Getting burned out and coming back, again...

Well, it has been a couple of months since I have even looked at code. I know, I know, gotta stick with it if I am going to make anything. In the meantime I am finding I did a surprisingly good amount of code work before I got burned out on it. I code at work and do paperwork all day. The last thing I want to look at is the computer it seems.

However, after playing Morrowind, again, I realized I really want to make a game. Even if it is just for me, I want to do this. So I figure I will set aside some time to get some projects that are half finished working. That brings me to the reason for this blog other than just random, well blog stuff.

I have been working on a reconfigurable GUI input system that allows the input device events to be mapped to GUI specific translations. Translation of my translation: you can set up buttons on a controller or keyboard to any gui function such as OK, Cancel, Yes, No, etc. The point is the user will be able to map their brand new controller for use by the GUI. What surprised me the most now that I am looking at it again is that part of it is working.

I have not set it up for dynamic configuration yet, but I can navigate the GUIs using my trusty XBox 360 gamepad. The GUIs that do not work are the ones that have scroll windows in them. I figure that will require some kind of take focus work in the widget to get that working. Also, the GUIs could be redesigned to take advantage of the setup to allow navigation with an arbitrary input device.

Another thing I got working, which is not exactly related to the original goal, is I setup functions for mapping analog inputs to functions in the simulation. I can assign my analog trigger (for instance) to fire the crossbow just as easily as the A button. This was done so I can eventually do dynamic setup of GUI inputs using a similar method as the sim.

So, what do I need to do next:
1. Work on getting the dynamic registration of arbitrary events working so it can setup in script.
2. Add standardized GUI events to the canvas object.
3. Address changing existing GUIs to work with standardized GUI events or create/identify GUI objects that will work with the event system as it is now.
4. Create a dynamic config dialog that works in a similar way as the sim config dialog.

BTW, I am still aggro skating. I go on the ramps at the skate park. I have lost a bit of weight and can almost make out my muscles in my gut. I also just dove into buying a desktop metal milling machine and lathe. I will be providing CNC control of the milling machine to start and the lathe later. I hope to set it up to create physical models of stuff I draw in Blender. I am thinking one my first projects will be a metal (mild steel or aluminum) version of a daedric dagger from Morrowind. I will keep people posted on this because, well, it is just "cool".

Later, hope everyone had happy 4th.