Can you tell us about your game and how did you come up with the premise?
The game went through multiple renditions. From the get go, I wanted to do a horror game of some kind. Tyler was the one who had the idea for a “Groundhog” day-esque scenario that we eventually went with. Apparently, he already had the idea in mind before the game jam.
My first idea that we didn’t have time for was a limited time limit or health that constantly drains.
We thought of doing a horror-type game with the same end-premise of retrying over and over. But instead with the house trying to kill you, almost as if it was a monster or living thing. But we scrapped the idea as it seemed to large-scope for what we could do in 3-4 days.
So we ended up going with a more PG/funny scenario. The idea that the end was rushing
towards you in five minutes and thus, the end is near, was rather simple after that. Then we
went with rather classic RPG/Adventure elements for the game. It was really a matter of being able to create a game of that scope in time. While some of the other ideas were cool, we just didn’t have time for it.
What role did you have while making this game?
I helped with some of the spit-balling for game mechanics, a tad bit of the sound design, a few pieces of the pixel art (much of which never made it in the game).
But mostly I did a lot of writing for the game. I created most of the events the player would follow to complete the game that Tyler implemented. The “questlines” if you will. I also wrote the dialogue and Tyler then also went through and refined a lot of it. I also worked with him on how to get the dialogue in game and what should go and what should stay in.
Can you tell us about your process in creating a game “The End is Near” in one
weekend?
Stressful at the beginning and at the end. In essence, it was a lot of spit balling at first and
organizing who was going to do what.
Then it was a matter of getting an idea for the basic gameplay mechanics.
Next we each split off to fulfill our parts. Which at first was creating artwork, creating the base game, and writing the plot/questlines for the game respectively. Split between the three of us.
Once that was done, it was about refining a lot of what we had. All the dialogue and storyline couldn’t be implemented until art assets were done and could be implemented. Then once Tyler had the basic mechanics made and we could implement the art, implementing the story came last.
Once it was all in, it was just about refining and polishing, which I think Tyler did an amazing job on. Not to mention the amazing sprite work done by Joey.
What was the most challenging task you had in the developing process?
Definitely the time limit. Originally, Tyler wanted to experiment with Unity and have it be easier to access and user friendly. But we didn’t have the time to do so, too much learning in too short a time.
Then we just had to time crunch everything as much as possible. This also meant reducing the scope severely at times.
Really, it was Tyler who clutched it at the end and pulled an all-nighter on the last day to get
everything done in time for game logic and whatnot.
What game made you want to start creating games?
Tyler simply asked for help in creating the game. It sounded fun so I assisted as best I could.
This is my first game jam I’ve helped with.
If you were talking to someone who is wanting to start creating games but doesn’t know
where to begin, what is the best piece of advice you could give?
If you have someone who is more of a veteran and is working on a game, ask to assist. Making a game with someone to show you the ropes is definitely easiest. Also, make sure your first games are small scope and can be projects accomplished in a reasonable time span. Plan on learning certain aspects and keep your scope limited. Once you’ve got experience, then start branching out.
What are your top 3 video game soundtracks?
A difficult question. In no particular order:
1. From “Cry of Fear” OST, an indie horror game. Lonely. https://youtu.be/gieF_kpkTUE
2. From “lb” OST, an indie horror game. The Little Doll’s Dream.
https://youtu.be/Bh4OzXGG3hg
3. From “Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs” OST, horror game. Mandus.
https://youtu.be/O46KvOHTB18
Where can we find your game and you at? (This is where you can post any and all links!
Promote yourself)
For the game:
https://sabenstudios.itch.io/my-whole-familys-dead
As for myself, I’m not publicly known anywhere. I don’t really use social media and I was mostly helping a friend make a game for the jam at the last minute.
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