#CBJAM 22 Recap

Creative Design

The creative design of the games showcased in the CBJAM 22 was nothing short of phenomenal. Alan Underwood praised the polished nature of the games, highlighting the developers' active engagement with feedback and the immersive sound design. Joe Zack shared his experience with a game that played with themes of darkness and light, creating tension and interesting decisions for the player 1. Another standout game, "What am I supposed to do?", featured a unique drag-and-drop mechanic where players strategically placed items to help a character navigate obstacles 2. Michael Outlaw noted the game's beautiful backgrounds and well-done music, adding to its overall appeal 2.

   

Development Insights

Behind the scenes, the development process for these games was both challenging and rewarding. Joe Zack discussed the complexities of team collaboration, noting the convoluted process of adding collaborators and the importance of narrowing focus to create a polished experience 3. He emphasized aiming for a short, impactful game experience, as most voters were also developers who appreciated concise gameplay 4. Michael Outlaw added that multiplayer games were notably absent this year, contrasting with previous submissions 4.

   

Game Audio

The role of audio in game development was a significant focus, enhancing the overall player experience. Joe Zack highlighted the variety of sound effects and music that added depth to the gameplay, noting the effort put into recording and varying the audio 5. Michael Outlaw described the atmospheric music and sound effects that contributed to the creepy and urgent vibe of certain games, making the experience more immersive and emotionally engaging 6.