Every time I participate, I try to set challenges for myself beyond just making the game and following the theme.

This jam, I'm actually going to lost a significant amount of time on Sunday, so I'm going to scale back my plans. But I still want to incorporate a couple of these if I have time:

Platformer Controls

My previous platformers have had floating and unintuitive controls/physics. I know I can do better. Next time the theme gives me a platformer idea, I'm really going to focus on good game feel.

Unity's New Input System

I always say jam games should have very simple controls. Keyboard and mouse should be all that's required, even better if you can use just one and not the other. These type of controls probably don't need the power of the new input system, but it's still something that can benefit many games. I'd like for players to have the option of using gamepads, or remapping controls. Besides, it's a good skill for non-jam games.

Steam Deck Compatibility

This sort of goes with the input system one. I'm loving my Steam Deck, and will rely on it to play the majority of jam entries (they're usually made for Windows and I'm a Mac/Linux user). I think other Deck users would appreciate at least controller compatibility without having to make custom profiles.

Artificial Intelligence

No, I'm not talking like ChatGTP. I mean computer-based enemy behavior. I made very basic AI in a turn-based board game I made for a previous LD for when a human opponent wasn't available, but the strategy was very basic. I already have ideas on how I could have improved it, and am looking for opportunities.

3D Animations

This is one I've never done before and probably won't have time to do in this jam. I've done 3D modeling but not animations previously. Maybe I'll get this one on the next jam.

Online Multiplayer

Obviously, a quick single-player experience is what you want for the jam. But I've already made a game that had both a single and multiplayer mode, but it was only local multiplayer. I think it'd be neat to try online.

Online Achievement System And Leaderboard

I dipped my toe in the Newgrounds API before. I'd like to master this.

Random Level Generator

I've almost pulled this off before, so I'd like to give it another shot

Analytics

Unity has a system to track analytics, but I've never put them to the test. I'd like to learn how these can help me make better games.

Memorable characters

I'd like to have games with unique, reusable characters. I want my fellow jammers to actually recognize me from previous jams when they see my reoccurring characters. Usually time constraints and the ideas I get from themes mean that I need to be more generic

Are you thinking of giving yourselves any challenges during this jam?