Jake Hall

Game Jam success with Best Before

Jake Hall, a final-year BSc (Hons) Game Design student, recently took part in a university-hosted game jam, where he created Best Before, a rogue-like adventure game developed in just two weeks.

The game features procedurally generated dungeons, fast-paced combat and a cast of quirky characters, including Cheddar Man and Mozzarella Girl. Inspired by classic titles, the project showcases both creativity and technical skill, all developed within a tight timeframe.

Jake credits his time at university with preparing him for the challenge. Learning industry-standard tools and workflows, including platforms like GitHub, helped him manage the project effectively and stay organised under pressure.

One of the biggest challenges of the game jam was time management. With only a short period to plan, design and build the game, Jake had to remain focused and realistic about what he could achieve. By keeping the scope manageable and prioritising quality, he was able to produce a polished final product within the deadline.

The experience also helped Jake strengthen his technical abilities. He explored new ways to organise and manage game data using Unity, particularly through features such as Scriptable Objects. This allowed him to handle elements like character stats and animations more efficiently. Alongside programming, he also developed creative aspects of the game, producing pixel art and even recording sound effects himself.

For Jake, the project was not just about the final outcome, but the learning process behind it. Working under pressure, solving problems quickly and adapting ideas along the way all contributed to his growth as a developer.

His advice to other students is simple but effective: keep your ideas achievable and focus on completing a project to a high standard. By thinking creatively within limitations, you can produce something that is both unique and well executed.

Looking ahead, Jake plans to continue developing Best Before with further updates while also exploring new projects. Game jams will remain an important part of his development, offering opportunities to experiment, build his portfolio and refine his skills.