and enjoy her enthusiasm in a creative endeavor, the clock kept ticking. Finally it was about 1 in the morning and she wanted to sleep. I had other plans. After everyone was asleep I was up till 3 or so working on this. Then the next day up at 8 in the morning, made the kids breakfast and then tried squeezing out a little time before my wife(thank god she likes sleeping in) woke up. Once she woke up, the day hopped on the treadmill and ran my butt into the ground. We met up with my brother in law and went down town for the annual Halloween parade. Six hours later and we came home so I could make dinner and we could chit chat over food and enjoy family company. While I very much enjoyed all of this time with my family, the clock kept ticking. When they finally left, it was officially Sunday.

The rest of the night I worked until I couldn't keep my eyes open. I managed to get the procedural system down completely for all the elements that I wanted. I went to sleep and woke up around 9 the next morning. I spent most of the day working on art and trying to convince myself not to try to add new features. Sunday evening came and the idea of submitting for Compo slipped from my fingers. So I was determined to submit this for a jam entry.

Monday, wife at work, kids home for fall break, I worked and worked and managed to get the game finished in at least a rudimentary and playable form. Total time working on it, 24 to 30 hours, estimated.

While I would never make excuses for shoddy coding, poorly executed art, or just missing a 1 or 0 some place, I'd like to point out the miracle that this game got made at all and on time.

Lessons learned kiddos, make sure to communicate with your spouse/SO well before hand. LOL

The important thing though is I've learned so much and it's been a pleasure getting to play all the games I have. I will continue trying to playing all the games that I can. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.