A Game Development Project

For game development hobbyist, how could we start building a game during our free time, get some small funding to cover some cost and eventually be able to sell or market it (even for just USD 0.99 per pop).

Today, there are more visible paths and opportunies, although a great deal of effort is still required and no guarantee of money coming in. What the heck! We do these things for fun and satisfaction (that's why we are called hobbyist), as long as our main job still can afford to pay the bills.


What to do?

1. Have an Idea and Design the game
   
2. Choosing the Platform and Develop the game
   
3. Secure some Funding based on out prototype
   
4. Market and Sell the game
   
5. How to Start?
   

Idea and Game Design
I want to develop a simple and fun game, addictive but not too time consuming (not another MMORPG which make you fat and louse touch with the real world). I like fun strategy game, not too much useless micro-management (have to be simple) and more automation (let’s focus on the fun stuff). It need to look good (nice simple 2D art, no fancy 3D) and fun to play (targeting casual gamers).

Game Platform and Development
There are quite a number of popular choices if you are developing simple 2D games, such as XNA, Silverlight, Flash, Android, iPhone and etc. We need a good platform for game development, also taking in consideration of the platform’s market size and opportunity to deploy and market it. Flash is the best for web distribution, followed by Silverlight. For online marketplace with paying customer, we have Xbox LIVE Marketplace, Android Market and Apple Store.

Personally I would like to start with XNA, which allowed the game to be played on PC and Xbox. I can tap into the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Distribution and Sales. XNA is a more complete and powerful game development platform, which should save some development time with less restriction. There is a possibility of porting XNA application to Silverlight, thus able to able to tap into Brower’s Game market.

Perhaps after we get some funding, we would port the game to Android and iPhone to more distribution and sales opportunity.

Secure Funding
Life is really tough for game hobbyist if we want to go far or make a few bucks, so perhaps it’s wise to try to secure some funding with a prototype, and showing the number of downloads and players we got so far.

Perhaps we could try CIP Catalyst (RM 50K x 3) or MSC Technopreneur Pre-Seed Fund (RM 150K) to keep us motivated and go further. I think I came across some funding for multimedia creative development.

Market and Sell
There are a few avenues to market the game by providing the game as free downloads on popular game portal, and package is as Silverlight Game to be played in browser.

In order to make money, we would need to tap into online marketplace such as Xbox Live Marketplace, Android Market or Apple Store.

How to start?
We probably need around 3 persons (too much is a havoc in communication) with dedicated role (avoid too much debate on how to do things in minor details, so that we can focus on the big picture) to develop the game on free-time basis, with commitment of at least 6 months.

1. Game Designer
   
2. Developer
   
3. Artist / Music

Everyone would be a Beta Tester and Blogger. We find the right person (everyone must like the game) and have dinner-meeting biweekly to keep the ball rolling, setup a website or blog and create awareness and serves as PR tool. Let’s see what happened after 6 months.

There is a Way, but is there a Will?

Project Sculpey: Totory Family

Found this new shop (RakanSeni) at The Gardens, which sold a bigger pack (thus slightly cheaper) of these bake-able clay.

Sculpey Clay, One Baked It Harden

Totoro Family Completed

PS: Valentine 2008

Beginner’s Guide for Electronic / Robot Building in Malaysia

I am a total electronic noob who just wanted to have some fun with robotics, and trying to figure out how to do it (after more Googling and Forum Reading).

The best way is to read some books (web resources are good, but they tend to be less organized for learning). Absolute Beginner's Guide to Building Robots is really a very simple introduction to get me started, though I look forward to Robot Building for Beginners. Getting Started in Electronics should help on the fundamental (though you might enjoy the more humorous There Are No Electrons: Electronics for Earthlings). Depending what kind of robot you want to build, you could consider JunkBots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels: Building Simple Robots With BEAM Technology if you want to build some self-minded bots, or you could enjoy more control and programming with micro-controller through PIC Robotics: A Beginner's Guide to Robotics Projects Using the PIC Microcontroller (Free e-Books as well).

