PreviewLabs

Greetings from the laboratory! I’m Graham, one of the new additions to the PreviewLabs team. You’ll be hearing more from me as I spread the gospel of rapid prototyping, but today I want to talk about what my new colleagues have been up to over at the Global Game Jam in Antwerp, Belgium. 

The Global Game Jam is always a special time at PreviewLabs, and this year was no different. As one of the largest creative events in the gaming industry, the Global Game Jam brings people from around the world together to form teams and develop games in just 48 hours. PreviewLabs proudly sponsored the Global Game Jam in Antwerp, Belgium, contributing both financial support and organizational efforts. Our sponsorship included funding for a 3D printer used to create trophies, and administrative assistance during the event. All of the programmers in our Belgian team joined in the fun and creativity, contributing to the event’s success.

Here’s a closer look at PreviewLabs contributions to the game jam, lessons learned, and tips for aspiring game jammers.

Rabies Babies: Chaos and Comedy

In Rabies Babies (accessible here), chaos reigns as players step into the role of a security guard tasked with managing a rabies outbreak… among babies. Created by Domien, Jitse, Warre Adriaensen, and Seppe Van Hoof, the game is both hilarious and challenging. Players must ensure that infected babies are directed to the right places quickly before they get aggressive and start attacking each other.

Domien’s advice based on his experience:

• Start small but have a stretch goal. Begin with a simple mechanic, then expand if time allows to make the best game in the time limit.
• Don’t overthink the social experience. It’s normal to feel nervous, but game jams are fun, and everyone is there to collaborate.
• Test your tools beforehand. Agree on software (like Unity or Blender) and ensure everything works before the jam starts.

Stranded: Surviving the Depths

Developed by Joren and Lorenz, with contributions from Wietse Van Belle on sound design, Stranded (accessible here) is a futuristic survival game inspired by Subnautica. The story begins with a crashed spaceship sinking into the depths of an ocean world. The player’s mission? Gather resources to repair their spaceship while managing upgrades and inventory. 

Game jam strategies, according to Lorenz:

• Play to your strengths. Identify what you’re good at and make the most of your skillset to push the project forward.
• Communicate with your team. Constant collaboration helps keep everyone on track and excited about the project.
• Embrace the pressure. A clear goal and deadline can bring out the best in your creativity. Time goes by faster in a game jam than you’d expect.
• Choose a project you’re passionate about. Mark Twain said “Write what you know,” and the same applies to games! Choose a topic that can keep you energized and focused throughout the jam.

The Fizzler: Flirting and Fizz

Jarne, our charismatic co-organizer and multitasking genius, managed to develop a game while also running the jam. Starting at 1 a.m. each night, he worked on The Fizzler (accessible here), a game about flirting (or “rizzing” as teenagers would say) while spraying champagne.

Jarne’s lessons learned:

• Keep your scope small. Starting with a manageable idea ensures you can finish something polished, even in a short amount of time.
• Don’t be afraid to show up solo. Game jams are great for meeting new people and contributing to a collaborative atmosphere.
• Test early, test often. Testing early and often allows you to address issues before they become major roadblocks.

Bubble & Jelly and Other Creative Highlights

Bubble & Jelly (accessible here by Aymeric, Anna Vucskics, B’Elanna Delannoit, Wietse Van Belle, and Alp Ertunga Elgün brings players back under the sea, this time for a multiplayer platform adventure. Two players, sharing a keyboard, navigate underwater hazards together on their journey to defeat a whale of a final boss.

Aymeric’s tips for game jammers:

• Balance fun and accessibility. Aim for mechanics that are enjoyable for a wide audience without overcomplicating gameplay.
• Bring your unique touch. Creativity outside the game itself can inspire your team. Whether it’s a DJ set (as Aymeric did!) or your unique sense of humor, be yourself.
• Stay flexible. Game jams are unpredictable, so adapt to challenges as they come.

Behind the Scenes: Organizing the Jam

Jarne and Michael shared responsibilities for organizing the jam, handling everything from setting up tables to troubleshooting technical issues. PreviewLabs sponsored the event, providing cash for resources like a 3D printer used to create trophies.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Global Game Jam was a huge success, showcasing the creativity and talent of everyone involved. We’re proud of our team members and all the participants who turned their ideas into amazing games under tight deadlines.

Feeling inspired? Check out the full list of games from this year’s Global Game Jam. And if you’re ready to create your own masterpiece, consider joining the next Global Game Jam or a similar event like Ludum Dare.

Need our skills to develop a prototype for your project? Don’t hesitate to contact us.