It’s the eve of the 2012 version of the Nordic Game Jam, and we’ve managed to contact Anchel Labena, a previous participant of the Nordic Game Jam who can’t wait to see what we have in store this year.
What is your personal background?
Anchel: Before starting ITU’s Master in Game Design I studied a Bachelor’s in Radio, TV and Film production at the University of Navarra in Spain.
Tools of your trade?
Anchel: My number one tool is my camera. Be it video or photo, it’s what I use to capture my source material. Then after that it’s the computer: be it Word, Photoshop or Premiere. And, of course, the web. That endless source of inspiration.
Describe your experience attending last year’s NGJ.
Anchel: Last year was an amazing experience for me. It was my first time at an event of this type and also the first time I was doing a videogame outside of any courses. At first I was pretty nervous, thinking that I wouldn’t be able to do much, not being a programmer.
But after talking to a few of the participants, meeting new people and basically mingling with everybody I felt more at ease, seeing that many come to the game jam to LEARN. Either new techniques, new strategies or simply gather new ideas and let their creativity flow. And that’s what I got out of this experience: I learned a lot and I gathered many new ideas that I would use later on.
Have you attended any other game jams? If so, which?
Anchel: After the NGJ the only other game jam I’ve been to is the Exile Game Jam. Similar idea to the NGJ, but at a much smaller scale, which was also awesome in its own way because you got to know everyone on a first name basis. This helped me network with more people in the industry.
Why did you choose to attend this year’s NGJ? What are you expecting out of it?
Anchel: After the great experience of the previous two game jams I’ve been to it was totally obvious I was going to go to the NGJ 2012. I have gained a lot of experience in a year and I’m very much looking forward to putting myself to the test and see what I can do with it.
Describe an awesome game idea in 3 words.
Anchel: An awesome game idea for a game jam has to be, in my opinion, something with simple game mechanics and high replayability. In three words that would be “Very Simple Replayability” I guess.
Ninjas, zombies, pirates or cowboys?
Anchel: Zombies rule. Always. And some companies have shown the world that zombies doesn’t necessarily have to mean violence, blood and gore. Even zombies can have fun and pole jump! Besides, zombie stories are always cool. Will take many more decades before the theme grows old.
Anchel’s work, as well as the game he made for the 2011 version of the Nordic Game Jam, can be found on his website. He will also be tweeting about the 2012 version of the Nordic Game Jam on his Twitter profile.
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