Global Game Jam 2024: “Make Me Laugh”
The Objectives:
When presented with the “Make Me Laugh” theme for the game jam, our team was interested in exploring the idea of what people choose to laugh at; particularly when they choose to laugh at which they do not understand. We wanted to create an experience which incentivized players to set aside that instinct and encourage them to take the time to ask questions and learn about the world around them rather then act solely from their own assumptions.
My Contributions:
As the Narrative Designer for this project, I developed the world of Schmeldon and its various colorful inhabitants, creating descriptions for both our 2D and 3D artists to work off to create a visually cohesive world. I also wrote the scripts for each of the encounters, including all of their branching outcomes as well as the games various possible endings. I also collaborated with the rest of the team in devising the core mechanics of the reaction options and investigation, and wrote in these options as well as further NPC dialogue and item/environment descriptions.
My team and I, W.H.A.M.: Games with Impact, developed Welcome to Schmeldon over the course of 48 hours for the 2024 Global Game Jam. The game is a short narrative experience where players must explore and attempt to decipher the strange and bizarre habits of the citizens of Schmeldon, a world where Adult Swim’s Smiling Friends meets Alice in Wonderland. Read my scripts here.
https://reeserocks.itch.io/welcome-to-schmeldon
The Team::
Programming and Development: Kaleb Amripour
2D Art and Animation: Reese Hausman
3D Art, Music, SFX: Nathan Mosley
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The Processes:
Given the 48 hour timeframe of the game jam, my team and I started with a roundtable discussion to devise the overall premise and tone of the game, as well as the core gameplay loop, in order to begin generating as many variations upon and instances of them loop as possible within the time frame. After their initial arrival Schmeldon, the player encounters various scenarios. Each scenario begins with a short scene, followed by the player being presented with four options of how to react. One of these options is simply to laugh on move on, but if players choose to investigate further by interacting with the various characters and items in each scenario they can determine which of the options may be more helpful. At the conclusion of the game they will either be rewarded or punished by the leader of Schmeldon, King Mayor, based on their actions towards the people.
