IPCA Game Jam 24
My first Game Jam
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in the IPCA Game Jam 24, where our team, PB&Jam, had the opportunity to showcase our skills in a highly competitive and creative environment. The event took place from March 15th to 17th at the Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, and it was a whirlwind of adrenaline, collaboration, and innovation.
With only 48 hours to design and develop a fully playable game, the pressure was intense. The theme for this year’s game jam was “Enigma”, which inspired us to create a game that combined mystery, puzzles, and storytelling. Not only did we manage to complete the game within the strict timeframe, but we also received first place and the best art award—an accomplishment that felt especially rewarding given the challenges we faced.
The Development of Boo’s Clues
Our game, “Boo’s Clues”, is a murder mystery adventure where players take on the role of Boo, a ghost trying to solve the mystery of his own death. The game’s central mechanic revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and uncovering clues through interactive dialogues with various characters. Players must navigate through different locations, gather information, and piece together the story behind Boo’s murder.
Key Features:
- A torn photograph mechanic: Players examine a fragmented photo to identify key suspects and locations.
- Mini-games as puzzle challenges: Offering a break from narrative gameplay while enhancing immersion.
- Atmospheric art and music: Designed to create an eerie yet engaging mystery experience.
As a team, we focused on creating a rich atmosphere through detailed character designs, immersive environments, and a haunting soundtrack. The art direction played a crucial role in bringing the story to life, which ultimately earned us the best art award.
Reflections and Takeaways
Participating in the IPCA Game Jam was both challenging and fulfilling. It pushed us to think outside the box, make quick decisions, and collaborate under pressure. As the clock ticked down, every team member played a crucial role in making Boo’s Clues a reality. From coding and gameplay design to art creation and sound implementation, each task contributed to the final product.
Winning first place and best art was a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion we poured into the project. Seeing the game come together under such a tight timeframe was incredibly rewarding, especially given the intense competition.
If you’d like to experience the game yourself, you can check it out here:
The game is still a work in progress, but we’re excited about the potential to continue developing it further. Stay tuned for updates!