Blog for Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer at GarageGames.com

Return of the Pseudo-Egyptians (OR.. Net's Back)

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2008-02-08T04:23:36+00:00

Greetings!

I've been back for about a month now, and thought it was high-time I got around to updating my .Plan.

In May of last year, my father was diagnosed with cancer - lymphoma - and that made things very tough on my family for the next several months. Thankfully, he responded well to the radiation treatment, and at his last scan (in December) he was cancer free.

You never really think about how these things effect you, but as a solo developer, it's tough to keep your head in the work when something major happens. I put everything on-hold for a while, and consequently, my schedule has been set back.

Since my return, I've procured new tools for the art pipeline, and have made real headway with character and sprite development. I'm still learning some of the new tools, but I really feel like these are the tools I need to make the game look professional; and to have it match what I see in my minds-eye. I'm taking a break from the programming, to get the art to a certain point - one where I can release the finished "basic" gameplay as a demo without feeling embarassed. (The quality of the previous sprites could only best be termed, "Programmer art." lol)

I'm hoping to resume work on the Crystal Texture Pack, and should have some development annoucements regarding its progress around the beginning of March.

Thanks to everyone who purchased the GTP for all their support and feedback. Thanks to everyone else who reached out and tried to help over the last few months. It was really appreciated.

Gina-Marie "Netjera" Hammer

GTP SCREENIES (By Popular Demand)

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2007-05-27T16:37:31+00:00

Now that I know I can promote the Gemstone Texture Pack as much as I want; I wanted to update the information, and include the all-new screenshots, with links to closeups.

First, let me say the GTP contains 435 textures, in 34 categories. All are taken from gemstones, but they're very useful for a wide range of applications including industrial coverings, planet surfaces, ground cover, alien skin and more. They really lend themselves to stretching the imagination.

They are on sale for $9.99 through my site only. Versions sold through other sites will be priced higher, so plan accordingly. Buying direct is the best way to save! Simply email me at NetjerSoft@gmail.com, if you're interested in a purchase.

These textures are useable for modeling, game development and artwork. The EULA does not limit their uses, except as individual texture files. You cannot post these textures as your own, resell them, or offer them for download through any site (although feel free to link back to me). You cannot modify the textures, and then claim them as your own, resell them or offer them for download through any site. You cannot include them, in a current or modified state, in a pack with other textures. HOWEVER, you MAY include them with any models you create and which you intend to sell as content packs. (Please give me credit, though.) You can also modify them for use on models, in game development or artwork. The EULA really only restricts their use as textures. (Although feel free to give me credit and link back everywhere, I could use the exposure.) :)

Without further ado, screenshots. These are thumbnail montages of ALL of the textures, organized onto single sheets by category. (For example, all the Agates are together, all the Amethysts are together, and so on.) Click an underlined link to see a full screen version of the texture sheet. If you want more information about the gemstones (trivia, history, etc) visit my site at NetjerSoft and follow the Gemstone Texture Pack link from the home page. Enjoy!

Agate Textures

Alexandrite Textures

Amber Textures

Amethyst Textures

One Little Ametrine Textures

Andalusite Textures

Aquamarine Textures

Beryl Textures

Bloodstone Textures

Chrysoberyl Textures

Citrine Textures

Coral Textures

Diamond Textures

Emerald Textures

Garnet Textures

Iolite Textures

Jade Textures

Jasper Textures

Kunzite Textures

Lapis Lazuli Textures

Moonstone Textures

Morganite Textures

Onyx Textures

Opal Textures

Pearl Textures

Peridot Textures

Quartz Textures

Ruby Textures

Sapphire Textures

Spinel Textures

Topaz Textures

Tourmaline Textures

Turquoise Textures

Zircon Textures

Gemstone Texture Pack Clarification

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2007-05-23T09:29:35+00:00

Several people have asked me why I didn't post screenshots, or give more direct information through my blog post. Garage Games is not publishing the GTP, and I didn't think they'd appreciate my soliciting sales directly through their forums.

