Unstable Load

IñiGodot Jam 3 Edition — Balance Update

Important disclosure: Unstable Load was originally created and released for Do You WANNA Jam?! 2026, whose theme was UNSTABLE, before IñiGodot Jam 3 began.

The original version was developed in approximately 40 hours across 7 days. With permission from the IñiGodot Jam 3 organizer, the existing project was expanded during this jam specifically around the new theme: BALANCE / EQUILIBRIO.

Team size: 1 — Carlos (@charlies_collects) / Vending Machine Games.

What's new in the IñiGodot Jam 3 Edition?

• Counterbalance: correct a tilted platform with your next load to earn additional score.
• Perfect and Good Balance bonuses reward finishing a shift under control.
• Bonus Orders add optional objectives to Overtime contracts.
• 10 Overtime contracts with different cargo distributions, timings, risks and objectives.
• Redesigned contract cards with visual cargo distributions and clearer objectives.
• Improved load tracking directly inside the playfield.
• Full keyboard and gamepad support.
• Improved industrial music, crane movement audio and gameplay feedback.
• Improved impact particles and Counterbalance visual feedback.
• Multiple UI, navigation and gameplay clarity improvements.

Keep the load balanced.

Unstable Load is a physics-based industrial arcade game about stacking cargo on a balancing platform.

Move the crane, carefully lower each load or release it from above for a bigger score. Every piece changes the balance of the platform, so positioning, weight and risk all matter.

How to play

• A / D, Arrow Keys, Stick or D-Pad — Move the crane
• S / Down, Stick or D-Pad Down — Lower the cargo
• Space / Cross / A — Release early
• Esc / Options / Start — Pause
• Esc / Circle / B — Back in menus

Lower cargo onto the stack for a safe release, or release it from greater heights to earn a High Drop bonus.

When the platform starts leaning, place your next load on the opposite side and you may earn a Counterbalance bonus.

Secure the required number of loads before time runs out, then keep the platform stable long enough to complete the shift.

Workday

Complete three progressively harder training shifts and learn how weight, position and different cargo types affect the platform.

Finishing Workday unlocks Overtime.

Overtime

Choose between contracts with different time limits, cargo distributions and score bonuses.

Contracts can also contain an optional Bonus Order, such as performing Counterbalances, completing High Drops, avoiding Critical state or finishing in Perfect Balance.

Completing a Bonus Order awards extra score, but it is never required to complete the contract.

Overtime continues until a failed contract ends the run. How far can you get?

Score Attack

• Chain secured loads to increase your combo.
• Drop cargo from greater heights for a High Drop multiplier.
• Counter a dangerous tilt to earn Counterbalance points.
• Finish close to the centre for Good or Perfect Balance bonuses.
• Complete optional Bonus Orders for additional score.
• Push your luck or play safely to survive another contract.

Jam history

Original version:
Do You WANNA Jam?! 2026
Theme: UNSTABLE
Approximate original development time: 40 hours / 7 days

This edition:
IñiGodot Jam 3
Theme: BALANCE / EQUILIBRIO

The project was expanded during IñiGodot Jam 3 with the new mechanics, content, controller support, audio and UX improvements listed above.

Credits

Design, code & art adaptation:
Carlos — Vending Machine Games

Made with:
Godot 4 + C#

Music:
Ultimate Library Music
SD Soundtracks — licensed via GameDev Market

Font:
Jersey 10 — The Soft Type Project Authors
SIL Open Font License 1.1

AI disclosure:
Some visual assets were created with the assistance of generative AI tools. The final graphics were selected, adapted, edited and integrated into the game by Carlos.

Thanks for playing!