I've used this photo for an avatar, on Itch.io & Github for example, for a metaphorical meaning. This photo represents my experience learning programming, finally diving into learning to write code in 2020, at 33 years old. 🐺

My prior experience included enough BASIC to write a simple text adventure game, generations of RPG Maker, and a semester of JavaScript in college. When I picked up GDevelop in late 2019, it enabled me to practice open-ended development with the assistance of some building blocks.

My largest GDevelop project rapidly escalated, implying I should consider writing code in another more powerful engine. I adopted Godot Engine, and created GDSim.

I wrote a post sharing all this in more detail back in 2021 and edited a video to share, borrowing music from Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed.
(I shouldn't do things like that anymore 😄)

I feel like my new hobby doing this can be related to the wolf's chomp into half of a watermelon, too big to chew. It is a lot to take at once, but I will finish this -- like the wolf will finish that melon. 🍈

The time I have spent maintaining GDSim's page & this devlog has helped teach me better professional communication.

So long as I am still working on a game, I remind myself to give you the communication you deserve for your support. 🙏

Although I've been quieter here than I'd like, I have nonetheless spent four years studying 3D videogame development; shader programming, 3D modeling, 3D model specifications, the cycle of a frame of 3D graphics, and more. Plus general coding patterns & practices.

In retrospect, that is like a four-year degree! I feel more confident now that I can create something polished and wrapped up nice. Rewinding to 1994.

Hrm, did I say something out loud? 👀

The truth is, I am reluctant to post about intangible incremental improvements until I have released a new playable demo. Frequent devlogs without anything to download are associated with vaporware, and justly so. I'm not doing that here at Lupine Vidya. 👌

Another truth is that the past five years have taken a toll on me in the real world, to say the least. But I am determined to finish the watermelon. 🍉

Fortunately, I think I can release a new playable demo this year. I would say "this Summer", but old programmers say it is wise to double how long you think something will take. 👴

The plan is to get on track to expand into a first full game, under a third title/release. GDSim and the second project will serve as free demos. If I can't make it, plan B is to showcase my skills & passion to a trustworthy team.

Going solo is not the best way. On the flipside: if you want something done right, do it yourself. ☝️