Projects
This page acts as a hub for the projects I’m currently working on. While I do have a history of letting this get somewhat out of date, it’s still a good indication of what you can expect from me in the near future. Projects are listed from the most I’m involved in to the least.
Table of Contents
Project Gforum – Version 3
Priority: Low
Percent Complete: 40%
Estimated Release: First Half of 2010
Project Gforum will be receiving a new design accompanied by new functionality towards the end of this year or the start of the next. It will also be making the transition to HTML 5 with this release, completing the “tri-fecta” of websites I have made doing so. Version 3 will have a much, much larger focus on standard usablity than previous versions. Whereas Version 2 was based on 1 as far as the layout of content was concerned (three columns; navigation on left, content in center, chat box on right), I will be doing away with this model for Version 3, making it the first real design revolution for the site.
In addition, I have heard the complaints of Project Gforum being too plain, and Version 3 will include some nice new artsy effects to make the site more pleasing to look at. Javascript and AJAX will be employed for certain elements of loading to make the experience smoother. The forum will be integrated further and become a first-class member of the new site. Finally, Version 3 will have a renewed focus on Gforum-generated content such as reviews and editorials, with a larger dedicated writing team. My hope is all this will help Gforum become a “big boy” gaming site and attract outsiders; Versions 1 and 2 appealed mostly to users of the G4 Forums, with Version 3 I’m reaching out much farther than that.
4kg
Priority: Low
Percent Complete: 1%
Estimated Release: Late 2010
4kg is a new Android game project I am pursuing in lieu of A Game. I decided to change my focus because I feel that 4kg will end up being the better game, and as I said with A Game, I want my first created game to really showcase what I can do. Like with A Game, 4kg will be released for $0.99 on the Android Market and possibly other alternative Android application stores.
4kg will be a 2D sidescrolling platformer game that will resemble some games on the Super Nintendo. However, I am working to make everything but the basic gameplay all new. For instance, running and jumping will be the same, as will trying to get to the end of the level. However, there will not be any “enemies” littered around the level, for reasons the game will explain. There will also be sections where the gameplay switches up, and although vague that is all I can say now as anything about this game could change.
I hope to reveal more about this game as the year goes on, and have made enough progress to be showable.
A Game
Priority: On Hold
Percent Complete: 20%
Estimated Release: TBD
“A Game” is being developed for Google’s smartphone operating system Android and will be for $0.99 on the Android Market, though this is more of a learning and commitment experience than motivated by profit.
The game is a very simple two-dimensional turn-based role-playing game, but with a couple twists that I hope will make it feel “fresh.” First, every piece of the art will essentially be made up of lines, and everything will be some sort of geometric primitive. This allows me to streamline the asset creation process and focus on programming the game’s engine and mechanics. Second, although the battle system is turn-based, it’s also time-based, so that the quicker you take down an enemy, the higher the amount of experience you get. These mechanics change for some encounters throughout the estimated one- to two-hour adventure. I hope to make my premiere game a high-quality experience, and thus, will be bringing my “A Game” to the table.
Note that as of January 2010, this project is on hold.
Project Gforum Mobile
Priority: On Hold
Percent Complete: 15%
Estimated Release: TBD
This is the mobile-formated version of the current Project Gforum, which is an ambitious endeavor, as I will not only be serving up the main site content as mobile-friendly, but also the forum as well. I failed at creating my own forum (mostly because of post time comparisons), but I think I’ll be able to do better this time. This “web app” will also feature quick and easy switching between the site itself and its popular chat box feature, which should delight those who want to browse Gforum on their phones. I myself will be joining their ranks shortly, which may explain why I’ve let this project slide from the launch of Version 2 until now. Lastly, this site will be HTML 5, and will hopefully ease the transition from the actual site into this new technology.
Note that as of January 2010, this project is on hold.