does this include virtual buttons (like w is the only button used, but the UI has other buttons)
So by that rule any games using only mouse input (as long as there is only left click) are qualified. That makes for most “point ant click” and “drag and drop” (card games) games.
Of cause this is your jam and changing the rules after the start is stupid anyway, so we will just go with it. However if you are making a game for this jam I challenge you to only use 1 key. No mouse position. I will definitely do so!
But most importantly have fun!
The way I see it, the mechanics can cover games as simple as Flappy Bird to games as complex as Real-Time Strategies. But the criteria "Gameplay Creativity" is the real limiter.
I could've also commit with the "No mouse position" games since they suddenly start popping in my head, but it's too late to turn back for me now.
In any case, this Jam is great for beginners to get their feet wet, and that's what I like about it.
I guess the “game” starts as soon as your code kicks in. But maybe you can come up with something else than a 2nd button. For example make a bar fill as long as the button is pressed and once it is full it selects the level. So in short: use the short button press for one action and long button press for an other.
Yeah, I have the same problem, where adding a reset button would be good. However try working around it. Having to reset is not a fun game mechanic. Maybe you can find a way the player can fix his mistakes and have an other try without reset? If this doesn’t work but getting killed resets the game, try to place instant kill obstacles (like spikes or such) in the parts of the level where the player might need a reset. Or maybe even reset buttons the player can activate in game by standing on them or something…
I am going to map Mouse click / one keyboard key / one controller key all to one action. This is just for accessibility so one can play with only mouse/keyboard/touchscreen/controller available. The rules state “Create a game that utilizes just one button.”. In my interpretation it is fine if a game maps multiple inputs to one “button” action as still only the use of one of these is needed to play the game. But of cause West Valley Games make the rules. So please tell me if my interpretation is wrong. However “That is the only button the player can use” would support my interpretation.
it’s perfectly fine to have functions like pause, level select and such. The purpose of the jam is to see who can be the most creative with game play limited to one button. If you want to have a typical card game where you can use a mouse with drop down menus and such that is within the rules. But, personally I dont see that as creative and may not vote favorably towards it. However, this is voted on by the other people Jam so maybe they will see it differently.