First, Happy New Year!

Last month I did a lot of programming on my projects for a change. While it was very fulfilling, something was missing. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. Then, just after I posted my last blog post, it hit me. I’ve missed writing! I have done some writing at work and on a novel, but I missed tutorials. So, I decided to start writing tutorials again in the new year. Well, it is the new year, so I created one today. I’m reimagining Shadow Monsters under a new name: A Summoner’s Tale. It will more closely match my project, Shadow Monsters. The first tutorial is now live on my Google Drive. Check out my blog’s A Summoner’s Tale page for more details.

What’s Next?

Good question! I wish I had a definitive answer. I know where I want to go, but I’m not sure of the path that I will take to get there. I want to hold off on graphics for a little while. However, I know that is part of the appeal of following a tutorial, seeing something on the screen. For that reason, I’m considering implementing the tile engine next. After that, I can do a bit more of the plumbing. That is what I am likely going to do—alternate graphics with non-graphic tutorials. Eventually, I will run out of non-graphics tutorial material.

My Projects

My main focus recently has been on my Shadow Monsters game. I’ve been in the process of rebranding it with new graphics. I’ve also been working on expanding character interaction. It is working well to the point where I am creating more content and adding new features. One of the things that I’ve added is finding hidden items. I also experimented with particles a little. They fade in, fade out and then reappear in a new location. They go well with my title screen. I haven’t attempted adding them to the game yet. I don’t know where to place them. Finally, I’ve been working on implementing combat again. It works well enough with static images. However, I want dynamic images. The sprites that I am using only face one direction. Which is good enough because they are only attacking left or right. I can use the flip effect to have them face the opposite direction.

Final Thoughts

I feel energized after writing the tutorial today. I think it was a missing piece in resolving some issues I’ve been having. I don’t expect to have a tutorial out earlier than next weekend. I will be back to work and also want to spend some time on Shadow Monsters. So next weekend feels like the earliest I will get to a tutorial. Though I am off tomorrow, I might work on one then.

Good luck with your game programming adventures!
Cynthia