GameDev.TV Final Progress

Have finally completed the final course in my 2D journey on GameDev.TV, it's been really educational and fun. The final product this time looks especially professional and will be available to download if anyone fancies giving it a try. I was a bit slower than I hoped clearing this but fatigue has been catching up with me recently, I'm pleased I saw it through though. Next steps? I plan to create a few small simple games based on old arcade and console games to test my skills.

GameDev.TV Progress

Here's are five videos that showcase the final products from each of the courses I've completed to date. Each video represents a significant milestone in my learning journey, highlighting the skills and techniques I've acquired along the way. I began my exploration of game development with a straightforward 3D project that served as an introduction to the fundamentals. This initial project focused on key concepts such as basic movement mechanics, collision detection, and the use of triggers to enhance interactivity within the game environment. These foundational elements were crucial, as they provided me with a solid understanding of how 3D games operate at a fundamental level.

However, as I progressed, I found myself drawn back to my 2D roots, where I first developed a passion for game design. The simplicity and charm of 2D graphics, combined with the unique gameplay mechanics they allow, reignited my enthusiasm. I have thoroughly enjoyed the courses I've undertaken so far, each one offering new insights and challenges that have pushed me to expand my skill set. Currently, I have just one more 2D course to complete, which I am eagerly anticipating. This course promises to deepen my understanding of 2D game mechanics and design principles, allowing me to refine my craft further.

Looking ahead, once I finish the final 2D course, I plan to revisit the 3D courses I previously didn't complete. There are several advanced topics and techniques that I am excited to explore, as I believe they will enhance my ability to create immersive and engaging 3D experiences. Additionally, I am keen to delve into other courses that pique my interest, as the world of game development is vast and continually evolving.

Throughout this journey, I have come to appreciate Unity as a remarkably powerful tool for game development. Its capabilities enable rapid development, which is essential for both learning and prototyping ideas. I could list numerous features that I find particularly beneficial, such as the ease with which one can add controls to a game. The intuitive interface allows for quick adjustments and experimentation, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers.

Moreover, one of the standout features of Unity is the ability to view the game world and the editor simultaneously. This dual view is invaluable, as it allows me to see real-time changes and understand how modifications affect gameplay. Additionally, the capability to edit variables in real time enhances the iterative design process, enabling me to fine-tune mechanics and balance gameplay on the fly. These features, among many others, contribute to a robust development experience that I find incredibly rewarding and inspiring as I continue to grow in my skills as a game developer.

I'm not dead, I'm just resting my eyes...

It's been quite some time since my last post, and I wanted to take a moment to explain why that is. During this period, I have been navigating through some significant real-life challenges that have required my attention and focus. While these issues have been quite demanding, I want to assure you that I have not completely stepped away from coding. In fact, I have made a strategic decision to switch the platform I am working on, which I believe will enhance my development experience. Moving forward, I will be utilizing Unity, a powerful game development engine that provides the flexibility to create both 3D and 2D games. This transition has been quite exciting for me, as I have already started to appreciate how Unity manages various aspects of game development more effectively right from the outset, at least in my personal opinion.

In addition to my development work, I have also rekindled my passion for gaming. I have been spending more time playing games again, particularly revisiting some beloved old arcade classics that hold a special place in my heart. This journey down memory lane has not only been nostalgic but has also sparked a wealth of inspiration, leading me to discover some intriguing ideas for game features that I might incorporate into my future projects. You might be curious about how I have been learning Unity amidst all this. Initially, I took a familiar approach similar to what I did with Gamemaker, which involved searching for high-quality YouTube series that could guide me through the learning process. While I did come across a few promising series that I may utilize later, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon GameDev.tv.

GameDev.tv has proven to be an invaluable resource in my learning journey. I have successfully completed one of their comprehensive 3D tutorials, which provided a solid foundation in Unity’s capabilities, and I am currently nearing the completion of the fifth tutorial in their 2D series. The quality of their presentation is exceptional, and I have found immense value in the supportive community that surrounds their platform. Engaging with fellow learners and experienced developers has enriched my understanding and has made the learning experience all the more enjoyable.

That’s all for now regarding my current endeavours. Instead of maintaining my previous routine of daily updates, I am considering a shift to a more manageable schedule, possibly opting for weekly or even every eight days updates. This change is primarily due to my work commitments, which have become more demanding lately. I look forward to sharing more about my progress in Unity and my gaming experiences in the near future.