I started learning a few months ago and have jumped in head first!

I've already uploaded a version of my first submission for playtesting here: https://cfhm.itch.io/one-more-lap

This is a blast. Time to get some rest!

I finished my first game jam. And my first game actual game.

The last two months have been a wild ride of learning and discovery.

https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/48/one-more-lap

This has been an incredible experience. I can't wait to play all of your games!

Hi everyone! Two months ago, I decided to make a change and start learning. I happened upon a Humble Bundle with a bunch of game dev courses and easily justified the purchase. I took off work every other Friday to dedicate to learning and quickly became engrossed in Unity, C#, and game development.

Up until this weekend, the extent of my creation has been closely following coursework. I made 5 projects in 2D with varying levels of complexity and new concepts. But I knew I had to make something on my own to put these skills to the test. I have friends that do game jams, so I decided to jump into the deep end. And here we are!

This weekend (and the days following) have been a rollercoaster of emotion. Reading feedback, watching streamers, and interacting with other developers has been a life-changing experience. I'm not ready to quit the day job (yet!), but I have gotten a taste of the best you all have to offer and I never want to give it up.

If you have the time, I'd love if you could check out my game: One More Lap! I prioritize playing the games of those that comment on mine. You all are so amazing and creative!

I'd also like to give a shoutout to my friends of over 10 years - John and Corey - who teamed up to make a boppin' track for the game. I've been a fan of their work as long as I've known them and I was ecstatic to have their talent for a project.

You can find John on bandcamp and Corey also on bandcamp. Bonus! You can download the MP3 from the game here: Soundcloud

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Thanks for being an amazing community! Cheers!

Is there an 'official' community discord? It'd be nice to hang out with folks while we're working.

I've finally got the main loop implemented, albeit woefully un-tuned. Come dig out some gems and survive in XORN.

Check it out!

I'm loving the time in the LD Extra format, but I think I'm nearing the end of my rope. The game is 90% there and could use some more feedback on gameplay and feel!

Let me know what you think!

Play the game and eat gems here!

I overscheduled myself and missed the Jam. I'm thankful for the Extra category this year!

I learned a TON while making XORN. Here's a non-comprehensive list of firsts for me:

• randomly generated world that remembers where things exist
• remembered objects also remember which state their in (eaten vs uneaten gems)
• randomly generated systems accounting for each other (gems preferring not to spawn in lava)
• using Vector3Int to help with my grid-based movement
• randomly spawned enemies that navigate existing world (albeit poorly)

I also got myself back into making my own art, improved my understanding of Unity overall, and played around with the experimental 2D Lights package for some fun effects. I'm especially happy with how my particle effects turned out for digging and eating gems.

Things I wish I had added (but probably won't because I've got to stop somewhere):

• more particle effects to better represent gems filling a particular stomach
• different powers, such as a trap
• better game over/restart screen with local bests/high scores

Thanks to everyone that gave me feedback and joined me on my journey. Hope to see you all at LD51!