Janitor Simulator is a game where players take on the role of a janitor in a hotel lobby, striving to keep it clean for the highest score. This game marks my first foray into game development.
The project was an assignment at UC Santa Cruz, with a 2-week deadline. We used the free version of Construct 3, an engine designed for beginners and typically used for 2D games. However, I decided to push the engine's limits by creating an isometric game, adding an extra layer of complexity and visual appeal.
Creating Janitor Simulator was a significant milestone in my journey as a game developer. It not only honed my technical skills but also challenged me to think creatively and push boundaries.
You can check out the end result of Janitor Simulator here.

Developing Janitor Simulator presented a few unique challenges:

• Isometric Design: My decision to create an isometric game led to issues with sprite placement and layer switching for the character. As the free version of Construct 3 doesn't support isometric games, I had to design custom sprites to create the illusion of layer switching. This experience taught me the importance of creative problem-solving in game development.
• Event Limitations: The free version of Construct 3 allows only 50 events, which limited the game's complexity. Despite this constraint, I managed to create an engaging and functional game, demonstrating my ability to work effectively within limitations.

The development of Janitor Simulator offered several valuable lessons:

• Engine Limitations: This project taught me that game development often involves working within the constraints of the chosen engine. Understanding these limitations and finding creative workarounds is a crucial skill in game development.
• Prioritization: Due to the event limit, I couldn't implement all the mechanics I initially planned. This experience underscored the importance of prioritizing key features and mechanics in game development.
• Outcome: Despite the limitations and challenges, I'm proud of what I achieved with Janitor Simulator within the 2-week timeframe. It's a testament to what can be accomplished with creativity, problem-solving, and effective time management.

Despite the challenges, the process of creating Janitor Simulator was a rewarding journey that enhanced my game design skills and taught me valuable lessons about working within constraints and prioritizing effectively.