Game Jam Preparation Checklist

1 Week Before

Create UE5 Project Template

Set up a clean UE5 project with your preferred settings, plugins, and folder structure.

💡 Tip: Include commonly used plugins (Enhanced Input, Fast Chart Widgets, In-Editor Manual) and basic project settings pre-configured.

Build Asset Library

Collect reusable assets: landscapes, materials, blueprints, sounds, UI elements.

💡 Tip: Download MythicLemon landscape packs, create modular building pieces, prepare material functions. Organize in a "GameJamAssets" folder.

Test Your Setup

Do a mini 2-hour game jam practice run to verify your workflow.

💡 Tip: Pick a random theme, build something simple. Identify workflow bottlenecks and missing assets.

Day Before

Update Unreal Engine

Ensure you're on a stable UE5 version and all updates are installed.

💡 Tip: Don't update to bleeding-edge versions day-of. Stick with proven stable releases (e.g., 5.3.2, 5.4.4).

Clear Disk Space

Free up at least 50GB for project files, builds, and intermediate data.

💡 Tip: Clean up old project binaries, intermediate folders, and DDC. UE5 projects can balloon quickly.

Prepare Food & Drinks

Stock up on healthy snacks, meals, and caffeine for 48 hours of development.

💡 Tip: Avoid sugar crashes. Prepare easy meals ahead. Stay hydrated!

Set Up Task Tracking

Install In-Editor Task Manager or prepare Trello/Notion board.

💡 Tip: Use MythicLemon's In-Editor Task Manager to avoid context switching during the jam.

Theme Announcement (Hour 0)

Brainstorm Ideas (30 min max)

Generate 5-10 quick game concepts that fit the theme.

💡 Tip: Don't overthink! Pick something achievable in 48h with your existing assets.

Pick ONE Concept

Choose the most achievable idea with clearest gameplay loop.

💡 Tip: Prioritize: Can I build this in 36 hours (leaving 12h for polish/bugs)? Does it use assets I already have?

Create Task Breakdown

List all features/assets needed. Prioritize as Must/Should/Could have.

💡 Tip: MVP first! Get playable ASAP, then iterate. Track tasks in In-Editor Task Manager.

During Development

Build Core Gameplay (0-12h)

Focus exclusively on making the game playable. No polish, no extras.

💡 Tip: Greybox everything. Player movement + core mechanic + win/lose condition = playable.

Add Art & Audio (12-30h)

Replace greybox with actual assets, add sounds, improve visuals.

💡 Tip: Use pre-made assets. Landstamp Pro for fast terrain, Fast Chart Widgets for UI, free sound libraries.

Implement Secondary Features (30-36h)

Add "should have" features if time permits. Cut ruthlessly if behind.

💡 Tip: If you're not playable by hour 24, CUT features. Better to have a polished simple game than broken complex one.

Polish & Bug Fixes (36-42h)

Focus on making what you have feel good. Fix critical bugs.

💡 Tip: Juice it! Add particle effects, screen shake, sound feedback. Small polish = big impact.

Build & Test (42-45h)

Create standalone build. Test on fresh machine if possible.

💡 Tip: Always test packaged build! Editor behavior ≠ standalone. Check file size, dependencies.

Submission (Final 3 Hours)

Create Game Page

Write compelling description, add screenshots, explain controls.

💡 Tip: Make it easy for players to understand your game in 30 seconds. Clear controls = better ratings.

Record Trailer/Gameplay

Capture 30-60 seconds of exciting gameplay footage.

💡 Tip: Show, don't tell. GIF or video of best moment >>> wall of text.

Upload Build

Upload final build with buffer time for upload speeds.

💡 Tip: Upload 1 hour before deadline minimum. Compress builds, test download before submitting.

Final Verification

Download and play your submitted build to ensure it works.

💡 Tip: Critical! Missing DLL, broken controls, crashes = wasted 48 hours.

Share & Rest

Share on social media, thank collaborators, then SLEEP.

💡 Tip: You did it! 🎉 Remember to rate other games after resting.

🎮 Game Jam Preparation Checklist