Therefore, the previous post - and this one - are intended for informational purposes ONLY. The Gemstone Texture Pack IS available for sale (very low cost), and can be purchased through the NetjerSoft website. All screenshots, pricing and sales information, as well as a complete list of textures included in the pack, are there. Just follow the "Gemstone Texture Pack" link from the home page.

Thanks a lot for everyone's encouragement and support!

- Net

-= GEMSTONE TEXTURE PACK RELEASE =-

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2007-05-21T23:48:15+00:00

Well, it's finally here - the Gemstone Texture Pack. It contains 435 textures of different gemstones, in 34 different categories. Textures are taken from actual gems, no texture is smaller than 128x128, and all textures are seamless for easy tiling. Textures were taken from specimens with everything from cracks to sparkle, and represent various states such as faceted, polished and raw. Many groups include multiple faceted types of texture, since different styles of faceting produce different effects in the gemstone. You may see textures with a horizontal effect, from an emerald-cut facet, or with spiral patterns from a round cut facet.

Check out the NetjerSoft
website for more information, or Click here: www.netjersoft.com/gemstoneTextureList.htm to see a list of all included textures.

Gemstone Texture Pack 1.0

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2007-04-02T20:24:08+00:00

Well, here's an update on the Gemstone Texture Pack! Much progress has been made, including the addition of new images to the queue and the refinement and completion of the Agate Textures (see the image below). I could release the Agate Textures within the next couple of days (need to get them up on the server somehow), or I could hold them until I have a few groups of textures done, or some magic number of total textures.

I'd like opinions, on what everyone would like to see in terms of numbers and types of textures per download. Would you rather see the downloads in gem groups? As in Agate Textures, Emerald Textures, and so on? Or would you rather see a variety in one download? All the precious stones together; all the semi-precious together, or some other grouping? What's a good number for download?

Here's a little eye-candy. This is just an image map of all the textures together - for viewing. Upon release, the textures each have their own separate .png file, so you can do whatever you want with them. They'll be free for use however you want - commercial or non-commercial - but credit is greatly appreciated. :)

Agate Textures

Pharaoh's Frenzy Progress Report

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2006-05-04T04:28:26+00:00

Well Dreamer told me it was okay to mention that I'm working on the MMORPG Tool Kit with his team. So I don't have to hedge around that anymore. Today was a busy day all around.

Pharaoh's Frenzy

This is yesterday's to-do list. Here's what I got done.

1) Find map for main menu reference (Not yet)
2) Develop mockup for main menu final (Nope, tomorrow, hopefully)
3) Finish ripping apart sprites from Toolkit packs (YES! Thank goodness, what a tedious project!)
4) Recombine sprite sheets (Yes.)
5) Edit sheets to fix transparency and port to .png (Yes)
6) Get Pharaoh movement working (YES!) Yay me!

Here's a couple of screenshots. The gems aren't moving, and the explosions and stuff aren't in place in the background (the pyramid exploding is what causes the gems to rain down), but you can get a general idea of how things will look and fit on screen, and you can see the Pharaoh in a couple of different positions. (His movement code is in but not his animations.)

GarageGames Documentation

Still haven't heard anything back about standardization procedures, so I'm stuck. I have two more tutorial pieces waiting to be done, but I can't go forward until everyone us is a little less-busy. :) No progress today.

Dream MMORPG Tool Kit

Went through code base and began basic outlining of necessary rules and structures. Did some brainstoring with Dreamer regarding timing issues and cleanup. (Mostly I'm the end-person.. I'm going through and trying to figure out what rules are missing and why conflicts are happening.)

Tomorrow:

1) Get map for PF as reference and do mockup of production main menu.
2) Get treasure moving in the proper direction.
3) Determine how to spawn stuff on the fly.

(Wish me luck! lol)

Progress...

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2006-05-03T02:55:49+00:00

Slow day today. No appreciable progress on PF, unfortunately. Got several sprite sheets that were created with RPG Toolkit separated and reformatted to bitmap. Got a lot of research done for the final version of the main menu screen - found a lot of photo reference material.

