It's gonna be my 8th LD Jam. For once I am hoping the theme does not suck. There is also a theme I'm dreading as it's very similar to a project I am working on.

I hope everyone has a nice LD, and for the love of god, don't make games that the user has to compile to play.

Here is some tips that I usually follow:

• Do NOT switch engines half way through development. ahem
• Do NOT use an engine/framework you have never used before, always use what you are most comfortable with.
• Do NOT let others tell you what engine/framework is good for you, if you like Unity, GameMaker, Construct, Plain C or even scratch, use that one. No one engine is superior to any other engine.
• Do NOT have sleepless nights. Yes that one feature needs to be completed at this once, but it is not more important than your sleep schedule!
• Do NOT make a game that is too ambitious, Ludum Dare has always been about making a game in a short time, not about making the next big thing in a short time. You might want to make the next GTA, but keep in mind, you have 48/72 hours to do it!
• Talk to people about your progress. Trust me, no one will steal your idea when you talk about how your game is going.
• Actually work on your game. This is sadly something I've not done in the past, I have avoided working on the game in almost every LD. If you have free time, work on your game.
• Finally and most importantly, have fun! LD is all about having fun while making a game. Unnecessary stress and the urge to be competitive might ruin your entire experience!

Good luck and have fun everyone!