Challenges

Gear Shift!

Most of the topics covered here focus on identifying solutions to problems that did not go as intended and examining what went wrong through the post-mortem process.

Adhering to Theme Challenge The game jam required the inclusion of manual driving. An optional objective was explored to reinterpret this requirement in a more engaging or unconventional way. Action Several quick-fire ideas were explored du

Adhering to Theme

Challenge

The game jam required the inclusion of manual driving. An optional objective was explored to reinterpret this requirement in a more engaging or unconventional way.

Action

Several quick-fire ideas were explored during early planning. One concept involved a high-speed shooter where enemies could only be destroyed by switching to the correct cog projectile. However, the team ultimately aligned on a more literal approach, inspired by traditional manual transmission systems. The selected concept rewarded proper gear shifts at specific speed thresholds with temporary speed boosts, an effect illustrated in the image above.

Result

Although the outcome leaned toward a familiar gameplay structure, the creative momentum behind the decision strengthened the team’s enthusiasm. The project evolved into a focused, experimental piece that embraced the game jam spirit while offering a valuable opportunity for technical growth.

Awkward Movement Challenge The team set out to explore whether manual transmission could function within a car combat arena. It was a curious design challenge that tested the feasibility of merging traditional driving mechanics with high-speed

Awkward Movement

Challenge

The team set out to explore whether manual transmission could function within a car combat arena. It was a curious design challenge that tested the feasibility of merging traditional driving mechanics with high-speed action.

Action

A manual transmission system was implemented. Players could change gears after reaching certain speeds, receiving a small speed boost each time. The idea was to help them move across the map more efficiently.

Result

The mechanic introduced more problems than benefits. As shown in the image above, red arrows indicate acceleration, while blue ones mark deceleration. Gaining speed worked well in straight paths, but sharp turns often triggered sudden slowdowns. This was especially disruptive during combat and when navigating around obstacles. Many playtesters found the mechanic distracting, as it forced them to focus more on survival and eliminating opponents. The experience became overwhelming, and during the post-mortem, it was agreed that the feature should have been scrapped.

Finding a Game Loop Challenge A car combat arena was chosen as a central focus, but a common genre issue needed addressing, as players often struggled to locate each other in large spaces while moving at high speeds. Action A territory-base

Finding a Game Loop

Challenge

A car combat arena was chosen as a central focus, but a common genre issue needed addressing, as players often struggled to locate each other in large spaces while moving at high speeds.

Action

A territory-based system inspired by Halo: Combat Evolved's "King of the Hill" game mode was implemented. By requiring players to occupy a marked zone, encounters became more predictable and opponents easier to locate.

Result

Shifting the win condition to area control led to more consistent engagements. Playtesters gravitated toward the green floating rock at the centre of the map, beneath which a glowing ring indicated the scoring zone. Once inside, points would accumulate through the interface, prompting others to converge and compete for control.

Lack of Prototypes Challenge A key element of any game jam is the ability to develop a fully playable experience in a limited timeframe. Up to that point, there had been experience with designing standalone mechanics, but never with producing a

Lack of Prototypes

Challenge

A key element of any game jam is the ability to develop a fully playable experience in a limited timeframe. Up to that point, there had been experience with designing standalone mechanics, but never with producing an entire game or a functional slice of one under such constraints.

Action

Given the time pressure, the team decided to forgo traditional prototyping. Instead, several core mechanics were planned out using sketches and notes. Once alignment was reached on the general design, the team moved straight into development.

Result

During the post-mortem, the absence of prototypes was identified as a critical oversight. While many ideas seemed engaging on paper, their actual implementation lacked the intended impact. Rapid experimentation within the editor would have helped determine what worked and what did not, ultimately leading to a more polished experience.

Witholding Ideas Challenge Up until this point, collaboration had mostly been with familiar people, and there was little experience working with complete strangers. During the game jam, the team had a strong commitment to a specific vision. The

Witholding Ideas

Challenge

Up until this point, collaboration had mostly been with familiar people, and there was little experience working with complete strangers. During the game jam, the team had a strong commitment to a specific vision. The personal challenge was to try to make that it succeed.

Action

Personally, it was decided to avoid pushing ideas that conflicted with their car combat game concept, which included manual transmission, despite noticing some design flaws. This was done to prevent coming off as an overbearing collaborator who was politely invited to join their team.

Result

Although it was unusual not to share suggestions, thoughts were openly discussed during the post-mortem. Some personal ideas were proposed to replace the manual transmission mechanic with an alternative that still fit the theme of shifting gears. One concept involved switching between different flamethrower ranges mounted on the vehicle’s back, controlled by the directional pad, as shown by the arrows in the image above. Each flame length corresponded to a fuel bar that decreased when used and required a cooldown before refilling. This system would have added a tactical element, encouraging players to choose longer flames for distant targets and shorter ones for close encounters. When this idea was presented, the team received it positively and agreed that stepping outside the comfort zone to offer new thoughts ultimately benefits the project. It was a mistake never to be repeated again and proved to be a valuable lesson learned.

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