Don't know if I mentioned that I'm doing some work for GG helping with documentation. Made some progress in that direction, although we really need to make moves to standardize format. That will improve readability and will make it seem like documentation made by different community members is continuous.

Also was asked to assit a community member with a project, and got a chance to install and play the latest build of their product. Spent about three hours with that.

Here's what's on the list for tomorrow.

Pharaoh's Frenzy

1) Find map for main menu reference
2) Develop mockup for main menu final
3) Finish ripping apart sprites from Toolkit packs
4) Recombine sprite sheets
5) Edit sheets to fix transparency and port to .png
6) Get Pharaoh movement working

GarageGames Documentation

1) Standardize editing/formatting procedures
2) Finish editing on current parts (2 and 3) of tutorials

Community Project

1) Start going through code for rules inconsistencies

On a personal note, I'm trying to redecorate my office before my birthday, so I'm also in the process of moving furniture, packing stuff up, organizing and purchasing new pieces.

Busy week or so ahead.

Pharaoh

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2006-04-29T22:08:51+00:00

April 29, 2006

NetjerSoft has made a series of advances in Pharaoh's Frenzy, resulting in base mechanics for the game engine, a full range of placer art, and the beginnings of our own art resources. Here are a couple of screen shots of our (visible) progress.

This shot shows our opening menu. This is most definitely temporary, as the final menu will have a city-like layout.

This is our background for the game. It's starting to shape up nicely.

In the days to come we'll be finalizing the background image and inserting placer art into the beginning levels. Hopefully there will be more screenshots within the next day or two.

I'm Back!

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2006-03-01T22:44:34+00:00

Okay... it took me MUCH longer to get settled than I expected. Things in Palm Coast are REALLY slow! We're still dealing with construction on the house which should have been completed before we moved in (August 5, 2005) and which still isn't completed. (For instance, I have a bathroom without a working door, a wall reduced to rubble and drywall and a huge mess in my bath - yuck!)

Today we had the pool guy, the tile guy and the vacuum system guy in.

It's been a huge mess, but I think we've almost got it nailed down and I'm about ready to move forward on my game again. (And to pay Nauris the money I owe him for the care package that saw me through the move last year - hallelujiah, let's hear it for chocolate!)

I've taken a drawing class, and I'm about to take another. I might start posting some of my work to get some feedback once I have model sheets and some character drawings completed. Programming has been very slow and I've just downloaded the latest 2D engine, I'm gonna look for updated documentation (crosses fingers) after this. So, wish me luck!

I hope everyone is well. I've missed you guys!

Net

Saturday Jun 18 5:24

Gina-Marie \"Netjera\" Hammer — 2005-06-18T05:24:39+00:00

Out of Pocket - MOVING (Friday, June 24, 2005 - Sunday, July 31, 2005)

I'll be making the "big move" to Florida (finally!) that has been planned for a while. (Anyone who frequents the chat rooms knows that I've been fairly absentee for several weeks now, while we get the packing and work completed.)

Our house won't be ready until July 29th, but the decision was made to move early and keep track of construction as it advances. In the meantime, we'll be staying in a rental home without Internet access, and I'll be completely out of pocket between the dates mentioned. I will be checking email periodically (as time and location permit), so if you need to reach me, email me through the site and it should forward to me. (I *think*. If I understand how the email system here works.)

During the upcoming month, I'll be spending a lot of time coding on Pharaoh's Frenzy, and I hope to finally get the base engine and level handling routines completed. (I'd hoped to have them done last month, but this move has taken over my entire life.) I'm viewing the rental home as a mini-vacation, and will get as much done as I possibly can. My time will be restricted again again after the move is completed, as my father will be going in for spinal surgery (Yuck!) as soon as we're in the new house. (I've been picking up almost all of his slack since he can hardly move without extreme pain.)

Wish me luck, I could use it! :)