12 Interesting Games from the Game Maker's Toolkit / Skillbox Media Game Jam

Contents:

• Roll N’ Skate
• Stompey Dicey
• Pip Flip Paradise
• Afraid to Die
• Dice Catcher
• Roll and Crawl
• Dice Knight
• Fire and Dice
• DIEmunition
• On a Roll
• Cosmic Dice
• Try Not to DIE

Game Maker’s Toolkit is one of the leading YouTube channels dedicated to game design. The channel’s host, Mark Brown, analyzes various aspects of video game development in detail. He explores topics such as level design, audio production, interface design, and virtual economics. The channel offers in-depth and informative videos that help both beginners and experienced developers better understand game design principles and apply them in practice.

The blogger not only explores the theoretical aspects of game design but is also actively working on creating his own game, which we mentioned in our previous article. Every year, he organizes the GMTK Game Jam, which allows developers and game enthusiasts to demonstrate their skills and creativity in creating unique projects.

Game jam participants work on creating games for 48 hours based on a given theme. After this stage, the voting period begins, during which the public selects the 100 best projects. This process takes one week. Brown then plays each of the top games and creates a video review of his 20 favorites.

The theme of the sixth game jam was dice roll. All aspects of the game, including mechanics, setting, and aesthetics, should be linked to dice. Participants will be able to express their creativity by creating unique game concepts in which dice play a key role. This is an excellent opportunity for developers and designers to showcase their skills and ideas, as well as draw attention to the world of board games and video games, where dice-rolling mechanics can be used in a wide variety of contexts.

This topic may make you think of random numbers, probability, board games, or casinos, Brown noted. However, as with any other question, you are free to interpret it as you wish.

In two days, participants uploaded over six thousand projects to the itch.io portal, including a unique cube simulator created by the author in just 12 seconds. All of these projects are available for download or launch directly in your browser by simply going to the game page.

In this material, we present you with an overview of 20 of Mark Brown's favorite games from the game jam. In addition, we've compiled a selection of projects that stand out for their unique and carefully crafted dice-rolling mechanics. These games offer unique approaches and a variety of ways to interact with the throwing mechanics, making them interesting for players.

Roll N' Skate

In this puzzle game, the player controls a ball of slime on roller skates, trying to get back home in the sewers. The value of the dice determines the number of squares the character can travel in one turn. If you don't use enough action points, the character won't be able to reach the goal. At the same time, if you spend too many points, you risk sending the character off the playing field. This game requires strategic thinking and precise planning to successfully overcome all the obstacles on the way home.

Many games with similar concepts are featured at game jams, but Roll N' Skate stands out with its unique art design and carefully crafted puzzles. The puzzles in the game offer players a serious challenge, while they are logically structured, allowing you to experience satisfaction and joy from discoveries with every solution. Each level makes you think and opens new horizons for creative thinking, which makes the game exciting and memorable.

Stompey Dicey

Stompey Dicey is a unique bullet hell game where players create patterns of dots on the faces of a dice under time constraints. As you play, you must not only focus on creating patterns but also avoid flying dice, adding a touch of tension and dynamism. This game offers an exciting gaming experience, combining strategic thinking with quick reactions. Stompey Dicey is a great choice for fans of the genre and those looking for a new challenge in the gaming world.

The creator of Bad Piggy also offers several other projects in a similar style, available for free download on itch.io. Among them are a puzzle shooter inspired by Superhot, as well as a horror game set in a library where a book serves as protection from monsters. These games are perfect for those who enjoy original and unusual game concepts.

Pip Flip Paradise

Pip Flip Paradise is a unique, highly detailed puzzle platformer where every surface you step on transforms into a cube face. Once you activate six faces, they transform into a new surface inspired by Asian cuisine: slippery salmon fillets, caramel pudding, the sharp teeth of a grater, and dry ramen noodles crumbling underfoot. The main character resembles a steamed baozi bun, adding a special charm to the game. Immersion in the world of Pip Flip Paradise guarantees engaging gameplay and intense emotions.

The player must consider not only random factors but also the behavior of enemies, such as dust buns and yo-yo springs that move around the level. These elements require both improvisation and strategic planning from the player. Success in the game depends on the ability to adapt to changing conditions and anticipate enemy moves, which adds depth to the gameplay.

