Unity for Game Jams: Rapid 2D Game Development

This workshop is designed to prepare participants for real Game Jam conditions by combining rapid Unity 2D development with practical production methodology. Rather than focusing only on engine features, the course emphasizes how to move efficiently from an empty project to a finished, playable prototype under time pressure.

Participants will explore the fundamentals of 2D game development in Unity, including player controllers, interaction systems, camera setup, UI flow, and game structure, supported by a curated set of simple, reusable Unity scripts covering common gameplay needs. Alongside technical skills, participants will learn Game Jam–specific practices such as rapid prototyping, scoping, feature prioritization, team collaboration, and risk management. The course targets participants interested in game development or interactive media and will culminate in the creation of small playable prototypes and a simulated mini Game Jam experience. The primary goal is to equip learners with the mindset, tools, and confidence needed to effectively contribute to and complete a Game Jam project.

• Introduction to game development and Game Jam workflows
• Unity 2D project structure and setup
• Core gameplay loops and prototyping
• Player controllers and movement systems
• Interaction, combat, and basic AI
• Camera systems and game feel
• UI, feedback, and audio integration
• Game flow, win/lose conditions, and scene management
• Rapid iteration
• Team-based development and version control basics
• Simulated Game Jam production
• Build preparation and postmortem analysis

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Apply rapid prototyping principles to transform a simple idea into a playable 2D game concept.
• Construct a functional Unity 2D project using a structured workflow and reusable gameplay systems.
• Implement core mechanics such as player movement, interaction, and basic game rules in Unity.
• Adapt and combine scripts to create new mechanics and gameplay variations.
• Organize and manage a small-scale game project under Game Jam time and production constraints.
• Evaluate and iterate on a playable prototype through testing, debugging, and targeted improvements.

The objective of this workshop is to enable learners to prototype, develop, and complete small 2D games in Unity under Game Jam constraints. The training follows a practice-oriented, project-based methodology that balances short theoretical inputs with extensive guided hands-on work.

Participants will work with Unity game engine and a modular set of essential scripts covering common gameplay systems (movement, interaction, combat, camera, UI, and game flow). Learning activities include live demonstrations, guided implementation, individual and group challenges, and a simulated mini Game Jam. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, iteration, problem-solving, and collaborative workflows. By the end of the workshop, learners will have produced one complete playable prototype, and a reusable personal development toolkit suitable for future Game Jams.