Dreamscape Descent
A Brackey’s Game Jam 2023 project created by a team of six, inspired by the theme “Diving Deeper.” In my first game jam experience, we developed a platformer where players take on the role of Alex, a boy with a complex childhood. By "diving" into dreams, players explore unique environments that reflect Alex’s emotions and memories, unraveling his story as they progress.
Project Type
Game Jam
Platform
PC
Engine
Unity
Role(s)
Game Designer / Programmer
Gameplay & Mechanics Design
Enhanced Player Controls: Programmed core mechanics, including teleporters and interactive scripts, to enhance gameplay.
Pivoting Gameplay Concept: Originally envisioned as a scrolling game featuring fountains for inter-level travel to evoke dreamlike transitions. Due to time constraints, the concept was adjusted to a platformer format, maintaining the dream-diving theme.
Integrated Puzzle Elements: Designed the first level to include puzzles, giving players a sense of unraveling mysteries. If players attempted to dive without solving the puzzle, they would be teleported back to the starting map until the puzzle was completed.
Level Design
Utilized Unity Tilemaps to design engaging and immersive levels.
Created a distinct feel for each level:
- Dream 1: A dark, ominous terrain filled with monsters representing Alex’s childhood fears. Players solve puzzles to confront the unknown.
- Dream 2: A joyful memory, featuring collectible “mental strength” items symbolizing Alex’s readiness to overcome trauma.
- Dream 3: A climactic confrontation with fear, where a boss battle signifies Alex’s triumph over his personal struggles.
Narrative Development
Expanded the narrative framework in collaboration with the composer after the original story lead left the project, bridging gaps between the storyline and level progression.
Crafted a symbolic story tied to gameplay mechanics:
Dream 1 represents facing fears.
Dream 2 highlights rediscovery of joy and strength.
Dream 3 symbolizes overcoming fear and trauma.
Team Collaboration
Puzzle Development: Proposed a complex puzzle mechanic involving connecting dots on the map to form story-related symbols. After discussing feasibility with the programming team, adapted the idea into a simpler flip-card puzzle.
- Takeaway: Learned the importance of communication, compromise, and respecting team expertise in a collaborative environment.Overcame initial communication challenges within the team, ensuring smooth coordination for completing the project.
Reflections
Through this game jam, I gained hands-on experience with game development under tight constraints, adapted to team challenges, and refined my ability to balance creativity with practicality. The project deepened my understanding of teamwork, narrative design, and the iterative nature of gameplay development.
Built in Framer
Created by Chih I Chou @2024