We recently “supported” Global Game Jam and we thought you might be interested in a guest post from a team from Nottingham Trent University - This Statement is False - who developed a game called ‘FLERBS’ XNA and won the best game award.
So a quick intro bio of the teams skill sets, experiences and how they went about developing an XNA app within 48 hours!
All members contributed to the level creations.
Why did you attend the game jam?
Patrick :- I attended the Jam as I have been doing for several years now, I enjoy the challenge of the limited time frame and seeing so many awesome games being produced in such a short time frame.
Frank:- I attended to do something out of the ordinary and challenging and learn a bit about game development.
Danielle:- I believed that joining a team from DevSoc to go to the Global Game Jam in Birmingham was a great opportunity in gaining experience and furthering my skills as a games programmer.
What skills did you use were these taught, learnt or was this something new?
Patrick :- the main thing's I learnt from this jam were related to team management and how to get everyone to produce components that would work together. it was much more difficult than it looks.
Frank:- I learnt how to animate mainly and do art but thank god they had Photoshop, I know alot about Photoshop.
Danielle:- Most of the skills I contributed to making the game (sprite animation and sound effects) were totally new and learnt within the first half of the event.
What technology did you use? i.e. Visual Studio, Xbox controllers etc..
Patrick:- XNA 4.0, VS2010, XBOX 360 controllers, GIMP 2.0, Audacity.
Frank:- I used photoshop mainly and the level editor that Patrick made.
Danielle:- I used Visual Studio 2010, XNA Game Studio 4.0, Xbox 360 controllers, and Audacity.
What were the outcomes?
Patrick An awesome game!, that and a better understanding of team management.
Frank:- I knew that when Patrick, team leader thing, was happy with it, then I was happy with it, but I definitely need to learn more about tile sets and the art could have been a lot better from my part, but it was useable.
Danielle:- As a whole we created a really fun and addictive multi-player game. Got a sound effect stuck in your head? You can blame me for that one!
What next? Are you thinking of building Windows Phone app or finishing of the xna programme, thinking about PC or Xbox opportunity?
Patrick:- looking at entering the next Jam either developing an XNA game or a windows phone game, and would be happy to enter if an event was organised specificity for it.
Frank:- With a team? Whatever's happening at the next jam.
Danielle:- There might be a possibility of a remake of the game from scratch (for Xbox 360), but I would love to start learning to make games and apps for my Windows Phone 7.
What are the teams members aspirations future career intentions?
Patrick :- continue on with the Phd, and continue jamming.
Frank:- I want to be a teacher funnily enough.
Danielle:- Being the only member of the team who is not studying a computer science degree of some variety, but a Forensic Science (Physical) degree instead, I want to one day become a Forensic Ballistics expert. I will always be looking to enhance my coding skills though as I find it really enjoyable.
They have a website if you are interested: - http://www.devsoc.co.uk/, lots of pictures on Flickr:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/75666795@N03/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/75352867@N06/. Alternatively watch them on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCB15D86703073568&feature=view_all
So I guess our message is – GO FOR IT! it always impresses me the skills and abilities most students have. Believe in yourself and its amazing what you can achieve.