Read about my first game jam, done for the 2 Button Jam on Itch.io in December 2018.
The Challenge
The 2 Button Jam had a simple constraint: your game could only use two buttons. This limitation forced me to think creatively about game mechanics and player interaction. Sometimes constraints lead to the most innovative solutions.
My Game: “Space Drift”
I created a space-themed game where players controlled a ship using only two buttons:
- Button 1: Rotate left
- Button 2: Rotate right
The ship would automatically drift forward, and players had to navigate through asteroid fields by rotating at the right moments.
What I Learned
Game Design: Simple mechanics can be incredibly engaging. The two-button constraint actually made the game more accessible and easier to understand.
Unity Development: This was my first real Unity project. I learned about physics, collision detection, and game loops.
Time Management: Game jams teach you to work quickly and make decisions fast. You don’t have time to overthink every detail.
Community: The game jam community on Itch.io is incredibly supportive. Getting feedback from other developers was invaluable.
The Result
While the game was simple, it was complete and playable. More importantly, it sparked my interest in game development and led to more ambitious projects like “For Science!” and “Rogue Void.”
Game jams are a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet other developers, and create something from start to finish in a short time. I highly recommend trying one!