<aside> 👾 Africacomicade 2023

During a game jam, you have limited time to create a game from start to finish. Given the time constraints, it's essential to focus on the core experience of your game. Identify the key gameplay mechanics, the central theme or concept, and the overall feel you want your players to have. Streamline your ideas and features to ensure that you can deliver a polished and complete experience within the given timeframe.

Here are some sub-tips to help you focus on the core experience:

1. Simplify Your Scope: Be realistic about what you can accomplish in the time available. Avoid overly complex mechanics or features that might derail your progress. A simple, well-executed idea is often more enjoyable than a cluttered one.
2. Create a Minimal Viable Product (MVP): Build the most essential elements of your game first. This ensures that even if you run out of time, you'll still have a playable and coherent experience.
3. Prioritize Gameplay: While visuals and sound are important, prioritize getting the gameplay mechanics and interactions right. A fun and engaging gameplay experience is at the heart of any successful game.
4. Iterate and Refine: Don't spend too much time on a single aspect in the beginning. Create rough prototypes, test them, and iterate based on feedback. Refinement comes later.
5. Time Management: Divide your time into distinct phases: planning, prototyping, refining, and polishing. Stick to a schedule to prevent over-committing to any one phase.
6. Use Familiar Tools: Stick to tools and game engines you're familiar with. This isn't the time to learn entirely new software.
7. Embrace Constraints: Embrace the limitations of the game jam, as they can lead to innovative solutions. Constraints can fuel creativity.
8. Stay Open to Adaptations: Be prepared to adjust your game's design based on time limitations, technical challenges, and unexpected ideas that arise during development.
9. Polish Within Reason: While polish is important, don't get caught up in perfectionism. Focus on polish only after the core experience is solid and complete.
10. Test Regularly: Playtest your game often, even if it's just with friends or fellow jammers. External feedback can provide valuable insights.

Remember, the goal of a game jam isn't necessarily to create a fully-fledged commercial game. It's an opportunity to learn, experiment, and challenge yourself. By focusing on the core experience and managing your time effectively, you'll have a better chance of creating a game that's enjoyable and reflects your creative vision within the constraints of the game jam.

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🎥Tutorials

Utilize these tutorials to get started on making your game.

Africacomicade Jam Preparation Videos

1. Watch Here

Unity Tutorials:

1. Brackeys
   • Title: Unity Beginner Tutorial - Learn Game Development
   • Link: Watch here
2. Sebastian Lague
   • Title: Unity Tutorials - A Complete Guide
   • Link: Watch here
3. Blackthornprod
   • Title: Making Your First Game: Unity Beginner Tutorial
   • Link: Watch here

Godot Tutorials:

1. GDQuest
   • Title: Learn Godot - Complete Tutorial Series
   • Link: Watch here
2. KidsCanCode
   • Title: Godot Engine Platformer Tutorial Series
   • Link: Watch here
3. HeartBeast
   • Title: Godot 3.0 Platformer Tutorial
   • Link: Watch here

Unreal Engine Tutorials:

1. Unreal Engine
   • Title: Unreal Online Learning - Official Unreal Engine Tutorials
   • Link: Access here
2. Virtus Learning Hub
   • Title: Unreal Engine Beginner Tutorial Series
   • Link: Watch here

General Game Development Tips:

1. GameMaker's Toolkit
   • Title: Designing Games with Depth
   • Link: Watch here