TASK

• Make a platformer which contains some invisible platforms

INSPIRATION

Try to think of different ways a platform can be invisible. For example, are the platforms completely transparent and you need to do a leap of faith, or do they have a dotted outline so that you know that is where they will appear if activated. There could be platforms that look like they would be solid and visible but when landing on them you pass right through them so you don’t know what’s real or not. 

Try to think about what could trigger the platform to be invisible and visible. For example, are the platforms permanently invisible, or do the platforms automatically appear and disappear every few seconds, is there a switch to jump on or shoot, maybe the platforms are invisible when you face to the right but visible when facing left, collecting an item could make some of the platforms appear, you could left click using your mouse to make them go invisible, the invisible platforms could become solid after your character has passed through them. Maybe every time you do a jump the platforms could switch from semi transparent to solid. You could shoot ink at the invisible platforms to reveal an outline. Walking close to a certain wall could reveal a secret room. Maybe once you complete a level, more invisible platforms are added to the same level so you have to be more careful where you tread.

If you aren't sure if something is allowed as an invisible platform, I would say yes it is allowed. For example, a torch that lights up the darkness can make platforms from a certain distance appear visible, a hole that moves left and right is essentially turning solid ground invisible, the player could have the ability to switch between 2 different dimensions. An enemy could serve as a light source and when killed the lights go out. There could be a light block that can be pushed in the dark. I'm sure there will be other examples like these but if in doubt, they will all be allowed. The theme is very much open to interpretation

You may also want to ask yourself what sort of character do you want to have in your game? Does this character of yours have a special ability? (A weapon, magic, double jump, carry and throw objects, no ability but looks cute etc) Does this special ability affect how your player interacts with the platforms?

USEFUL INFO

• This jam is open to everyone of all skill levels
• You will have 1 month to make your game. You don't have to use all of that time to make your game. So you can relax, take time off and come back to it, plan it out a little bit, try to learn something new for your game, have time to redo it over, have the time to join other jams that have overlapping deadlines etc
• Your game doesn't have to be finished, a demo of what you have got so far is perfectly fine
• If you miss the deadline, don't worry, you just won't be entered
• Your game can be an updated version of a previously made game
• Your game can be 2D or 3D
• All of the different types of platformer games are allowed in this jam (side scrollers, endless runner, puzzle based, metroidvania style, single screen room escapes, or anything else with platforms in it)
• Exporting your game as a HTML5 file is the most accessible way for people to play your game but downloadable games are fine too, but please be aware that I am only on windows and I only play free games and I don't have any VR equipment

RULES

• You must use assets that you created or have the legal right to use. Crediting the creators is encouraged
• You can work alone or in a team. If in a team, crediting all of the team members is encouraged
• You can submit more than one game if you want to
• No offensive content please
• If your game contains a lot of blood, scares or anything like that, please put a warning on your description page

RATINGS

• For this jam I have decided to do something radically different. I’m now going to be the sole judge to determine all of the rankings for the games submitted and I’ve given an option for those that don’t want to be included in the ranking. I believe ranking games myself will be a fairer method for a number of reasons and if it's something that people like, I’ll probably keep to this format in future jams but I will have to see how it goes
• There will be no scores given and there will be no ties. It will just be a ranking for each game based on the judging question below and I’ll leave a comment in the community section for these results as well as a YouTube video for those that wish to be featured
• To encourage people to leave constructive feedback for other people's games, I will be reading people’s comments and those that contribute more on giving useful feedback to others will be factored into my ratings. I feel like people with good karma should benefit in some way so if it’s a close decision between two games, it just might make the difference to sway my decision
• I shall leave a comment on each game that I am able to play
• I shall announce the winner and feature video footage of me playing your games on my YouTube channel (GAME FAVORITES) so be sure to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwnfSxVGlnf6qa6LpVsc7w 

The judging question will be: HOW GOOD ARE THE INVISIBLE PLATFORMS?

I will be rating games higher if the invisible platforms are in well thought out positions and have anything else that makes them more enjoyable such as interesting game mechanics, artwork and audio etc

The winner of every Platformer Challenge that I host will get to have their game featured on my homepage - https://gamefavorites.itch.io/

If you have any questions, my email is robclarke86@hotmail.co.uk