GameDev TV does a yearly game jam where they give away a free course just for entering a game. It doesn’t even have to be good. Basically you get rewarded just for trying. My submission last year was The Bakery at the End of the Universe and it was AWFUL. I did learn a LOT about making a game though, which I put into a DevLog.
It starts in 5 days. I recommend everyone give it a shot. Their courses are good IMO, and it’s a chance to take a break from whatever you’re doing and try making something within a time frame. When you’re done, you’re done - and you’ve learned something.
You can also get a head start when the jam begins by using my Game Template Plugin which has default setups for 2D and 3D games.
Whilst plodding on with my 3D Dungeon Master, I thought that it might be a bit of a break, and definitely a challenge, to have a go at this. I pondered for a while as to what I could come up with, following the announced theme of ‘Connections’. I have done 3D modelling for a virtual railway system, so maybe I could tie this in, somehow..? Hmm…
Out on a limb, with very new stuff to learn, I’m going to try making a sort of ‘wooden toy train’ puzzle. I am currently modelling the track pieces, whilst at the same time (no, you fool; not exactly the same time, obviously..!) learning how to move 3D pieces around using only the mouse. Not simple, it seems; I’m limiting my ‘puzzle’ part to a top-down view, for now. Once the track has been closed into a loop, the camera should swing down to reveal the 3D aspect, and I’ll set a wooden loco around the circuit (no, not a real wooden loco; a virtual 3D model of one..!).
Anyway, that’s the plan. Will I get it finished in time, or even ever..? It’s too early to call, but I’m enjoying the challenge, for now, and learning something fresh several times an hour. Luckily I’m retired, and so have a fair amount of ‘spare’ time to try things out, find it doesn’t work and try something else, rinse and repeat. Here’s a screenshot of the current track pieces, fresh out of Blender, and another of a straight piece being offered up to a curve, to detect whether they mate or not. Lots to do; better get back to it…
Yes, indeed (I did mention that in my exposé…). It’s my first foray into the magical world of 2D (well, it’s false 2D; I just throw out the ‘height’ part…). Currently deciding how to lock the pieces together, and how to rotate them, through how many degrees (90..? 45..? 10..?). So far, I’m thinking Right Mouse Button, but it’s not yet trialled, so I may resort to keyboard. I’d like to avoid that, though, if possible.
Anyway, thanks for noticing and commenting; have a wonderful day.
I sent off my modest Game Jam entry this evening; here’s a link to my post on the subject following on from some splendid advice offered in the ‘Help’ section…
