[ANN] "How to Make a Game..."

[DanMarshall]

Hi guys--

As some of you know, I've been writing articles for PCZone magazine about how to write a game. It basically chronicled my progress from know-nothing layabout gamer, to having my own game to show off.

Anyway, they've very kindly let me post the original articles in my blog (http://gibbage.blogspot.com). I've just put part one up, and will be posting the others over the coming days.

It's of minimal educational value, and you're all obviously well past this phase of learning to code. But it might make for an entertaining read for those of you who are either too tight to buy PCZone or live in a different country and want to check out what we crazy limeys get up to in our spare time.

All the best,

Dan

[Ricardo C]

Great read, Dan :) Brings back not-so-distant memories, too :D

[DanMarshall]

Thanks! Part two is up now, and parts three and four will go up later today.

That'll cover sprite manipulation, physics and getting an engine up and running.

[DanMarshall]

Hi again all. Apologies for the bump.

Just thought some of you might like to know that all six articles are now up and primed for your enjoyment.

This takes us right up to the tricksy subject of Artificial Intelligence, and there are some pleasant snaps of Gibbage to look at and make "oooh" noises. Like with fireworks.

Leave me comments on the blog if you've enjoyed them. I'll be writing new, original material from now on, which is quite exciting. It's doubtful, however, that I'll manage to keep up two posts a day... I have a full-time job in the glamorous television industry to do here. Which, come to think of it, I should probably get back to doing.

Anyone want to be on TV? No?

All the best, and support is much appreciated,

Dan

[kolka]

Is it possible to play your games? Where can i download them ?

[DanMarshall]

There's a link to the tech demo of Gibbage over to the right at my blog.

Please note that the Demo is quite old ish, now, and there have been several improvements since it was made. It no longer crashes on exit, for one. And the full game is much more swishy and will make your eyes pop out in delight.

But the concept of the gameplay is pretty much the same as in the demo. Except there are levels with aliens, and levels with Zombies and levels with underwatery low-grav bits in the full game.

Let me know what you think.

D

[kolka]

There's a link to the tech demo of Gibbage over to the right at my blog.

Please note that the Demo is quite old ish, now, and there have been several improvements since it was made. It no longer crashes on exit, for one. And the full game is much more swishy and will make your eyes pop out in delight.

But the concept of the gameplay is pretty much the same as in the demo. Except there are levels with aliens, and levels with Zombies and levels with underwatery low-grav bits in the full game.

Let me know what you think.

D

the link to demo doesn't work.

[Frozen In Ice]

Enjoyed it Dan... (breathe,wheez,breathe,wheez).. okay, I think I have my self-control intact now. There was quite a few places where I laughed so hard that my stomach now hurts. I don't know which is worse....the pain in my gut from laughing or my eyes from the rivers that flowed not only from laughter, but from the pain! :D

Your descriptive powers were very entertaining... :)

Let us know if you post any more.... I really needed a good laugh today ;)

[digriz]

the link to demo doesn't work.

You're talking out of your hat my friend :)

Try this link (http://www.psychotoad.com/index.php?id=12), click on the free demo button.

You can also get it through the link on Dan's blog page, like he mentioned. My webhost did go down for a few hours a couple of days ago, i'm wondering if that was why you couldn't reach it.

Please try again, it's worth a look.

[DanMarshall]

The link's down as I type this, I'm afraid. I'm sure digriz is underneath his PC covered in oil and clanging about with spanners right now.

And thanks for your comments, FrozenInIce. Much appreciated. There's another blog post up now which, due to feedback I've been getting, goes right back to square one (again) and explains things in more detail. Again, probably far beneath you all, but hopefully an entertaining read...

The Link is in my sig. Enjoy.

[digriz]

ok, now i'm very confused. Could a few people try clicking through Dan's blog to see if there is anything wrong?

I've tried several times to access my site through various link, including the gibbage blog and i can't get anything to go wrong.

[Shaz]

the link in his sig works fine for me.

[DanMarshall]

digriz--

Psychotoad's back up, now.

And the addendum you addendumded for me is perfect. Many thanks,

d