Penguins and Portals

Gameplay Design & Systems — Game Jam Project

Designed and implemented a short gameplay experience where players use resources strategically to navigate a disrupted portal network.

Defined scope, milestones, and coordinated the team to maintain a clear and achievable development plan
Designed core gameplay loop and player objectives
Implemented gameplay systems and interactions in Unity

Create a short, engaging experience within a 48-hour timeframe, while ensuring a clear scope and a positive first game jam experience for the team.

Players navigate the level using portals and limited resources to reach a goal.

The loop focuses on simple but meaningful decisions about when and how to use resources, keeping the experience readable and engaging.

With a 48-hour constraint and a mixed-experience team, I defined a tight scope focused on a few core mechanics.

I prioritized clarity and aligned the team around essential features to ensure we could ship a cohesive, playable experience.

Early gameplay lacked clarity in objectives and interaction flow.

I simplified systems and reinforced feedback, mainly through dialogue windows, improving readability and helping players make clearer decisions.

Improved my ability to scope effectively and align a team under tight constraints.

Reinforced the importance of clarity and simplicity in short-form gameplay experiences.

Lumineuse