SHORT ALTERNARE UPDATE
Progress on the skeletal engine is going swimmingly well. Honestly, I'm amazed I have everything working so smoothly with only having about 1-2 hours a night MAX to really devote to it. Once I have basic skeletal model done, I'll release that open source, completely for free, and once I have the fully modular version done, meaning infinitely scalar limbs and body parts both in size and quantity, I'll release it for "pay what you want" starting at $1.That's pretty much it for this update - I have more ideas and topics I could discuss, but I'm going to spread them out a little more until the skeletal engine is finished because I'd like to be able to start providing visual examples using in-engine screenshots to reinforce the ideas.DEFACID UPDATEI'm moving forward with taking my game development, and my involvement within the industry, as serious as possible by making some slight changes to the site, which is still being worked on a little bit, devoting 24 hours a month to bring a game idea I have to life via rapid prototyping, and I'm going to keep up and maintain this blog with the frequency I've previously established. (Once a week - either Tuesday or Wednesday)Another avenue I'm going to pursue is writing a small e-book on getting started into game development with a focus on Game Maker and Game Maker: Studio. I'll include topics I wish were covered when I first started making games, that would have allowed me to reach where I am today at a MUCH faster rate.As of late, I've realized that I have a ton of viable skills that I can use to allow my visions for game design to reach fruition, help others reach their goals, and put food on my table by doing what I love. I'm working on setting up a newsletter that all of you are invited to join to get updates when I post a game, a new blog, or video, and I'm using MailChimp, so you don't have to worry about not being able to unsubscribe if you chose to stop updates!I'm grateful for the culture of self-teaching that has been present on the site since I started coming here 9 years ago, and I hope you guys will join me on my journey to better myself, my life, and my games. And I also hope you guys will take your dreams seriously as well.This isn't a goodbye - I'm still going to be around here, and I'm still going to be slightly childish… even vulgar sometimes. It's more like a new beginning. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can say, without a tinge of falsehood in my mouth:Hi! My name is Shaquille Stoutamire, and I'm an indie game developer!
Here: http://defacid.com/basket/
Sorry, was going to comment earlier but the competition took my mind away. That sounds like a great idea for a book, too many tutorials and manuals don't explain enough, or explain everything you need to make a game, that can't be maintained or is buggy. One thing I would love to see in it is how to develop a proper Game Design Document or whatever its called, as in my opinion that is one of the most important parts of being able to finish a game. If only that had been explained to me before lol, so many dead projects due to feature creep and bad code planning from the start.
MailChimp looks pretty good as well, it will definitely help with the professionalism, being able to put together some rather impressive emails from the looks of it. I'll definitely subscribe to it once its created :)Its really great to see someone as they start to make game development their career, its rather inspiring actually. Too often I see indie developers give up due to frustration, and that's because they haven't taken that extra step that you are, good luck with everything! :)Thanks, man. It means a lot. I really hope that my actions allow others to play awesome games, make awesome stuff, and walk away with something positive, even if it's just receiving an act of earnest compassion.