Ok, since I have some free time I may as well put down why I decided to be part of this Ludum Dare.

The main reason is I need some motivation to get my first game done. It is actually pretty easy to procastinate when you do not have some hard coded deadlines. Ludum Dare instead gives you a time frame (and a very small one too!) to do EVERYTHING related to making a game. This is actually a fantastic idea, and I’ve followed the past LDs with excitement and awe while some expert coder was showing his code katas on Eclipse or Vim, or a modeler was plasmating a good model in a matter of minutes. I always though: “I’ll never be able to do that”. I still think I can’t, which actually puts me a lot of pressure on the upcoming challenge. I mean, the hell I’m doing? I’ve hardly coded anything in my life, let alone a whole game! But still, pressure is a good stimulus to get stuff done, so I’m looking foward to it. Whether I’ll finish my game or not, I’ll put as much effort as I can into it.

Another great reason I really wanted to partecipate was the community. It is great to see so much support in an event, and a very rare occurrence indeed. While following past LDs I really liked the attutude and dedication of the developers, and really wanted to be part of it (hopefully I’ll be able to). I really learned heaps by only reading other posts about what went right and what went wrong (this is also the reason why I’m trying to contribute with useful posts). I got to know a lot of tools and techniques I would have never heard of if I didn’t watch some timelapses.

Third, I really want to see some feedback. Feedback is vital to any developers, since I believe what defines us as human beings. Doing something and getting responses is something that really excites me, and makes me want to contribute even more. Also, as I said in my first post, I want to make a point and click adventure game for an idea of a story I have. This LD was the perfect occasion to get a small game together and see how people like or hate it. Since my “dream game” will probably have my “style” in it just like my LD entry, this game will be a good test for the waters, so to speak: it will help me see if I’m moving in the right direction or if I have to do something better or differently.

Fourth, it looks fun. This is without a doubt the biggest motivation of them all. Only reading past developer posts makes me all set up to start. It’s great to read other posts where people say it was heaps of fun… Somehow it makes you enjoy the game even more. Following the story of a game is great, and that’s something I really would like to see more of. If I’ll have enough time, I’ll share as much as i can of the development of my game.

Well I guess that’s it for now. I think it would be fun if you guys would share in the comments your reasons for partecipating in this LD.

Tags: LD#26, motivation, reasons