Still Finding What’s Right - July 2023
Streaming, Videos and YouTube
So it’s been a while since the last blog post, and for a good reason. I’ve been so busy with trying to stream consistently, and then create content from those livestreams, that I've had no time to sit down and actually do what I set out to do, which is game development and essentially blogging it. Along with work and giving myself some free time, I effectively now have no time to code. All energy is being spent into DIDS content, however it’s not the content I want to be creating. I want to be focusing on game development, not just game content creation.
With that being said, a bit of an announcement: Streaming is cancelled. At least for now, all streams are on hold until further notice. I still might stream once a week, but not at a designated time or day. I simply can’t juggle streaming 3 times a week, creating content out of those 3 streams and then code and try and get other stuff done on top of work. There’s not enough time in the week. This decision isn’t easy, I’ve streamed a lot in the past and I did enjoy it, however I need the ability to stop when I want to stop, and an hour long stream isn’t going to do much for me or generation of viewership. This way I’ll still be able to record games and such when I’m able to, edit when I’m able to and then put out a YouTube video for viewing.
Now onto the monthly review! Four new videos were put out on YouTube:
Haiku, The Robot Part 3
Haiku, The Robot Part 4
Hollow Knight Part 1
Gouache Parrot Speedpaint
The adventure of Haiku The Robot continues, if you’re interested all videos are in the playlist here. This playthrough has no voice over and is pure gameplay only, unedited.
I also started Hollow Knight, many many people have told me they enjoy the game so I’m giving it a shot! I currently have several recordings of it so expect some edited videos soon. This playthrough is different than Haiku due to the videos being edited to the best parts, as well as having commentary. Some were recorded live, so unfortunately for the first two parts there will be a Twitch chat in the bottom left.
Last but not least is a parrot speedpaint using gouache paint. I’m extremely proud of this painting, so please go check out this video, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Game Development
All that was worked on for game development was the Game Design Document (GDD) for Daughter of Bones. I also wrote out a rough storyline for the game, but I still need to determine what will happen after the user beats the game. Will they be allowed to just run through the game endlessly? Have harder difficulties available? There’s so much planning in advance, it’s almost frustrating knowing that I’m holding myself back to plan better. I also started working on some more item pickups and enemies, however not a whole lot was done that I can effectively show what was done.
Networking is coming along really well, a lot of practice is currently being done through work. I started looking into Unreal Engine 5 tutorials online, but that’s definitely for a later time. I need to remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Any learning that I do is amazing for my own self improvement.
Wrap Up
I know that wasn’t a whole lot for a blog post for one whole month, but with the new streaming changes I’m hoping that more actual content for game development will be accomplished and things will begin to move forwards instead of creating content through Twitch and not giving myself time for anything else.
