Running Lake Swan

Game Update

Corrected the problem that allowed players to change classes whenever they wanted to. It looks like we will also need to do a similar operation with the menu prompt to block parts of the menu that do not need to be accessible when it is active. It’s probably something that a typical game developer knows to do instinctively.

We got it done more quickly than I expected, but fixing bugs is getting in the way of progressing with the content that needs to be built so that we can release the next major update. This might just be one of those times where week after week I talk about certain tasks that are being worked on until they get knocked out.

The specific items that need to be worked out for the stages are the enemies, and the dialogue system. I’m really hoping we can beef up the random event system to help out with this. We had started this earlier, but it may need a lot of additional character portraits to be added to every stage so that they can be accessed by the system. It will probably work best to have a catch all face for a little while until we add all the rest of them.

The enemies in the stage is a four part process. First we need to update models to be the leaders on the map. Then we need to head over to the spreadsheet to create the squad for the stage. From there we can return to the stage and set the map leaders to the spreadsheet enemy squad number and set up the waypoints for the enemy movements. Finally we can set the levels for the enemy troops in the stage and test it out. I guess it’s not as bad as I originally thought.

Personal Update

The weekend filled up pretty quickly for me. I got the opportunity to DJ for a work picnic which is always a nice time. I got some kudos and people really seemed to enjoy it! I love playing music for people when I get a chance.

Saturday I went to the Swan Lake ballet. I think the last time I was at one might have been when I was in grade school. Luckily the person I went with explained what was going on so I wasn’t completely lost. There were some really amazing spectacle with all of the dancers. At some moments it took my breath away. In the end the final scene brought me to tears, which was a nice conclusion to the evening.

No rest for the weary the next day on Sunday morning I had my second half marathon race. I felt like I would make 10 miles of running for sure, however I only made it to eight before I had to start a run walk cycle. It was some short hills that did me in combined with the heat of the day. It really just means that I need to train harder. I was able to almost make a sub 30 minute 5k which is exciting. I do need to keep increasing my speed and so it seems like I need to start varying my running work out routines to add in some hill work and some speed work. Overall the race was eye opening with some areas that I am lacking.

Daily devotionals are becoming a norm for me and a way to connect with God. I haven’t been this connected in a very long time. I am realizing now that I had some faulty logic to create situations in which I benefitted myself in a pretty selfish way. Moving into a place where I am changing my ways isn’t easy, but I do feel that it is necessary. I’m discovering a lot, and He is revealing Himself to me regularly. I feel that I’ve become to comfortable in my lifestyle, and now I am being pushed in other directions to be uncomfortable for a better outcome and growth.

Work outs continue with week four. I did some reading and it’s likely that I will gain around one pound of muscle for every month of exercise. It’s been good to see the numbers gradually increasing week over week. I do wish some muscle groups were progressing a bit faster, but I can only do so much. I’m enjoying the results so far.