Lessons learned.

Seems as though thinking of things to put on a Blog is harder than I thought. Was trying to think of interesting/applicable things to mention, but seems I'm short on ideas lately.

Scope is one of the biggest things I see as a problem lately. It's mentioned nearly everyday in my classes when school is in session and I find myself repeating it even now.

Judging the scope of a project is pretty difficult and you will probably be in over your head the first time you start something. But, I think that's a very eye opening realization that can help us figure out our own limits and weaknesses.

I recently tried to quickly prototype an idea that I had, only to be staring at it a few hours later saying "I'm totally not getting this done quickly.". Think small when you're wanting to start something, but also be prepared to adjust it. It doesn't feel very good to try and reach a goal you don't have the knowledge or skills to obtain, let alone the first time you try it.

Got a few levels sketched up today! Working on a simple idea with a friend and hoping it takes off! We have a pretty good basis to go off of and some pretty neat stuff to prototype here in the coming weeks!

Seems as though the OUYA system is poised to make some ripples come March. Nearly moving to four million dollars on their second day, the deck seems to be stacking in there favor. I also here mention of them hitting a sweet spot in the market with their price and accessibility. I'd believe it and also share in the excitement for this new console.

Hopefully I can develop for it someday? It would be nice! But, just gotta keep at it!

Definitely realizing the challenges of self-motivated work and time management. Working a part time job and trying to cram game time into it has taken its toll.

Been playing some good 'ol Spelunky and Binding of Isaac this week, enjoying the randomization and pretty intense cost of death. I really hope these Rogue-like games keep chugging. It goes to show how much a challenge is appreciated and how much weight it gives to the reward. It makes the carrot at the end of the stick into a....steak? Cheesecake?

It also gives the journey more weight and in that, the whole game! Dark souls helps prove my point. I've heard a lot of people talk about the epic fights and narrow boss battles, the sort of tales that are spread around a good bonfire.

I hope to see more Rogue-like difficult games popping up in the future! Let the players create their own journey's and their own tales of grandeur to tell.

   Hey there! My name is Travis Till and I'm currently a student at Dakota State University. I'm currently going into my third year of pursuing a degree in Game Design.

   My motivation to make games is pretty similar to others, having grown up with them and viewing them as a growing media. But, I believe that games can offer a level of immersion and sense of reward that no other media can. Watching movies and reading books is still rewarding, but actually playing and connecting within a world or character can offer so much more.

   I have a year long projects course coming up this year that I'm both excited and nervous about. I'm also working on my first prototype by myself and a game being worked on by a group of friends!

   I'll be making posts on my projects, frustrations on programming, and anything that comes to mind!