Greetings.
I am an intermediate-advanced programmer. This will be my first game jam, so as a preference I am looking to join a team rather than lead one or try solo. I’ve released 1 (one) game using the Godot Engine. I would prefer to join a team that will work like a well-oiled machine with great communication; putting a plan together early, having clear goals with some flexibility for the unexpected, etc. I would prefer to join a team that is more interested in fun gameplay over an elaborate RPG-esque story (THEME depending), but this is not a deal-breaker…
Before you read too far, please be aware of some concrete deal-breakers (mine and yours):
- I live in the eastern timezone, USA, and will be operating under that timeframe.
- Babby’s first jam. While this might be my first “game jam”, I’m not (completely) inexperienced in the realm of game development. I am only interested in joining a team if I can find one with some (game development) experience of their own that is interested in working together with others. I understand this is a big ask when hunting for a team, but so be it; I can probably cobble something together solo, but I would prefer to work on a team, because together we can reach even higher.
- I only have experience with Godot. I would be willing to learn another engine, but that’s not easily done in the short time-frame we have left. I would be willing to try, however, but my output would be diminished. I would not be willing to touch RPG Maker.
- Discord. I do not and will not use it. I am more than happy to communicate via other channels such as Teamspeak, Steam, Trello, email, dropbox, IRC, snail mail, etc.
- Linux. While this is becoming less of a deal as time passes, if you have something in mind that would require Windows to work (such as your own engine or a particular engine that wouldn’t work on Linux), I would be unable to assist. (For the uninformed, please be aware that it is possible to build a game for Windows from Linux, as I have previously done using the Godot Engine)
- Scheduling/Availability. I intend on working on the Jam during regular business hours (eastern time) + maybe some evenings. There will be times during the Jam that I will not be available due to prior commitments. It may be as much as a whole day at the median of the jam days, plus one or two other times.
Primary skills/experience:
- Several years of professional experience in VB, C#, SQL.
- A handful of years doing mostly C++ (and more recently C) - I have built my own working 3D Vulkan renderer. Twice. The second one was much closer to a working game engine, but is yet incomplete.
- I’ve released 1 (one) game made in the Godot engine (gdscript) - and have several unreleased prototypes (gdscript +/ C++ GDExtension). The released game is 2D and 2 (two) of the prototypes are very simple 3D.
- Systems design. If we can think up the idea, I can probably design and implement it. It might be scary or mildly over-engineered, but it’ll function.
Secondary skills/experience:
- I’ve been involved in music since I was young. While I would not be willing to compose anything for this Jam, I can offer input or feedback to a team-member who can if they are open to it. I’d love to take up a supporting role here if needed or requested, but bear in mind my contributions would be limited to input or feedback.
- I can offer creative input in regards to theme, setting, character backgrounds, and lore. I’m not great at this, but I can certainly contribute a decent amount (or lead/direct/manage if needed).
Weaknesses:
- Art. I have a basic understanding of color palettes and the art process, but anything I produce will be at or (debate-ably) slightly above “programmer art”. See my released game on here for an example. I can contribute if needed, but maybe just for concept work for someone else to build upon or completely replace.
- Custom shaders. I can probably franken-paste something together, but that’s about it.
- 3D. The work I’ve done in 3D has mostly orbited engine topics like collision detection, positions, rotations, simple 3D shaders, etc. I can handle game-mechanic code in 3D just fine, but I have minimal experience creating and designing 3D assets and animations.
- Networking. Local multiplayer would probably be fine, but I would not be able to assist with any kind of over-the-network multiplayer.
- A good joke.
I enjoy a good challenge, so if there’s anything I’ve said here you’d like to know more about or discuss or push back on, please feel free to reach out (unless it’s about Discord or Linux). I think I would make an excellent fit for a supporting or leading role in a handful of domains, so please reach out if you are interested in having me join your team!