Scratch competitions are fun and fast but can be a little stressful but that’s part of the appeal. But if you want your project to stand out, by avoiding these few common traps that many contestants fall into you can become the next big scratch competition winner.
These mistakes aren’t hard to fix, just very subtle to notice and doing so will make your entry look sharper and more thoughtful than an unpolished version would.
1. Adhere To The Rules
It sounds obvious, but people still dive into the contest without reading the terms and guidelines properly. Each contest has its own theme, rules about what can be used and what cannot and judging criteria which can include vital points like what can get you the most points. Missing one requirement can mean you could lose points or even get disqualified.
Always read the rules before you open Scratch and make sure to read them well and not just skim through them. Jot down the important dos and don’ts and check them off as you start with your project.
2. Doing Too Much
Wanting the best results is great, but competitions have time limits. Trying to build a massive game in a few hours usually ends with half-finished levels, extremely buggy mechanics, and an unpolished look. Even if the idea in your brain was a masterpiece, trying to incorporate everything under a time crunch will not only stress you but make your game look unfinished.
Try to pick one basic idea and do it well. A small, polished project looks better than an unfinished complex game.
3. Storytelling Matters
Scratch is a platform for stories and characters. Even if your project is technically impressive, they may lack personality. Even a short game with simple mechanics looks better if it has an end goal. Otherwise your entire project may look aimless.
Give your players a simple goal to achieve or maybe a short introduction, and maybe a closing message. Little personal storytelling touches make your project memorable.
4. Time Management
Beginners may spend time trying to perfect one sprite or one scene for an hour and end up ignoring the rest. That leads to rushed testing and a messy final submission creating an imbalance in your game.
Try dividing your time and planning out your process before you begin:
- Planning the game
- Build core features and mechanics
- Testing and fixing bugs
- Final polish
Set time limits for each phase and stick to them for better time management while being able to balance your project.
5. Testing
Buggy mechanics and glitches are the quickest way to lose points in scratch competitions. Games that crash and have controls that don’t work or unclear instructions will frustrate judges and confuse players.
This can make you lose points even if your game looks aesthetically pleasing. Hence, testing your game often can help you identify these bugs early on and fix them before presenting them.
Play your project after each major change or have someone else test it for you to get insights from others.
6. Confusing Controls
If players don’t know what to press or why they’re trying to do, they’ll not play the game any longer. Clear instructions in the project are the key to engaging your players with the content.
Don’t be afraid to add clear objectives or “How to play” prompts in your game. Try to stick to basic control mechanisms such as WASD so the players can feel familiarised with your game. Making it complex only confuses people.
Remember, you’re making a short game not planning out the next big franchise.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll already be ahead of many new and amateur contestants.
Remember to focus on a simple idea, test it frequently, tell a story that’s simple and fun, and present it neatly. Good luck and have fun creating!
Register for the GEMA International Scratch Olympiads to test your skills out now!