I’m glad you got so many entries, that’s really cool
In terms of more game jams, I think they’re a great idea. Whether I’d enter depends on how much time I have and the topic
Not sure if this helps for future jams, but itch also has the option to create unlisted game jams with open voting (so you’d share the link here without it being advertised elsewhere) if that’s helpful for voting purposes.
Here are the five games I voted for in the poll and why, listed in the order in which I played them. It’s all my subjective opinion, mind you.
No rest and no peace by @Elisa_Marino
It can use some work in terms of grammar and spelling, but otherwise it’s a solid, bone-chilling horror and I liked that the killer is your deceased spouse, which adds a tragic twist to the story.
I also liked that I was able to appease them peacefully at the end, without having to resort to violence to stop them.
Night of the feast by @whitebear
A fascinating story that makes you question your own values. Freedom or duty? Is selfless sacrifice justified? Is it even necessary? The story reminded me of M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village”, though it may just be a coincidence.
My only issue is that I felt the pacing was a bit slow in the middle, in the part where you walk around and talk to the other inhabitants of Hallowville.
A Witch Kid’s Halloween by @Cecilia_Rosewood
I really liked the world-building and the exploration aspect of the game. Not to mention, it really captures the spirit of Halloween so well!
The only downside is that I felt like it was more of an introduction to the world where a story could take place, rather than a story in itself, so I’m looking forward to the full version of the game!
The Keeper of Midnight by @CC_Hill
I really enjoyed this one, which is not surprising as it is the most in-depth entry in the contest. I liked the story and how the monsters are inspired by Haitian folklore. I also appreciated the neat little touches like the emojis indicating the emotion in your responses and the “Acquaintance__Friends__Datemates” stat clarification. The pictures were a great addition as well!
Uncover: Curtain Call by @Skillzerk
This one can definitely use some work, but I liked the overall setup of playing as a famous person who is seemingly haunted by an unknown entity. Would be interesting to see the complete version of the story in the future!
I’m just hoping future jams (which I actually plan on entering!) if they do occur can have the poll be optional. In the sense that they can just be submitted but not put under public scrutiny.
@Rustem_Khafizov
Just my opinion because I guess I’m an oversensitive crybaby at heart, but maybe it might be best to PM the people who’s stories you voted for?
It’s not a big deal though, I don’t take offense to the post or anything. I didn’t even submit a story.
I understand where you’re coming from, but I just wanted to share my support for these games and to encourage others to play them and share which games they enjoyed and why. I think it’s important to discuss them, in a respectful manner, of course.
If I organize them, they will always have a poll. The reason is clear, the jam is planned as a way to practice in a safe environment what it feels putting a game on the market and sharing your work. If there isn’t any type of indicative of liking or rating the Jam is not an accurate preparation for what a contest or even publication is. Without that the jam lacks of the tools to help people.
Voting for 5 jams does not mean the other ones are not good, It is just that there is a poll and you have to choose 5. I personally plan on reading them all and provide feedback as @will did, it’s a way to show support and show the authors that you went through their work and give constructive feedback to help them continue writing.
Suppose that makes sense, I’m not arguing the logic, and I don’t want to tell you how to run your own events. I just like the idea of a group of inexperienced or beginner writers each writing a story and just giving feedback, just the feedback without the added complications of worrying about eventual publication and money from sales, I don’t care about any of that. I’m biased though, crybaby me at school hated any form of contests, be they friendly or otherwise so I still do to this day.
