Whats on the schedule
by Edward F. Maurina III · 05/17/2006 (6:25 am) · 7 comments
The last time I posted a plan was October 28th of last year. Incredible. I must say, I admire guys (like Phil Carlisle) who find the time to post every couple of weeks or more often.
Admiration aside, I thought it would be a good idea to check in and let folks know what I'm up to these days.
First, as you probably know, my first book The Game Programmer's Guide to Torque was released in March.
So far, all the feedback has been positive and constructive. I am very glad that so many people are finding it accessible and useful.
For those who own GPGT, please be aware that there is a forum here on the GG site dedicated to questions and issues that you may have. Additionally, I am maintaining a support page on my own site: Hall Of Worlds For Gamers. Here, you may download the latest errata document, new lessons, and bonus materials as they become available. Right now the bonus materials are thin, but over time there will be more. Speaking of more...
I am constantly busy and working on something new. At this time, I am working on the following tasks:
0. GPGT Support - I have been supporting and will cotinue to support this book. So, feel free to post questions and comments as you have them. I'm ready to receive them and answer them.
1. GPGT e-version - I'm working with Josh to determine what the e-version of GPGT will be and how best to make it availble. We're still working out details (it's trickier than it sounds), so if you're considering my book I suggest that you not wait and buy a hard-copy from GG.
2. Torque Book 2 - Although the book may not have this title, there is a second volume that follows GPGT. This book addresses AI, MP Networking, Debugging, and C++ coding. We'll be diving into the Guts of TGE and talking about how to modify the engine, and how to add new functionality to it. This book is for the most part written. I am currently revising and updating it to match the latest version of the engine and then the long series of technical edits begins.
3. Tools - Yes, this is a pretty vague title. I'm not ready to give away details other than to say that as I wrote GPGT, it occured to me that there were (and still are) ways to improve the development process. This improvement comes in the form of tooling. That said, if you have any ideas for 'cool' TGE tools, or if there is some part of the editing process that just ticks you off, please let me know by writing me at tools@hallofworlds.com.
4. GPGT Post Mortem - Some folks have expressed an interest in hearing about the process of writing a book. So, I am currently writing up a Post-Mortem discussing the entire exprience. I will be sharing the good and bad parts of the process with you. I'll be posting it here as a blog in the near future.
In addition to these Torque related tasks, I am working a 40-hour work week at my pay-the-bills job. I also still try to get out on occasion and do a little:
- fly fishing, and/or
- gardening, and/or
- woodworking.
This Summer I am going to try to maintain a little better life-balance than I did last year. While finishing the book, I didn't get out of the house at all except to go to work. I regretted that immensely as Summer faded and Winter closed in.
That said, I know many of you work as intensely as I do (or even more so [Josh I'm talking to you :) ]). So, I encourage you to get out and away from your computers. You'll be amazed at how good it feels and it will help your creative process. Trust me. It really will.
Well, till my next BLOG, I wish you all the best.
Happy Torqueing!
Hall Of Worlds - For Gamers
EdM|GPGT
PS - I forgot to mention it, but I've been playing with the latest Torque 2D Game Builder and I'm seriously impressed. Honestly, it makes me want to drop everything and start working on a game right now. Melv and the GG crew have been puting in some serious over-time on this and it really shows. If you don't have this game engine, you should get your hands on it now.
-EFM
Admiration aside, I thought it would be a good idea to check in and let folks know what I'm up to these days.
First, as you probably know, my first book The Game Programmer's Guide to Torque was released in March.
So far, all the feedback has been positive and constructive. I am very glad that so many people are finding it accessible and useful.
For those who own GPGT, please be aware that there is a forum here on the GG site dedicated to questions and issues that you may have. Additionally, I am maintaining a support page on my own site: Hall Of Worlds For Gamers. Here, you may download the latest errata document, new lessons, and bonus materials as they become available. Right now the bonus materials are thin, but over time there will be more. Speaking of more...
I am constantly busy and working on something new. At this time, I am working on the following tasks:
0. GPGT Support - I have been supporting and will cotinue to support this book. So, feel free to post questions and comments as you have them. I'm ready to receive them and answer them.
1. GPGT e-version - I'm working with Josh to determine what the e-version of GPGT will be and how best to make it availble. We're still working out details (it's trickier than it sounds), so if you're considering my book I suggest that you not wait and buy a hard-copy from GG.
2. Torque Book 2 - Although the book may not have this title, there is a second volume that follows GPGT. This book addresses AI, MP Networking, Debugging, and C++ coding. We'll be diving into the Guts of TGE and talking about how to modify the engine, and how to add new functionality to it. This book is for the most part written. I am currently revising and updating it to match the latest version of the engine and then the long series of technical edits begins.
