We just wrapped up the first ever Decon Recon Jam with 7 entrants and 2 submissions, and all I really have to say is that I’m glad I wasn’t the only one.
No, I kid, I’m happy there was interest and it’s entirely possible that the jam conditions were too strict for the time limit. I was asking not only for code created during the jam, but art and music assets as well.
Even in the case of my own entry I was left with placeholder art and no sound at the end, so I can understand how others might be discouraged.
So – next time – I’ll relax that a bit – people can use pre-existing visual and audio assets – which is fine because the focus of the jam is going to be the gameplay elements, not the presentation.
SO that’s the plan for Decon Recon Jam 2 – a tighter focus, looser rules. Use the elements of a classic game to create a game that isn’t the original game.
And I do think it worked. Missile Command was a good first focus, with unique and very recognizable mechanics. As to when… let’s say mid-August. I’ve got a lot of projects in the air, but I can handle taking a week out for a jam every two months.
