Most everyone today interact with graphical user interfaces (a.k.a GUIs) when using a computer (phone or otherwise). This makes sense as people are visual creatures and it helps them use computers effectively. Technical people like programmers or computer power users may choose to use command line interfac (CLIs). You can accomplish so much when you… Continue reading Defining Video Game Interfaces (VGIs)
Category: Game Programming
Brand New Unity Project: My Starter Kit
Testing is a core tenant I believe helps me produce high quality software. In order to have faith in a test suite that is assembled is to constantly verify every code change that is introduced to the system. Github Actions (docs) is a wonderful workflow based system that can easily integrate with a Github project.… Continue reading Brand New Unity Project: My Starter Kit
Writing Tests for Video Games: A Philosophy (2022)
I mean to capture my current early 2022 thoughts on writing tests intended to be run by automated processes created for Unity based video games. I want to capture my thoughts so I can share this and receive feedback. I know I haven’t found a holistic philosophy around testing. I know I can be better.… Continue reading Writing Tests for Video Games: A Philosophy (2022)
Why the Web is the Ultimate Target Platform for Games
Preamble Over a year ago I was looking for a game engine to invest my time into. Before this I had relegated myself to making 2D games using python + pygame, javascript + phaser, and actionscript + flash. However; I wanted to upgrade from using game libraries into using a full on game engine. I… Continue reading Why the Web is the Ultimate Target Platform for Games
Global Game Jam 2022: Retro
I attended Global Game Jam 2022. If you don’t know what a game jam is, the programmer in me will say “it is a hackathon but your product is a video game.” How did I do? As a learning experience I am proud of what I was able to accomplish. However; I think there is… Continue reading Global Game Jam 2022: Retro
MechPilot: my TimePilot prototype project idea
The Inspiration I’m going to go to my local video game arcade bar to work on more Unity programming (aka “game” programming, although I feel silly saying that). At that bar is an arcade cabinet called Time Pilot. I had skipped over that cabinet quite a few times before I finally started playing it. The… Continue reading MechPilot: my TimePilot prototype project idea
Printable Project Notes Technique
I have discovered a technique that seems to help with project work. It is a combination of digital and physical. I call the technique the “Printable Project Notes technique.” Let me tell you how it works. The generic objective is to use your printer to create something that can help direct your project. The idea… Continue reading Printable Project Notes Technique
How to Efficiently Play Through Games
If you want to experience a game but don’t have much time you may consider this advice. This recipe can be used to quickly play through a game. First, find a speed run video of someone quickly beating your game. Next, load up the game you want to play. Watch the video showing how they… Continue reading How to Efficiently Play Through Games
Visualized Simulations as Communication Media
Is it possible to get so good at video game creation software that you can quickly create shareable media to communicate complex ideas to other people? What form does the shareable media take? Part of the excitement of video games is being able to see and interact with things I never would have imagined. It… Continue reading Visualized Simulations as Communication Media
Thoughts on Unity Testing
Writing tests for software is important for multiple reasons. For me, testing increases velocity by removing the need for manual verification of a feature or bug fix. For me, testing takes on a form of documentation for my software. For me, testing lets me return to a project and get a little hit of dopamine… Continue reading Thoughts on Unity Testing