After a lot of thoughtful insights last week, I hate to say that I don’t have much to say this week. While the past hasn’t been too exciting, I’m happy to announce an exciting project this upcoming weekend.
A Brief Update
As this trial has already proven, streaming has been a lot of fun, even with the various technical issues. With what I worked on this week, a checklist and prepared layouts before the stream, I have an easier time avoiding the issues.
An issue I find I still have is a few streams that hold a variety of unused space. While I prefer minimal noise beyond the game, it can be a bit bland while watching a stream. I did set up one layout with the chat feed while live. It did offer some character, but with the limited chatters I have, it was mostly an unused black void.
One of the biggest pieces I am missing compared to other streamers is a webcam. It’s long been something I’ve considered getting, but have decided against it, especially as they’ve become harder to find at a reasonable price this past year. I don’t believe a webcam is a requirement by any means, but can certainly help to not only fill that space, but create a more intimate space with viewers.
My goal this week will be to find something extra to add to fill the blank space.
The GMTK Game Jam Live
For the last couple of years, I participated in the Game Maker’s Toolkit Game Jam, a 48 hour game development marathon. In years past, I had help with design from my brother and music from a friend, but handled all of the coding myself.
I’m very excited to work with a wider group, including some friends who are experienced coders. We worked on a game a few months ago, and I’m looking forward to working with this much bigger group for the first time. I plan to stream at least a few hours of work this Saturday. Stop by at twitch.tv/qryguy.
I’m hoping with more hands helping on the coding side, we can not only make a more complex game, but I can have more time on the design side. This is the part of game creation I am most interested in, coming up with interesting, engaging, and fun mechanics to use in the game.
With the way that jams work, everyone will more or less do a little bit of everything, but people definitely have their expertise. At the end of the day, I just hope I don’t end up having to handle the art again.
Trying Out Before Buying In 