1. Hi there! What's your name? Want to introduce yourself?
Absolutely! My name is Dean Thomson, I am a proud Australian from Melbourne. I've spent the prime years of my life carving out a career in game development and music. Throughout my middle-aged journey, I've juggled these two passions of mine and have managed to seamlessly blend them in my work.
2. Did you participate in the last jam we held? If so, what do you plan on doing better this time? If not, what's your reason for joining?
I have not previously participated in a game jam. However, when I learned about this one, it piqued my interest. I am a firm believer in trying new things and exploring different horizons. I view this as a wonderful opportunity to dive into a collaborative and competitive environment that a game jam offers.
3. What games are your favorites? Did any of them inspire you, or made you want to make your own?
I have always been captivated by games that prioritize narrative depth. Games like the 'Tex Murphy' series, 'Snatcher'/'Policenauts' by Hideo Kojima, and 'Narco' have had a major impact on me. They've shown me how video games can transcend traditional boundaries to deliver compelling narratives that rival those of films and literature. These experiences have sparked my desire to create my own games, telling the kind of stories I'm passionate about.
4. Do you have experience with game development? What did you do/with what engine?
Yes, I have a wealth of experience in game development. Over the years, I've worked with multiple indie studios, where I've honed my craft and explored various aspects of game development. Currently, my tool of choice is Unity, but I'm always open to experimenting with different engines. For instance, I've been eyeing the Godot engine recently, and might consider trying it or something equally unique.
5. Tell us about something you're passionate about!
In addition to game development, I'm deeply passionate about film development and music production. I enjoy the process of creating something from scratch and bringing it to fruition - whether it's a game, a film, or a piece of music. There's something incredibly satisfying about shaping an idea into a tangible product that can captivate audiences.
6. What are your goals for this game jam?
My primary goal for this game jam is to create a short, cinematic, narrative-driven adventure game. I believe in the power of stories and I want to craft a memorable gaming experience that takes players on a journey. I am excited to work within the constraints of the game jam, as I believe they will push my creativity and technical skills to their limits.