Trackstar: GMTK Gamejam 2025
Overview
Trackstar is a 3D tower defense-clicker hybrid that reimagines the genre by putting both the tower and objective in constant motion. Players control Dave, a character determined to lose weight by running laps around a track, but mischievous food items leap onto him at every turn, sabotaging his fitness goals.
Players must strategically place three types of "doggies" along the track to intercept incoming food, or click to manually swat them away. The core innovation lies in the dynamic gameplay loop—unlike traditional tower defense games with static positions, both Dave and the threats are perpetually moving, creating unique strategic challenges as players must predict and adapt to the circular track layout.
My Role
As the Lead Artist and Main Artist on a team of 4 (2 programmers, 2 artists), I was responsible for:
- Overall visual direction and art style
- Character design for Dave and the three doggie types
- Environmental and UI assets
- Bringing the humorous tone to life through visual storytelling
Game Jam Success
Created for the 2025 GMTK Game Jam in just 4 days under the theme "Loop," Trackstar ranked in the top 15% of 9,578 entries.
Key Features
- Innovative moving tower defense mechanics with circular track gameplay
- Three distinct doggie types for strategic placement
- Hybrid clicker combat for active engagement
- Charming narrative premise with humorous tone
Meet the Doggies
Three unique doggie companions help Dave fight off the food invasion, each with their own abilities and playstyle.
Development Timeline
- Duration: 4 days (2025 GMTK Game Jam)
- Theme: Loop
- Team Size: 4 members (2 programmers, 2 artists)
- Result: Top 15% out of 9,578 entries
