StoryGames AI Game Jam Winner Spotlight: Vlad_N

By October 3, 2023Buildbox, Game Dev Tips

Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Vlad_N, the creator and Buildbox World user, who won the top spot in our recent ‘Tropical Paradise’ themed StoryGames AI Game Jam. Participants had to create a visual novel game using the new StoryGames AI feature. The game needed to include a given theme and introduce a game mechanic alongside the visual novel element to win. His entry, Tropical Paradise Culinary Quest, checked all the criteria and stood out for its creativity. Congratulations to Vlad_N for winning the top prize of $500, along with the Ultimate Bundle for one year and 1,000 Buildbux Coins!

Tropical Paradise Culinary Quest 

In Tropical Paradise Culinary Quest, players embark on a culinary adventure, exploring tropical ingredients, all in pursuit of winning the Grand Tropical Cook-Off! As an aspiring chef you begin your  journey by working at a beachside cafe and gradually progress to the prestigious kitchen of a luxurious resort, where you’ll ultimately compete in a high-stakes cooking competition.

As the story unfolds, players must choose their path, each resulting in a different outcome. As you progress in the game, you will encounter engaging challenges that feel like fun mini-games. These challenges must be successfully completed in order to advance in the story. The games include card matching for exotic dishes, tapping to catch rare blue coral shrimps to prepare a new dish, and even searching in the jungle for exotic fruits. There are various achievements you can earn by creating impressive dishes and gathering exotic fruits, among other things.

Overall, the use of the StoryGames AI feature and integration of gameplay mechanics in Buildbox was impressive. It is definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already.

 

An Interview with First-Place Winner, Vlad_N

First-place winner Vlad recently spoke with us about Tropical Paradise Culinary Quest, and his game jam experience.

Buildbox.com: What made you participate in the game jam?

Vlad_N: Participating in the game jam was an exciting opportunity for me to challenge my creativity and technical skills. I’ve always been passionate about game development. When I heard about the StoryGames AI feature, I saw it as a unique chance to explore the integration of AI into interactive storytelling. Plus, the competitive spirit of game jams is a great motivator, and I was eager to see what I could create within the given timeframe.

Buildbox.com: How was your experience using the new StoryGames AI feature?

Vlad_N: My experience using the StoryGames AI feature was incredibly positive. It provided me with a powerful toolset to create dynamic and engaging narratives for my game. The ability to generate context-aware dialogues and adapt the story based on player choices was a game-changer. It was a pleasure working with StoryGames AI, and it opened up new creative possibilities for my game.

Buildbox.com: What advice or tips would you give someone interested in participating in the next game jam?

Vlad_N: Certainly! Here are a few tips for aspiring game jammers:

  1. Plan and Prioritize: Start with a clear concept and plan your game’s core mechanics and features. Focus on what makes your game unique and engaging.
  2. Collaborate: If possible, team up with others who have complementary skills. A diverse team can bring different perspectives and expertise to the project. This did not apply to me, but it’s a good thing to know and do.
  3. Use Available Tools: Leverage existing frameworks, libraries, and tools to save time and effort. Here, the StoryGames AI feature was a valuable asset and a good starting point.
  4. Iterate and Test: Don’t be afraid to iterate on your game design. Playtest your game frequently and gather feedback to make improvements.
  5. Stay Organized: Game jams can be hectic, so stay organized. Keep track of tasks, deadlines, and assets to avoid last-minute rushes.
  6. Have Fun: Lastly, remember that game jams are about creativity and enjoyment. Embrace the experience, learn from it, and have fun along the way.

Buildbox.com: Thank you for the valuable advice! We appreciate you taking the time to chat with us and congratulations once again on the win!

We will be hosting another game jam in the near future, so keep an eye out for updates! Also, be sure to check out Tropical Paradise Culinary Quest in Buildbox World! 

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Tiana Crump

About Tiana Crump

Tiana Crump is a journalist and social media manager at Buildbox with a passion for inspiring others and driving brand awareness. As a gamer and creator, she enjoys sharing game development insights, tips, and success stories from the Buildbox community.