If you don't know, I use IndieLib for my graphics and input handling in my games. I extended a bit, improved small elements, and I collaborate with the community (but it is quite dead by now...). One of my long-goals this year, is to try to port one of my games to the iOS platform. This thing, amongst other, requires porting IndieLib to iOS (and by extension to OpenGL ES).

So yes, I created a project SVN in google code where I will be submiting my changes and code to create that. Feel invited to collaborate if you want.

I'm engaged in a new job. In the meantime I'm learning Objective C because I want to try the wonders of the iGaming myself!

For EGP, I finally managed to upload a game, as I call it, "quite unfinished", as I didn't have too much time, and my expectations were pretty high. So, 2 levels and simple gameplay for a proof of concept prototype game. In short I'll upload source code.

I made 2 games for Experimental gameplay Project themes, SurViral for March, and MonkeyMadness for January. Making prototypes for games in a short time, as authors of that website proved, is an extremely useful exercise, and I found it very interesting from a design, programming and learning exercise. My thoughts on this process are quite positive:

What went right:

- Framework: Having some codebase to start a game is quite good to make fast and quick designs be on screen in short time. It lets you try new things while playing, not while designing on paper... fast prototyping in other words.

- Stress: Yes! Stress, in a short timespan is great to force you to say "no, this not" or "hey, look, this way is faster and better", because you have to finish SOMETHING (which doesn't have to be perfect) in time. I found a lot of decisions on how to code parts of game, or changes in gameplay (to good generally), because of the time limit. It doesn't mean every game development should be stressed, but I found that the "ok, now lets add this, and then this, and who knows when I will finish" kills the focus and originality of the game generally, if you don't control it.

- Programming: I am getting better in programming for games, and generally, design decisions for the long-term in my small framework, like the message handling system, paid back in very short time. Other decisions, as hard-coding of creation process (not data) of game elements, which I knew wasn't too good idea to expand it in future, weren't good and I finally had to change them...

- Focus: I learnt that for a good game design, focus in one theme or gameplay element as central and key point is essential to the success of your process (design process), and developing. EGP projects force you to think this way, which is great, and shows you the game-making "step by step" process and reprototyping involved.

What went wrong:

- Time: You want to add "this and that", and, generally, it is not possible.

- Design focus: I have a problem here in finding the focus at the creative process in the beginnings of gameplay design. I think it is an ability which is adquired by making and designing games, not only by playing them. In other words, I have difficulties to link an idea to concrete gameplay elements. Once one or two gameplay elements are laid off, then I am fast to improve, change, and add more elements, but the first process is long and painful.

- Assets and art: I am definetively an art-oriented person... But I defend myself in case of need... using a lot of time...

Progress for the game is steady but slow. I didn't have enough time yet... I don't know if I will be able to finish it by the end of month.

For now, initial tests, music, programming, and a game name... SurViral  (Survival of virus, to be exact...) ... I doubt anyone is interested but I keep writing as to organize my ideas and keep focus in my projects ;)

I got used to select music for the game early in the process, to get "in the mood": Here is what, I think, will fit for the game loop:

http://www.archive.org/details/wrath_the_heap

This month I want to get a game for Experimental Gameplay Project again. The theme for March is 10 Seconds...

To work!

I made this one in 8 days for Experimental Gameplay Project

A short frenzy game about crazy monkeys trying to destroy your tree... Physics-based gameplay. I am quite happy with it!

Check it here