Gelatoss!
Game Jam | Systems Design | Player-Focused Mechanics
Overview
Gelatoss! is a chaotic couch competitive game built in 10 days for the Pirate Software Game Jam. Players launch slimes into a scoring arena—but with a twist: slimes split on impact. This shrinking mechanic reduces their score multiplier but opens access to jackpot zones, adding an escalating layer of tension, chaos, and strategic improvisation.
What begins as precise setup quickly transforms into unpredictable pinball madness, demanding both on-the-fly adaptation and long-term planning.
My Role
- Gameplay & Systems Design: Built and tuned slime physics (mass, bounce, launch force) and created the multiplier/split logic that drives the game’s pacing and escalation curve.
- Mechanic Ownership: Pitched and refined the “split-to-score” mechanic—where jackpot zones only accept smaller slimes—rewarding clever sacrifices over brute force.
- Player Feedback Integration: Ran mid-jam feedback loops to tweak launch feel, improve onboarding clarity, and tune edge-case collisions based on test results.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Synced with our programmer and visual designer to match systems with juicy feedback, readable arenas, and a crisp moment-to-moment loop.
Results
The final build was submitted on time with a fully playable vertical slice, original core mechanic, and a clean aesthetic. Gelatoss! was highlighted in community recaps for its “tactile feel” and rewarding chaos. The jam sharpened my ability to scope experimental mechanics for tight deadlines while protecting player clarity and team alignment.