How do you prepare effectively for a game jam?

1 Pick a theme and scope

Before you start coding, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of game you want to make. Most game jams have a theme or a constraint that you need to follow, such as a genre, a mechanic, or a word. Use the theme as a source of inspiration, not a limitation. Brainstorm with your team and come up with a few ideas that fit the theme and interest you. Then, choose one idea and define the scope of your game. The scope is the size and complexity of your game, and it should be realistic and manageable for the time you have. Avoid adding too many features, levels, or assets that you might not finish or polish.

2 Choose your tools and assets

Once you have your idea and scope, you need to decide what tools and assets you'll use to make your game. Tools are the software and hardware you'll use, such as game engines, editors, libraries, frameworks, plugins, and devices. Assets are the resources you'll need, such as graphics, sounds, music, fonts, and models. You should choose tools and assets that you're familiar with and comfortable with, or that you can learn quickly and easily. You don't want to waste time troubleshooting or debugging unfamiliar tools or assets. You should also check the licenses and permissions of the tools and assets you use, and make sure they're compatible with the game jam rules and platforms.

3 Plan your workflow and schedule

Another important step to prepare for a game jam is to plan your workflow and schedule. Workflow is the process and method you'll use to make your game, such as agile, scrum, or waterfall. Schedule is the timeline and milestones you'll set for yourself and your team, such as deadlines, tasks, and goals. You should plan your workflow and schedule according to your idea, scope, tools, and assets, as well as the game jam duration and format. You should also communicate and coordinate with your team members, and assign roles and responsibilities based on your skills and preferences. You should also leave some buffer time for testing, debugging, polishing, and submitting your game.

4 Set up your environment and backup

Before you start making your game, you should also set up your environment and backup. Environment is the physical and digital space where you'll work on your game, such as your desk, computer, internet connection, and software. Backup is the system and method you'll use to save and protect your game files, such as cloud storage, external drives, or version control. You should set up your environment and backup to be comfortable, convenient, and secure. You should also test your environment and backup before the game jam starts, and make sure everything works properly. You don't want to lose your progress or face technical issues during the game jam.

5 Take care of yourself and have fun

Finally, the most important step to prepare for a game jam is to take care of yourself and have fun. Game jams can be exciting and rewarding, but they can also be exhausting and stressful. You should take care of your physical and mental health, and avoid burnout and frustration. You should also have fun and enjoy the game jam experience, and celebrate your achievements and learning. You should take breaks, eat well, drink water, sleep enough, exercise, and relax. You should also be positive, supportive, and respectful of yourself and your team members, and appreciate the feedback and comments you receive. You should also play and share other games, and learn from other game developers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?