Blocks that Fall in Unity

If you've been to the IGDA Twin Cities meetings, or have seen any of the videos (here and here) where I presented the idea of collaborative game developing, you know that the group is off and running.  We're moving forward with a Mr. Driller inspired climbing game of block destruction.

We've done a lot of development over the two months we've been at it.  However, at the last meeting a number of bugs showed up during the live demo.  Due to certain circumstances (my laptop fell to ground and quit working) I ran the game demo on a netbook.  Although the game still played well, a number of bugs appeared more often than in my play testing, probably related to framerate and physics calculations.

As a game developer, something I've always wanted to do was program a Tetris clone.  Why?  Well, because although its simple, its also a good exercise in programming for a novice game programmer.  Alas, its also one of those things I've never done (but always think about).  Given the troubles we're experiencing with the existing block falling code in the game, I decided it was time to take a crack at it.

Acrade construction continues

I'm building my arcade cabinet in three parts: top, bottom and controls. These pictures show me putting the top and bottom together. It's the right height and seems pretty stable.

Three Riker Picard

I made this last night for the IGDA Twin Cities Podcast Episode 9, titled Three Riker Picard.  Listen to it if you want to hear how this idea came to be.

Lady Killer T-Shirt Design

Check out "Three Wolf Moon" on Amazon if you don't know what it is to see the inspiration for this work of art!

Arcade cabinet in action

I'm getting ready for the IGDA meeting. I'm presenting again, this time with props.

IGDA Twin Cities Podcast #8

We've published another IGDA Twin Cities podcast.  We had some recording problems, but its still full of interesting conversation.

I presented at IGDA Twin Cities

I presented at this month's IGDA Twin Cities meeting.  I want to find others with similar interests in Arcade machines and video games and see if we can start something.  I would love to see a Winnitron in MN, and I'd love to make a game for it.

Anyway, check out my presentation.  I was awesome like usual.


Arcade Games and Independent Games on the Winnitron.

Arcade Design

I've made some interesting progress with my Arcade cabinet design.  I've experimented with the idea of it being more modern that typical arcade cabinets, and emphasizing the smaller depth that I can get using newer and smaller hardware, such as a flat screen monitor.  I built it in Blender to help me visualize it, as well as think about how to put it together.

I took it a step further and built an approximate 1/3 scale model using foam board.  I measured the thickness of the board and assumed it would be equivalent to 1/2 inch thick MDF and scaled from there.  It stands 27 inches tall, where the real design is 6 feet tall.  The "monitor" in this case is just black and blue construction paper the scale size of a 24 inch monitor.

Arcade Controller Progress

2 Player Controller

I finished my test game controller some time ago.  My intent was to build it both for function, as well as to see how the construction would go.  The general construction was fine, using MDF and shelving boards, however the painting was a learning experience.  I wanted it to be super smooth and glossy, so I spent a lot, I mean a lot of time sanding. 

Stick and button configuration.

I started using a semi-glossy latex wall paint which went on well, but left a lot of texture.  It was also sticky, even after drying for weeks, such that if you rest your hands on the paint you had to peel them off.  I painted about 7 coats of the latex paint, each with a thorough sanding after drying.  The tackiness wasn't right so I sanded again with a real rough grain and switched to an enamel gloss paint.  It turned out great!

The controls are pretty simple using the I-PAC 2 from Ultimarc.  It works great, acting like a keyboard plugged into the computer.