An important aspect of the project is its unique 8-bit soundtrack, which is memorable and creates the game's atmosphere. The scale of Pip Flip Paradise is impressive: thanks to the efforts of a large development team, a total of 30 levels were created. This number exceeds the results of other participants in this game jam, which emphasizes the high level of professionalism and creativity of the creators.

Afraid to Die

In this action platformer, dice serve as consumable ammunition that are needed to destroy enemies and defend against their attacks. Dice are available in three types: twenty-sided, ten-sided, and tetrahedral. The lower the result of the roll, the more damage you can inflict on your opponents. Use a dice strategy to maximize the effectiveness of your attacks and defense.

Afraid to Die effectively combines two key components: on the one hand, it requires quick reactions and precision from the player, on the other hand, an important aspect is competent resource management. Without this skill, at a critical moment, for example, during a boss fight, you may be left without the necessary means to fight. The unique gameplay is harmoniously complemented by minimalistic graphics, stylized as classic platformers of the NES era, which creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and immerses the player in a world filled with challenges and strategic decisions.

Dice Catcher

A witch accidentally dropped her magic dice, and monsters escaped from it and must be returned to their prison. These creatures pose a threat to the world, and only magic and wits can deal with them. Each monster's return requires dexterity and strategy to reseal them within the dice. Players will have to show their skills to restore order and protect the world from the chaos caused by these dangerous creatures.

The game is a series of turn-based battles with various monsters, where the main task is to catch dice that fly across the playing field. Some of these dice enhance the player's defense or add hit points, while others can provide additional attacks for opponents. If a player is unsatisfied with the result of the roll, they have the option to reroll the dice. However, it should be remembered that the time allotted for the battle is limited, and after this time the witch may die. The process of catching dice becomes increasingly difficult, as blind spots begin to appear on the board in which it is impossible to catch dice. This adds an element of strategy and requires the player to be attentive.

Dice Catcher is a fascinating exercise in speed and attention, which combines dice rolling and elements of strategy. This game does not rely solely on luck, as the developers carefully considered its balance, allowing players to demonstrate their skill and tactical thinking. Dice Catcher is ideal for training reaction and concentration, making the gameplay not only interesting but also rewarding.

The Kultisti team is pleased to announce that they have a page on itch.io, where you can find many free projects made in the same unique style. If you liked their game, be sure to visit the page and check out the team's other creations.

Roll and Crawl

This turn-based roguelite, similar to Loop Hero, offers unique world-building gameplay. Players move along a grid, with each tile's content randomly generated. While exploring new tiles, you may encounter various obstacles, such as monsters or natural elements. Additionally, you may stumble upon NPCs, villages, or obtain useful consumables, adding an element of strategy and variety to the gameplay.

The dice in Roll and Crawl are an important resource. They determine the number of available actions, the force of your attack when encountering monsters, and the objects you can find in areas of interest. However, it's worth noting that each die is only used for one roll, requiring players to constantly search or purchase new dice from the game board. This creates additional challenges and strategic elements during gameplay.

The game's creation was made possible thanks to the efforts of one of its developers, Yaroslav Kravtsov, known by his nickname risingwave. In a series of Twitter posts, he shares details about how his team prepared for the game jam, overcame difficulties during the development process, and ultimately created a high-quality project in a short time. These materials provide valuable insights for those interested in game development and the process of creating unique content.

Dice Knight

This prototype of the classic monster-battling RPG offers a unique gameplay experience based on the roll of six dice. Each die can be rerolled twice, opening up opportunities to find optimal combinations. However, after that, the player must act based on the results, even if they don't meet expectations. This approach creates an element of surprise and strategy, making every battle unpredictable and exciting. This mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to make decisions based on random results and develop their risk management skills.

Dice Knight attracts attention with its atmospheric visual style, which incorporates elements reminiscent of Lovecraft's work. The game offers exciting hardcore gameplay: enemies inflict serious damage with just a few hits. To achieve victory, players need to carefully consider their actions and combine them.

Fire and Dice

Tower defense is a game where you play as a dragon, burning humans who come to hunt. In Fire and Dice, the action unfolds on a grid-based board similar to the one used in Plants vs. Zombies. Instead of plants, you have three dice, which are rolled randomly each turn. You use these dice for strategic placement and attacks, defending your lair from attackers.

