The weekend from January 24th to 26th (2025) I took part in my first Game Jam in Parque Científico de Alicante, organized by Multitec. We created multiple teams to develop videogames around the topic established by the Global Game Jam, which this year was “Bubble”. I was a member of team “Jose”, whose members were:

• Diana
• Diego
• Yaroslav
• Victor
• Vladimir
• Carlos (myself)

The first thing to decide was the game engine that we were going to use. It was an easy decision since only two people (Yaroslav and Victor) had some recent hands-on experience: Unity6.

Next, we started brainstorming and everything pointed towards a sandbox adventure game where a bubble had to find a kid that didn’t wash its hands properly, facing multiple challenges using multiple substances that altered its powers. However, after talking with the event coaches, we decided to use Diana’s idea to make a game similar to Agar.io, since the scope of the other idea seemed to big for the time box we had.

Just like that Bubble Battle happened: a split-screen duel game (1v1) where each player (red or green bubble) has to survive and grow bigger to absorb its opponent. In order to do so, it must absorb the white bubbles that spawn throughout the jacuzzi while avoiding the whirlwinds.

Even though each and every member has contributed to all aspects of the game, I would like to highlight some people in each role (personal opinion).

Game mechanics and programming

In this section, I would like to highlight multiple things:

• Random generation of bubbles, travelling from the bottom of the jacuzzi to the surface. Once they’re about to reach it, a shadow appears and once they emerge you can see a wave.
• The trail the bubbles leave behind
• The shine that indicate that a bubble can be absorbed by a player
• The absorption force of the whirlwinds
• The pipes that take you to the other side of the map
• The minimap that allows you to check the location of other players

⭐ Victor and Yaroslav.

Graphic design

The different logos, fonts and website of the game, based on the game identity and that gives it a lot of personality. We used Photoshop and other similar programs.

⭐ Diego, with Vladimir’s and Diana’s support.

Modelling

All 3D models and shaders from the bubble and all the other elements from the game that make a nice sight for the brief walks through the jacuzzi. We used Blender.

⭐ Carlos and Victor, with Diana’s support.

Music

Soundtrack and sound effects that bring joy and life to the game. They were not made by us but they were a wonderful selection.

⭐ Yaroslav.

It was a great experience, and I thank my fellow partners for making all that working time happen so fast. Also, I greatly appreciate the excellent management and attitude from all parties involved in the event, especially Multitec.