Synth Jam: The idea

It is December 2023 and I am struggling to get started on yet another game jam, Synth Jam, hosted by shiftBacktick. This time the objective is to make a ‘sound toy’. How could I resist!

I did some research on making a synth with code. Looks fun, but perhaps a bit ambitious for me in a game jam!

I didn’t give up on my synth idea here though and went on to have a long chat with Chat GPT only to give up on the synth idea again due to reasons mentioned below.

I jotted down a final idea a week ago during while suffering from insomnia. I wanted to make a 16 step sequencer with at least four layers or tracks and a selection of sounds. If I have time I’ll probably make a new sample pack for this project, but I can always use these sounds to prototype.

My first sketch resembled a classic horizontal sequencer similar to a Korg volca.

Then I realised it might be easier to make a circular sequencer. The reason being that I could use my old rotate code to make a looping movement. It might seem strange but a mechanical solution seems easier considering my limitations in coding. I can make a ball with a collider spin in circles and hit sound objects at regular intervals. With a little bit of research I should be able to make sliders to change the speed and volume of the loop. Another slider could be added for the stereo pan. If the speed is almost limitless any sound will become a pitch. With 3 or 4 loops harmonies can be achieved and what was a step sequencer becomes a synth!

This are some issues though.

First of all, I’ll need to learn how to make drag and drop objects to enable players to change the sounds and their positions on the loop.

Secondly, I’ll need to make a user interface using a canvas and sliders that links to the variables I need to change.

Finally, although I’m sure other issues will arise, I’ll need to make the code from scratch. Chat GPT could help, but the code itself is fairly useless without the context, links to the scripts and game objects. I can definitely learn from it though!