There are a ton of game jams happening online at any point during the year. Many of these jams follow a theme and a timeframe, giving developers the challenge of creating a game within a specific jam’s restrictions. I am able to record loads of these games for each and almost every game jam. As I record them all, I pick out games that stand out to me and games I love from each individual jam. This article contains the games I love from the the Bitsy Jam: Snow.
The Bitsy Jam is a monthly game jam where developers are challenged to create a game using the Bitsy Engine. The theme for this version was ‘Snow’. Bitsy games tend to be smaller experiences that focus on little stories within the game. Each month, developers vote on Twitter to decide the theme for that month. I’ve played through each of the submitted games in my compilation video series and below are a few of my favorites, in a random order.
Snowy Road by Sugar
Snowy Road is a cute little tale about a snow day happening in your small town. There seems to be a very big snow storm brewing — one that will cover the town in snow. At the very outskirts of the village, there is an old woman who would very much appreciate some baked goods to get through this storm. You play Emily, a young girl who enjoys wandering around in the snow.
You can walk through the town, interacting with the various people playing in the snow or getting ready for the storm. Everyone has a few things to say to you, as it is such a small town. It is quite peaceful as you walk through the snow, even at the edge of town. You can make it all the way to the woman’s home — delivering the delicious treats in your basket. Snowy Road is just a delightful, calm experience.
Snow on the Moon by Coleo_Kin
Snow on the Moon takes you to a planet in outer space. A planet where the snow drifts from the atmosphere to your world. You decided to stay on this planet for her — a creature, a thing that is creating the snow, the wonder and the individual bits of the planet. You can explore around this moon to remember her, see bits of her and talk to her.
You can even find her and go be with her. Snow on the Moon is hard to describe — it is a short, alien planet you can explore with a mysterious creature, who you can interact with. She is captivating. Every word is well written; Snow on the Moon is a lovely game.
Service Disruptions by David Mowatt
Service Disruptions allows you to experience trying to take a British train during even the slightest bit of snow — trust me, I have lived in England for a few years now and this is a real problem. This small world is full of people who tried to get on the train. The train might lead to a larger trip for them, to work or be a regular part of their everyday journey home. Now that the train has been delayed, you get the chance to explore around and find out when the next train should arrive.
Service Disruptions comes with a large yet diverse crowd of people who all have interesting stories and reasons. They each have their own reactions to these cancellations, which you can learn about. You can wander around a busy train station, waiting to find out what to do when the next train comes. Experience the winter that loads of British people have in a country not accustomed to snow, despite receiving it almost every winter.
The Bitsy Jam is a monthly game jam, so you can catch the next one next month. If you are interested in learning more about the Bitsy Jam, follow the organiser’s Twitter @adamledoux!
Interested in reading about more game jam highlights? Why not check out our archive?
