Participating in the Gamedev.js Jam 2024 was a thrilling and enlightening experience. As a relatively new indie game developer, this was my third game jam, and it offered a unique opportunity to push my skills and creativity to new heights. My game, “Neon Velocity,” aimed to deliver a high-octane, multiplayer vehicular combat experience in a futuristic, neon-lit arena. Here’s a look at my journey, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned.
Game Concept and Features
“Neon Velocity” is designed to provide adrenaline-pumping vehicular combat in dynamic, morphing multiplayer arenas. Each match requires players to adapt their strategies to the ever-changing terrain. Key features include:
- Dynamic Arenas: Shape-shifting platforms keep the gameplay fresh and challenging.
- Diverse Vehicles and Power-Ups: Players can choose from various vehicles and use strategic power-ups to gain an edge.
- 16-Player Battles: Intense multiplayer matches with up to 16 players.
- Customization: Extensive options for personalizing vehicles and tracks.
- Inclusivity: A focus on creating a non-toxic, inclusive environment for all gamers.
Development Tools and Techniques
The game was built using Phaser for the front-end and Colyseus for the server-side logic. I also integrated AI-generated music and art to enhance the game’s atmosphere. Here’s a brief overview of the development process:
- Phaser: Chosen for its robust capabilities and ease of use for creating HTML5 games.
- Colyseus: Utilized for managing multiplayer sessions and real-time game state synchronization.
- AI-Generated Assets: Leveraged AI tools to create unique music and visuals, saving time and adding a unique flair to the game.
Challenges and Solutions
- Dynamic Arenas: One of the most challenging aspects was implementing the shape-shifting platforms. I had to ensure that the platforms changed in a way that was both strategic and fair, requiring careful consideration of game balance and mechanics.
- Multiplayer Integration: Ensuring smooth gameplay for up to 16 players was another significant challenge. I had to optimize the netcode and server performance to handle the real-time interactions and physics calculations efficiently.
- AI Players: Creating intelligent AI players that could provide a challenging and realistic practice mode required developing algorithms for pathfinding, decision-making, and adapting to the dynamic arenas.
Results and Reflection
Here’s how “Neon Velocity” ranked in various categories:
- Innovation: #101 (2.828)
- Audio: #123 (2.734)
- Gameplay: #138 (2.640)
- Overall: #148 (2.555)
- Theme: #180 (2.216)
- Graphics: #186 (2.357)
Considering there were 232 submissions, I am quite pleased with these results. The rankings reflect the game’s strengths in innovation and audio, and they highlight areas for improvement, such as theme alignment and graphical polish.
Lessons Learned
- Time Management: Balancing the various aspects of game development within the limited timeframe of a game jam is crucial. Prioritizing core features and iterative testing helped ensure a functional and enjoyable game.
- Community Feedback: Leveraging the #gamedevjs hashtag on Twitter and engaging with the Discord community provided valuable feedback that helped refine the gameplay and address issues early.
- Inclusivity Matters: Creating a game that appeals to a diverse audience requires intentional design choices. Ensuring a non-toxic, welcoming environment and offering gameplay modes that cater to different preferences significantly enhanced the game’s appeal.
Future Plans
The journey doesn’t end here. Based on the feedback and experiences from the jam, I plan to:
- Enhance Graphics: Improve the visual quality to make the game more immersive.
- Optimize Performance: Further refine the netcode and game performance to ensure smooth multiplayer experiences.
- Expand Features: Introduce new vehicles, power-ups, and customization options.
- Community Engagement: Foster a vibrant community through events, tournaments, and continued interaction on Discord and social media.
Conclusion
Participating in the Gamedev.js Jam 2024 was a rewarding experience that pushed my boundaries and significantly enhanced my game development skills. “Neon Velocity” is a testament to what can be achieved with creativity, hard work, and a passion for inclusive gaming. I’m excited to continue developing this game and look forward to the next challenge on my journey as an indie game developer.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll check out “Neon Velocity” and join our growing community of players. If you have any feedback or questions, feel free to reach out!
Play the game: https://bchip1.itch.io/neon-velocity