GMTK Game Jam 2024 - DAY 1 - Ideas


 I got contacted by some random guy on Steam, because he was interested in my review for Substance Painter 3D 2024 version 

This is The Trailer for the Game Jam

The guy is working on this Jam with a small group of friends, I took the occasion to join them and work along them to improve my skills.


I Joined their discord, and I started collecting the Ideas and goals for the game


The rules

The Idea


Scaling Shift


Overview

"Scaling Shift" is a 3rd-person puzzle-platformer game where players take control of a versatile robot named "Shift," equipped with a powerful scaling beam. The objective is to navigate through a series of intricate levels, each filled with obstacles, puzzles, and challenges that require creative thinking and precise control over size manipulation. The core mechanic centres around the ability to resize objects in the environment, from tiny to gigantic, to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles.


Mechanics:


Scaling Beam

The robot is equipped with a unique scaling beam that allows it to change the size of certain objects in the environment. This beam can be activated to either shrink or enlarge objects.

Shrink: When the beam is set to "Shrink," targeted objects become smaller, allowing them to fit into tight spaces, become lighter, or fit onto specific platforms.

Enlarge: When set to "Enlarge," objects increase in size, becoming heavier, larger, and potentially usable as platforms or barriers.


Puzzle Interaction

Players will encounter puzzles that require resizing objects to progress. For example, shrinking a large block to move it through a narrow passage or enlarging a small gear to activate a machine.

Some objects may have unique properties when resized, such as a balloon that floats when small but weighs down platforms when enlarged.


Environmental Interaction

Levels are designed with a variety of environmental elements that interact with the scaling mechanic. For example, pressure plates that require specific weights to activate, or gaps that can only be crossed by enlarging objects to use as temporary bridges.

Certain objects in the environment may be resistant to resizing or may have limits to how much they can be scaled, adding an extra layer of challenge.


Resource Management

The scaling beam has a limited energy resource that must be managed carefully. Players will need to decide which objects to resize and when to recharge the beam by collecting energy nodes scattered throughout the levels.

Exploration & Platforming

As a 3rd-person game, "Scaling Shift" encourages exploration and platforming, with hidden areas that can only be accessed by creatively using the scaling mechanic.

The robot itself is agile, with the ability to jump, climb, and interact with objects, allowing for a smooth blend of platforming and puzzle-solving. 

Story


Set in a futuristic world where machines have taken over, Shift is a prototype robot designed to restore balance by navigating through abandoned facilities, solving puzzles to reactivate dormant systems, and ultimately restoring order. The game’s narrative unfolds as players progress through levels, with environmental storytelling and occasional hints from a guiding AI.


Visual & Audio Style


Visuals: A sleek, futuristic environment with a clean, minimalist design, focusing on sharp contrasts between large and small objects. The world has a mechanical, industrial feel, with metallic surfaces, glowing energy conduits, and interactive machinery.

Audio: A dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the player's actions, with mechanical sound effects that emphasize the scaling mechanic, such as deep, resonant tones when objects enlarge and high-pitched sounds when they shrink.

Target Audience

"Scaling Shift" appeals to players who enjoy puzzle-platformers with a unique twist on gameplay mechanics. It’s designed for short, engaging sessions, perfect for a game jam setting, but with enough depth to provide a satisfying experience.


Game Jam Scope

Given the 4-day time limit, the game will feature a small number of well-designed levels that showcase the core mechanics of scaling and puzzle-solving. The focus will be on polishing the gameplay experience and ensuring the mechanics are intuitive and fun. The narrative will be minimal but enough to give context to the puzzles and world.



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