3. Tools - Yes, this is a pretty vague title. I'm not ready to give away details other than to say that as I wrote GPGT, it occured to me that there were (and still are) ways to improve the development process. This improvement comes in the form of tooling. That said, if you have any ideas for 'cool' TGE tools, or if there is some part of the editing process that just ticks you off, please let me know by writing me at tools@hallofworlds.com.
4. GPGT Post Mortem - Some folks have expressed an interest in hearing about the process of writing a book. So, I am currently writing up a Post-Mortem discussing the entire exprience. I will be sharing the good and bad parts of the process with you. I'll be posting it here as a blog in the near future.
In addition to these Torque related tasks, I am working a 40-hour work week at my pay-the-bills job. I also still try to get out on occasion and do a little:
- fly fishing, and/or
- gardening, and/or
- woodworking.
This Summer I am going to try to maintain a little better life-balance than I did last year. While finishing the book, I didn't get out of the house at all except to go to work. I regretted that immensely as Summer faded and Winter closed in.
That said, I know many of you work as intensely as I do (or even more so [Josh I'm talking to you :) ]). So, I encourage you to get out and away from your computers. You'll be amazed at how good it feels and it will help your creative process. Trust me. It really will.
Well, till my next BLOG, I wish you all the best.
Happy Torqueing!
Hall Of Worlds - For GamersEdM|GPGT
PS - I forgot to mention it, but I've been playing with the latest Torque 2D Game Builder and I'm seriously impressed. Honestly, it makes me want to drop everything and start working on a game right now. Melv and the GG crew have been puting in some serious over-time on this and it really shows. If you don't have this game engine, you should get your hands on it now.
-EFM
About the author
#2
Can't wait for that 2nd volume, or the post mortem. Should be a facinating read. Thanks for thinking of us all after the book hits the shelves too....quality product :)
05/17/2006 (12:49 pm)
Wow, busy guy!!Can't wait for that 2nd volume, or the post mortem. Should be a facinating read. Thanks for thinking of us all after the book hits the shelves too....quality product :)
#3
I'd be interested in hearing about the book process too. I'm considering doing a book as part of my "research year" (I've got a year off to do some research).
05/17/2006 (4:44 pm)
Hey Ed!I'd be interested in hearing about the book process too. I'm considering doing a book as part of my "research year" (I've got a year off to do some research).
#4
There are gardening games? Sweet! Now I won't need to wash the crud out from under my nails (at least not crud from digging in the dirt). And a woodworking video game too? Now I don't need to wear eye and ear protection.
Now, I did know that there were fishing games, but how can you trade the experience of standing hip-deep in ice-cold water for hours on end until your legs are numb and other parts are well... Plus, all of the slapping at biting insects helps me keep up my 'gamer reflexes'.
@ Rob - I'm glad to hear it and absolutely. I wrote the book for various reasons, but one was that I really believe in this community and the concept of GarageGames. I want to see it continue to grow and thrive.
@Phil - Sure thing. There are certain surprises that you'll probably want to avoid. Hopefully I'll be able to elucidate them such that you can benefit from my experiences.
Hall Of Worlds - For Gamers
EdM|GPGT
05/17/2006 (5:56 pm)
@ Leapster There are gardening games? Sweet! Now I won't need to wash the crud out from under my nails (at least not crud from digging in the dirt). And a woodworking video game too? Now I don't need to wear eye and ear protection.
Now, I did know that there were fishing games, but how can you trade the experience of standing hip-deep in ice-cold water for hours on end until your legs are numb and other parts are well... Plus, all of the slapping at biting insects helps me keep up my 'gamer reflexes'.
@ Rob - I'm glad to hear it and absolutely. I wrote the book for various reasons, but one was that I really believe in this community and the concept of GarageGames. I want to see it continue to grow and thrive.
@Phil - Sure thing. There are certain surprises that you'll probably want to avoid. Hopefully I'll be able to elucidate them such that you can benefit from my experiences.
Hall Of Worlds - For GamersEdM|GPGT
#5
Gardening will help, spend more time in the sun!
You've got the right idea about life balance, make sure to properly integrate it into your life including a test-driven development scheme (assert("my hands are not resting on a keyboard");) with just enough documentation through .plans to keep an agile style.
05/17/2006 (11:45 pm)
You did not start your list with 0. That's a bad sign.Gardening will help, spend more time in the sun!
You've got the right idea about life balance, make sure to properly integrate it into your life including a test-driven development scheme (assert("my hands are not resting on a keyboard");) with just enough documentation through .plans to keep an agile style.
#6
As for me getting outside... as soon as things settle down around here... in 30 years or so.
05/19/2006 (9:59 am)
Great blog, Ed! Meant to post earlier. :) Keep 'em coming... As for me getting outside... as soon as things settle down around here... in 30 years or so.
Leapster
Why would I go outside.
- fly fishing, and/or
- gardening, and/or
- woodworking
There are web sites and games foe all those. Now I know your talking crasy.
lol just kidding.