The color of the dice determines the type of attack, and its value determines the power of the fire. You need to strategically place available actions on the board to effectively fry enemies and prevent them from reaching the other side. If you think you only need a couple of dice, you can save one for a critical moment when it will be especially needed. This will allow you to maximize the effectiveness of your attacks and defend yourself against opponents.

As a bonus, you'll receive atmospheric images and a musical score that will transport you to a world of ancient fairy tales. The ironic narrative style adds a unique touch: for example, the authors dubbed the peasant invasion "The Commoners' Party," and the final level "Endless Food." These elements make the game not only exciting but also memorable, creating a unique atmosphere.

DIEmunition

Platformer, Tetris, and bullet hell—why not combine all these genres in a single project? These are the questions the creators of DIEmunition faced, striving to create a unique gaming experience by combining elements of various styles.

Cubes falling from the sky serve not only as platforms for jumping, allowing you to avoid falling into acid, but also as ammunition. The higher the value of the cube, the more shots you can fire at flying enemies before the platform disappears. Furthermore, cubes can be shot out of the air, allowing you to stop their rotation at the right moment and use them to your advantage. This mechanic adds a strategic element to the gameplay, where players must make quick decisions to survive and prevail in battle.

At first glance it may seem chaotic, but the elements in DIEmunition function with surprising coherence. They create dynamic and exciting gameplay, offering a new take on classic game genres.

On a Roll

On a Roll is an exciting twin-stick shooter where you control a cube. The game's unique mechanic is that time stops when you're not moving, reminiscent of the concept from Superhot. Your primary objective is to destroy enemies, which are hybrids of insects and Doom demons, before they reach you. The game offers dynamic gameplay and requires strategic thinking to survive this tense confrontation.

In the game, your character rolls and shoots in a given direction, with each movement becoming a dice roll. The result of the roll affects the length of the next step. Ammunition is limited, and to replenish it, you need to drive directly over an enemy. This project is reminiscent of 20 Minutes Till Dawn, which, in turn, was inspired by Vampire Survivors. Enemies advance in a circle, their numbers constantly increasing, and kills unlock new levels, offering the player a choice of upgrades.

This exciting game combines elements of shoot 'em ups and twin-stick shooters, maintaining tension without requiring instant reactions from the player. It offers an interesting gameplay that allows you to enjoy the dynamics without unnecessary haste.

Cosmic Dice

Cosmic Dice is a captivating game in which players build towers of cubes, the size of which is determined by the results of a dice roll. The main goal is to time the cubes correctly so that they land on top of each other. With each level, the game becomes increasingly challenging: first, a red die appears, which "takes" already built blocks, then the building platforms become smaller. Despite the increasing difficulty, the starry sky in the background, soothing music, and the measured pace of the game create an atmosphere of meditative relaxation. Cosmic Dice offers a unique combination of strategic thinking and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for lovers of quiet and thoughtful games.

Try Not to DIE

In this game, each roll of the dice dramatically changes the level: it opens some doors and closes others, turns safe zones into traps, and reverses gravity, forcing the player to move along the ceiling. The dice also affect the soundtrack, where dynamic synthwave rises or falls depending on the result. These elements create a unique gaming experience that requires the player to quickly adapt and think strategically.

The dice spin in a predetermined sequence, eliminating the element of chance. Replacing the dice with a regular clock will not affect the gameplay of Try Not to DIE. The gameplay will remain consistent, as the core mechanics remain constant regardless of the element used.

Games created during game jams demonstrate that the cube can take on many roles. It can be not only a random generator, but also a hero, a weapon, a timer, or a building block. Everything depends on the developer's creativity and imagination. This approach allows for the creation of unique game mechanics and original concepts, opening new horizons for game design.

Games created during GMTK Game Jam 2022 and other game jams clearly illustrate the value of such events. The established time, resource, and thematic constraints encourage developers to seek out extraordinary ideas and creative approaches. These conditions not only stimulate creative thinking but also provide an opportunity to implement innovative concepts. Participation in game jams promotes skill development and the exchange of experience, which is important for the growth of the gaming community and the creation of unique content.