College Chronicles Part 2: Extreme Pong 2

Two months after I made the first Extreme Pong I got to Windows Programming at Full Sail University.  In this two month class I learned my way around the Windows API.  GDI, string tables, resource files, icons, windows and the list goes on.  During the first month of the class we were tasked with taking the knowledge we learned and applying it to a simple pong game outside of class.  Since I already made a pong game at the point I decided a sequel was in order.  Extreme Pong II was it.

YouTube Channel is Live

I finally took the time to create a YouTube Channel.  I will be using it to host video of the projects I've done in the past.  Since most of the games I've made in the past are either on Windows or Linux I don't want your system to keep you from at least being able to witness them.  I also want to be able to show more then screen shots of the games I may not be allowed to release source or even an executable form of.  Not to mention people that don't like downloading things can now enjoy my games.  All that is up right now is Extreme Pong, but expect a video to go up along side all future project posts.  I have also provided a few links to it along the side bar.  Check it!

YouTube Channel

College Chronicles Part 1: Extreme Pong

Okay I've been doing this little shindig for awhile and its time to switch it up a bit.  I recently read a friend's blog which had a number of posts of the things he did in college.  That got me thinking that it is about time I take you through the programming history of Aaron (me).

The time stamp for one of the files in this game is January 15th, 2006.  WOW, has it really been that long?  I do recall working on it through Christmas.  Four years ago I was attending Full Sail University and was in my third month of C++ programming.  This was the last month of nose-to-the-books C++ learning before we moved on to other areas of C++ (like using it with OpenGL, DirectX, Lua, etc.).

Durring the last month of the course there was an optional assignment to use your current knowledge (2 months of C++ basics) to create a game to show off to the class (aka rub in their faces).  Since it was my goal to squeeze as much learning out of the 80k school cost as I could, I couldn't pass up the opportunity (plus I got to rub it in people's faces).

So here it is in all its glory:

New Job! Two Week Notice Reflection

My first week at my new game dev gig is coming to an end and I just wanted to reflect a bit.  For those who do not know I have moved on to newer and more interesting work (in my opinion).  This means I have been busy resolving loose ends at the old job and prepping for the new (reason why little to no content is being posted).  The new job is great, really can't talk too much about what I'm doing specifically (at least I am not sure I should), If you really care just ask me in real life or something.

This was my first game dev job change so I wanted to take a bit to reflect on the transition.  The last three weeks have been rather interesting.  When you give your two weeks at a job it is kind of a big deal and I didn't want to screw it up.  Burning bridges was part of it, but it was mostly because I honestly loved the job and didn't want to be that guy.  I don't think anyone really wants to be that guy.

Excuse for Tardiness: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2

It has been awhile since I've made a post so I must do my duty (HAH) of excusing myself.  This game was the main reason why I haven't posted in awhile, but I have also been busy with other things I will highlight in a future post (soon).  It seems as though I am certainly not the only one who has this excuse.  Just check out this, or that.

Dev Diary: Flash Business

Since starting my flash game at the begining of this week I have been doing a lot of research on how to properly deploy it.  In the process I learned way more then expected.  At first the goal was to find an easy way to distribute the game properly and see what I could bring in from MochiAds.  Little did I know the options that were out there.

Let me take you step by step through my journey (for those of you not interested in my journey you can find all the useful Flash business links below).

Dev Diary: Game Logo Has Begun Production

I've done a lot of thinking over the weekend.  Me and the Mrs. spent the weekend together exploring the city of Boston some more.  Long story short she got her hair did, we saw the blue man group and I got inspired.  It has always been a dream of mine to make a flash game, that time has come.

Game Dev Management Tips: Delegation

I wanted to do another Management focused post so here is another tip (also check out my first post).  Delegation!  If you are new to management and are promoted up to a lead position from being a worker (programmer or whatever) this concept can be hard to put into practice.  Usually the scenario is as follows.  You are a stellar developer and your development manager notices (with a bit of pointing out to some extent :-) ) and they need to fill a spot.  You want the experience and happily accept.

