Game Recommendation System
Match board games from your collection to customer preferences and group sizes. Read their mood and interests to suggest the perfect game, earning higher tips and satisfaction for great recommendations.
Mini Jam 204
Old Tales Cafe
You are the owner of a board game cafe! Earn money by pleasing guests and suggesting games for them to play, all while serving food and drinks.
// system log
GAME_OVERVIEW.EXE
Welcome to Old Tales Cafe, where board games meet good food. You are the owner of a cozy board game cafe where customers come to relax, play games, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Your mission is to create the perfect atmosphere by matching the right games to the right guests while keeping everyone fed and happy.
The core gameplay revolves around customer satisfaction and resource management. As guests arrive, you'll need to read their preferences, suggest appropriate board games from your collection, serve them food and beverages, and ensure they're having a great time. Each successful interaction earns you money to expand your cafe.
Balance quick service with thoughtful recommendations as you build your reputation. Unlock new games for your shelves, upgrade your menu, and watch your humble cafe transform into the go-to destination for tabletop enthusiasts in town.
// input bindings
CONTROL_SCHEME.EXE
LEFT CLICK
Select Customers & Items
DRAG & DROP
Serve Food & Assign Games
MOUSE HOVER
View Customer Preferences
UI BUTTONS
Menu, Upgrades & Inventory
// core systems
GAME_FEATURES.EXE
Food & Beverage Service
Serve a variety of food and drinks to keep customers happy while they play. Manage orders efficiently, deliver items promptly, and expand your menu as your cafe grows in reputation.
Customer Management
Balance multiple tables at once, each with different needs and preferences. Some customers want quick service, others want recommendations, and some just need their drinks refilled.
Business Progression
Earn money from satisfied customers to unlock new board games for your shelves, upgrade your cafe furniture, expand your menu, and improve your space to attract more guests.
Guest Satisfaction Meter
Track customer happiness through visual feedback. Keep everyone content by providing timely service, appropriate game suggestions, and a welcoming atmosphere to maximize your earnings.
Cozy Cafe Atmosphere
Charming pixel art aesthetic creates a warm, inviting board game cafe experience. Watch your space come alive with happy customers enjoying games, conversations, and refreshments.
// operators
TEAM_CREDITS.EXE
Connor Moran
Programmer & Pixel Artist (Team Lead)
@Some Code Guy
Kyle Delas
Music & Sound Design
@Streetcat
Devak Gounden
Particle Effects and UI Programming
@AstralCloud_SZA
// dev logs
DEVELOPMENT_STORY.EXE
01
The Challenge
Creating a board game cafe simulator presented unique challenges — how do you capture the social, cozy atmosphere of a real cafe within a game jam timeframe? We had to distil the concept down to its warmest, most essential parts.
02
The Concept
This is our vision on how to meet the Thematic goal for this mini-jam. A cozy management game where the vibe is the mechanic — matching people to games, keeping them fed, and building something that feels like a real third place.
03
Technical Implementation
Built in Unity, the game features a customer AI system that generates guests with varying preferences and moods. The team balanced approachability with enough depth to keep players engaged throughout the jam window.
04
Visual Design
Connor crafted a warm, inviting aesthetic with pixel art that evokes the cozy feeling of your favourite local hangout. Each board game in the collection was designed with care, and the cafe itself evolves visually as you upgrade and expand.
05
The Result
Within the jam timeline, we delivered a charming simulation game that captures the essence of running a board game cafe. Players have enjoyed the blend of strategic decision-making and the wholesome theme, proving cozy management games have a special place in game jams.
Ready to Open Your Cafe?
Start your board game cafe adventure today. Serve customers, match games to players, and build the cafe of your dreams.
Play Old Tales Cafe