Jank Isn't a Bug, It's a Feature

Defining ‘Jank’ in the Context of Game Development

Jank is more than just a bug; it’s a spectrum of design choices. It’s not simply about errors, but about deliberate design.

Technical jank includes glitches and performance issues. This type of jank is usually unintentional and detrimental.

Design jank is intentional awkwardness. This is where jank becomes a deliberate feature, adding character.

The spectrum ranges from unintentional errors to deliberate artistic choices. The key is control.

A game-breaking bug stops the player. A charming quirk adds personality and memorability.

The Allure of Jank: Why Players Embrace Imperfection

Why do players sometimes enjoy imperfection? What’s the draw?

Jank provides comedic relief. An unexpected physics glitch can be unintentionally hilarious.

Unconventional design makes a game stand out. Jank can be a differentiating factor.

Players exploit jank for creative problem-solving. This leads to emergent strategies.

Jank evokes older, less polished games. It taps into nostalgia.

Case Studies: Games That Successfully Utilize Jank

Several games have mastered intentional jank:

Goat Simulator thrives on physics-based absurdity. The jank is the gameplay, leading to emergent moments.

Surgeon Simulator uses clunky controls and over-the-top gore. The difficult controls are core.

Getting Over It uses frustrating controls, designed to test player patience.

These games demonstrate the appeal of intentional jank. But how can developers purposefully introduce these elements without breaking the game? Let’s explore some principles.

Designing for Jank: Principles and Techniques

To incorporate intentional jank, consider these principles:

• When the player jumps, delay the landing animation by 0.2 seconds. This creates a “floaty” feeling, making jumps feel less precise and more like a leap of faith. This unexpected delay can create a sense of weightlessness, leading to comedic awkwardness and encouraging players to experiment with movement.
• If an object is thrown, make it bounce erratically. The unpredictable bounces can lead to unexpected chain reactions or near misses, adding chaotic fun to simple actions. This creates humorous situations.
• Introduce a 5-degree cone of inaccuracy when aiming. It makes aiming less of a guarantee and more of a gamble, rewarding players who can master the imprecision. This adds challenge, but also opportunities for skillful players to compensate and perform unexpected trick shots, creating memorable moments of skillful improvisation.

Jank shouldn’t break the game; it should add to it. Avoid game-breaking bugs.

Get feedback early and often. Refine the jank to ensure it’s enjoyable.

Make sure players understand the jank is intentional. Use trailers to set expectations.

The Risks of Jank: Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

Jank can backfire if not handled carefully:

Ensure jank doesn’t alienate players. There’s a fine line between challenging and unfair.

Balance intentional jank with overall polish. The game should still feel functional.

Don’t add unnecessary complexity. Focus on core mechanics first.

Understand your target audience’s tolerance for jank. Some will love it.

The Future of Jank: Exploring New Possibilities

Jank is evolving:

Procedural jank can generate unexpected gameplay through algorithms.

AI can create unpredictable character behavior. If you’re looking for AI tools that can help you with this, Nextframe offers an AI assistant, along with other features like a game idea generator, text-to-image concept art, and text-to-music concept audio.

Self-aware approaches are emerging, with games acknowledging their limitations.

The definition of “jank” will continue to change. It’s important to have a solid understanding of the game’s design; consider using Game Design Documents: Templates and Best Practices to keep track of the jank you want to implement.

Conclusion: Embracing Imperfection as a Creative Tool

Jank, when intentional, is powerful. It adds humor and uniqueness. Understand the risks and consider the player. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Try adding an awkward animation to opening a door. Embrace the unexpected. See if you can turn jank into a defining feature.