Having participated in several game jams (I have lost count at this point), Here are my tips/tricks/advice:
- Keep your game idea(s) simple. Especially in short game jams, time is of the essence! Do not aim for a
completed game, or even polished game, because frankly you will not have time (no one does). - Plan ahead if that is your thing, or don't, but regardless do whatever development workflow suits you best! A short jam like this is not the time to be trying new workflows you are unfamiliar with.
- Play to your strengths. I would highly suggest playing to your strengths first, and if time allows then add everything else. It makes it much easier to have a prototype when you focus the core of the game around your strengths.
- Get sleep and eat food! I would highly suggest not skipping meals and sleep! Overworking yourself does not make a great game! Get enough rest and eat!
- Don't compare your game with others! As long as you are happy with what you have made, and had fun, then that is all that matters.
- Ratings (good, bad, or otherwise) mean nothing! Having lots of ratings does not necessarily mean your game is great, and having no ratings doesn't mean your game is terrible. It can be discouraging to get only a few ratings (or none), but just keep at it! Getting lots of rating is cool and feels great, but honestly it rarely means anything beyond the jam.
- Have fun and try not to get discouraged if things go wrong! The whole point of a game jam is to have fun making a game with others around a set theme.
Good luck everyone! I can't wait to see all the amazing games!