Gem Gem Jam

PC

Unity

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Two Days

8

Game Design

Level Design

Programming

Development Process

Because of our 48 hour time constraint, rapid prototyping was necessary to ensure all of our mechanics felt fluid and complemented one another well. In order to achieve this, we drafted several potential gameplay mechanics centered around the beacon concept before deciding to implement anything in code. This process entailed much trial and error, with several ideas being explored, but ultimately abandoned. The decision to implement the directional influence over the Gems stemmed from a desire to create a blend of precision and strategy.

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We were then able to design stages that played to the strengths and weaknesses of the player's available skill set effectively. Each scenario is designed to first teach the principles of the beacon's and their functionality, before thrusting the player into precarious situations where dexterous beacon placement and careful forethought are required. Once a path has been set in place for the Gems, the consequences of placing overlapping beacons are far-reaching. For this reason, players must survey the stage carefully before arriving at a solution. 

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Design Challenges

Design a game that hinges on the theme of "transmission".

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Overview

Gem Gem Jam is a single player puzzle game, designed as part of the annual Global Game Jam competition. The player is tasked with escorting a hoard of small Gem like creatures to the stage's exit, ensuring they aren't killed along the way.

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The player is able to place beacons anywhere in the game world that will influence the behavior of the Gems. Each Gem walks straight forward automatically, but when they pass within the field of a beacon, they will begin to walk in the direction the beacon is facing instead.

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Players must create a precise thru-line using their beacons to guide the gems around hazards in order to reach the exit. The stage is completed once the requisite number of Gems have been rescued.

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