This game was thought to be lost media, however a buyer in Shanghai recently shipped over this last known copy to us where it wound up in our hands. We have dumped as much of the source code as we can and we can proudly present, to our knowledge, the first digitally available copy of this long-forgotten title

Overview

Originally, PI Guy was created during a 3-day game jam, where our challenge was to design an old-school arcade game centered around the character PI. Drawing inspiration from bootleg Chinese games, we aimed to capture that nostalgic, retro aesthetic. As the lead designer, asset artist, and animator, I worked nonstop alongside my team to bring this vision to life. In the end, our dedication paid off – we took first place.

The game was later showcased at WASD 2024, giving players the chance to experience it firsthand on the show floor.

The Challenge - Creating Under Pressure

With only three days to bring PI Guy to life, I had to wear multiple hats – designer, asset artist, and animator, all while working under intense time pressure. The short timeframe pushed our team to the limit, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, we entered a unique flow state where everything just clicked. Before I even realized it, the art, design, and animations had all come together seamlessly. It was an exhausting but exhilarating experience that proved how creativity thrives under constraints.

Project Management

Managing PI Guy required careful consideration of every element that makes a game both engaging and functional. Beyond just designing assets and animations, I had to ensure that the team remained focused, efficient, and aligned with a solid vision throughout the intense 3-day development period.

• Clear Direction – Establishing a well-defined vision early on helped streamline decision-making and keep development on track.

• Task Coordination – Ensuring each team member knew their responsibilities allowed us to maximize efficiency within the limited timeframe.

• Adaptability Under Pressure – With such a tight deadline, quick problem-solving and flexibility were crucial in overcoming challenges as they arose.

• Team Communication – Open discussions and mutual support kept the workflow smooth and prevented bottlenecks.

The most valuable aspect of this project was the team’s collective dedication – despite the pressure, everyone worked with a shared passion for creating,
making PI Guy not just a successful game jam entry, but a truly rewarding experience.