My Second Game Jam - What have I learned?

During my previous  game jam project, my first solo game jam, a LOT went wrong. The game I made in Unity was too big for a single person like me to develop. I thought I had more time, but with the amount of bugs, glitches, and collider detection issues keeps popping up, I ran out of time to do more. So for this project, I want to focus on simplicity, enough that I can finish in time.

In this second game, themed "last one left," I decided to focus on either a sumo style game, or a quick draw game. An online friend suggested a "last cookie in a jar", so I converted it into a game where you quickly snatch the last cookie before your opponent can. Despite its simple nature, the task of drawing, coding, and programming is still fairly taxing. 

A fair amount of bugs pop up as well, though most of them are from my own lack of experience. The background I was suppose to use for the canvas did not show the background correctly, text seems to be in the wrong place, and stage counter increment twice occasionally instead of once in victory. I did not even included any sound because I was out of time.

It was unfortunate that I did not prepare this game more than I should. Had I put more time to this game, and maybe even find someone who could help me, maybe this game could have been a lot better. But I also realized another thing.  Half a week into this game, I had a lack of attachment and motivation to work on the game. I later understand that I ended up seeing this as a job that I have to finish, rather than a hobby. And it makes me wonder if many game designer also have this same feeling, making games not because they want to, but rather they have to.

Fortunately on the last day, I was able to pick up the pace because I know at least there must be some people who are looking forward to this game. Even if they don't like it, I at the very least, would appreciate them at least trying the game out. I hope that the next time I decided to the game jam, I remember why I like making video games in the first place, and use that as a motivation to make something that truly makes me happy.