You may should fully understand that those you manage need to be utilized to 100% efficiency and through proper delegation this may be attempted.  The problem is you are so used to being that guy that gets to solve the big/cool problems it can be hard.  Not to mention you loved what you were doing before (that is why you did it so well) so letting go is something you need to come to terms with.

Rage: Warnings Do Not Stop Me

For an explanation of what a rage is please see the first Rage post. If you do not mind learning as you go then just continue.

Beef:
Warnings do not stop me! Some may think that is a pretty bad ass statement. Someone who lives by that mantra may see a traffic light turn yellow and gun it. They may also be told "NO" when advancing on a woman/man, but still go in for the smooch. Pure bad assess, that is until they get hit by oncoming traffic or slapped and issued a restraining order.

Excuse for Tardiness: Halo 3: ODST

I have a feeling I may be doing more of these posts then I would prefer this fall. Way too many good games are coming out. The wave of new games has begun (for me) with this title. Some of you may hate halo, some of you may not even know what I am talking about and some of you LOVE halo. I am number three, but I like to keep it low key (to prevent additional people from hating it). Maybe I have played all the games (with no sleep release night) and I might have read all of the books. Does that make me completely and utterly bias towards the series? YES!

Goto Shmoto

C++ was my first programming language. When I was going through school I can remember clearly the day that the keyword "goto" came up. The teacher said something along the lines of, "goto will jump to another section of code...just don't use it." At the time I had enough information I was trying to retain so that sounded good to me, just don't use it. My career continued, I never used goto, but it would come up from time to time. While working at my job, I came across code that used it. I just assumed no one told these programmers not to use it, but couldn't help but wonder, "How did goto get such a bad rap?"

Excuse for Tardiness: Plants vs. Zombies

The time block I have set aside to gather my thoughts into this blog is also the only time I can get me some gaming in. In an attempt to keep my blog alive I will make a post like this to tell you about the game I am currently playing that has prevented you from reading something maybe more interesting.

Beer of the Moment: Blackberry Witbier

Intro
Okay I'm getting burnt out with the technical writing. What better way to recover then with a refreshing beer. Every month I will mix things up with a quick post about the current brew that I have in the fridge. You may be asking, "What does this have to do with Game Development?" For some it may have nothing to do with it(sorry guys/gals), but for others it is a huge part.

Rage: Do not recreate what is right under your nose

So I thought it would be great to express some of the things that I constantly complain about to my co-workers and friends. I usually keep my "Rages" private, but it is time to let the world have a piece. Since I rage quiet a bit, I figure I will hold myself to a monthly outlet.

Shout Out

If you're interested in other posts from me, or updates about the company I co-own check out the Binary Solo's development blog.

Game Dev Management Tips: The Power of the "One On One"

Before I tell you what I think about One on Ones I would like to give you some background on myself so you know where I'm coming from. The past year or so I was the lead of game development for the company I work for. I directly managed the development of eight game programmers and worked with all the other departments to get the job done. In addition to that experience I have had formal training from the American Management Association (AMA) and have used the resources over at http://www.manager-tools.com (which I highly recommend you check out if you are interested in that kind of thing).

Ways to Port Other Company's Games

To explain the title a bit more, this post will be specifically focused on a Bad, Good, and an Interesting way (that is also good) that I've experienced when porting other company's games. I have also found it hard to find information online about this topic and that has always frustrated me.

First Post

Hello,

I will be using this blog to express the many thoughts and ideas I have in my head. Too many of these thoughts and ideas get expressed over IMs and impromptu conversation with my friends. while I love to hear their thoughts, I believe I could be getting a larger variety of feedback if the world could give me its 2 cents.

Before I begin I would like to set some things straight. I am no Guru of any sort, but I like to think I am at least a newb++. I will probably say things that are either wrong, right, controversial, mis-spelled or boring, but I will only apologize in advance for the last two. That means if you got Beef, I want to hear it. I like to think Beef (AKA feedback) makes us all stronger if we care to listen and dig into it. I would prefer constructiveness, but to be honest if you just want to take the time to say "you suck", I will be happy you even care.

The content focus of this blog will be in the area of Game Development. Sub-content focus will consist of: Programming, Development Tools, Managing and Misc. I may switch it up with a post here and there about random thoughts about music or life, but they will not be the main focus.

Stay tuned.