The other day, I was bored and didn’t know what to do. I didn’t feel like recording a video, so I decided to join a Game Jam. I chose the Cozy Winter Jam 2025, a three-day jam… but since I took too long to decide, I only had a day and a half to make the game.

The main theme was winter, with an additional theme: metamorphosis. I had to think fast.

The Idea

I wanted to create something simple but with interesting mechanics, so I opted for a physics-based game. I used a rigid body and allowed the player to move the character with the left and right keys, but in a gradual way, as if they were blowing on it. Holding the key down too long increases the speed, making it harder to stop.

The Art

With the mechanics set, it was time to tackle the graphics. I needed something quick to create and that matched my artistic skills. That’s how I came up with the idea of a snowflake as the protagonist, dodging falling ice cubes and clouds that crossed its path.

To make everything look more adorable, I added eyes and smiling faces, with a sticker-like aesthetic. I also animated the ice cubes with a couple of frames.

Sticking to the Themes

The winter theme was easy to follow, but metamorphosis was a bit trickier. In the end, I decided that if the snowflake touches a cloud, it transforms into a water droplet, gaining more speed. And, in a move backed by solid scientific accuracy (ahem), if it touches a cloud again while being a droplet… it loses the game.

To give it a proper ending, I added ocean waves at the bottom of the level for those who managed to reach 500 meters.

Final Touches and Submission

I implemented lateral collisions so the player wouldn’t go off-screen, fixed some bugs, and added a game over screen (because, let’s be honest, I don’t think anyone will reach the end).

With just a few hours left, everything was nearly complete… except for the music. I quickly searched for royalty-free tracks and added what I could.

And so, after a day and a half of development, I finished the game and submitted it. It was an experience that was both rewarding and stressful, but totally worth it.