We might want to pick up some simple projects to work on from the books or the webs, thus we need to get some parts (some smaller companies sell DIY Kit for hobbyist projects), preferably cheaply and locally. We could try:

• Farnell Malaysia
  
• RS Malaysia
  
• ESCOL
  
• BizChip
  
• Cytron
  
• Or Electronics Shop at Jalan Pasar (near Jalan Pudu)

Being an Engineer Wannabe, of course we need some basic EE Engineer’s tool (should cost RM 150 or more), such as

1. Screwdriver set
2. Soldering iron and related soldering tools and supplies
3. Needlenose pliers, Wire cutters/strippers
4. Breadboard and hook-up wire (a.k.a. Breadboard Jumper Kit)
5. Rechargeable Batteries Set (NiMH)
6. Perhaps a Digital multimeter (DMM)

I am more fond of Micro-controller Programming and integration with various sensors, and PIC Microcontroller seems to be popular among hobbyist. I have a feeling the real challenge in robotics/electronics is the circuit design.

I had pick up a simple BEAM Bots project (The Coat Hanger Walker from Absolute Beginner's Guide to Building Robots), and wanted to try on PIC Microcontroller (from PIC Robotics) as well for starter. Let’s hit Jalan Pasar and see what happens next.

PS: Worth reading on LowYat.NET's Electronics Enthusiasts Club forum to find out the state of Robotics Hobbyist in Malaysia.

Comic: 2 Characters

On some weekend, I just don't feel like working anyway, yet couldn't find something really to do. That's the problem with city dweller like us, depending too much on window shopping at shopping complex, eating, watching movie and etc. Sometimes, we just ran out of options so fast so furious.

To counter this weekend boredom and stay away from work, we probably need some hobby such as jogging (could be pretty boring at times), reading (if I had a good book), mountain hiking (good choice, but not available on every weekend), blogging (if I had a topic) and perhaps live up to some childhood dream, such as drawing comic.

So, my first draft of my upcoming comic, presenting the 1st 2 characters :)

Ultraman Hairstyle + Shirt | Helmet Hairstyle + Apron

Robot | Helmet + Animal Costume

Stickman | Bowl Head + Wizard

Weird Costume?

About Dream: Drawing Comic

Just remembering that we should not give up our dream, and I just wonder how many dreams do I really have.

When I was young, I think I wanted to be a police, army or even astronaut, but I didn’t quite feel the urge to be those now. I do enjoy comic, and sometimes I try to draw them, but the problem is I was never quite good at them. No matter what, I still feel like drawing comic.

Recently I felt to urge to take this dream more seriously, perhaps to start something. I thought, oh god, another project? I had my hands full already. Anyway, I just can’t stop thinking about it, as it’s still fresh and hot. So, might as well do something about it and see what happens (rather than kill it before anything could happen).

So, what kind I comic should I draw?

I was thinking something like Dilbert, simple (something I could manage) but funny, and to portray truth in a sarcastic ways. I like Rose is Rose (it’s weird angle and explosion of imagination), Adam@Home(SOHO imagination), Calvin and Hobbes (child's imagination) perhaps something along this line.

I was very much influenced by Hong Kong comic all the years. Though they graphics are great, but their story lack depth and continuity. Perhaps lacking of imagination and surprises, too stereotype.

I like Japanese Manga or Anime very much, due to their explosion of creativity. I don’t really have any particular favorite, but I like their creativity and depth, and humor as well.

I never quite like American comic book, like Spiderman, Superman, Batman, or even Witch Blade or Hellboy, they just seemed too rough and lack some connection with me while reading it. I didn’t felt hooked or beginning to imagine things.

Again, kind I comic should I draw?

The art must be simple, as my drawing skill is very limited. I cannot do long story, as it required lots of creativity and imagination, so probably I’ll do a 3-6 frame comic strip.

What is it going to be about? After some careful thought, I guess it’s going to be about me and people around me. It’s hard for me to imagine something which I am not, or have no experience of. Probably will draw about software industry, mountain hiking, about ideal & thoughts, about human relationship, or perhaps mostly about what I usually blog about. Sometimes I do feel it’s difficult to draw what I blog about in a comical way, haha.

I like magical and fantasy as well, but that required a more elaborate illustration which I am not capable of. Perhaps some element here and there :)

1st step, need to create a few main characters :)

Gift of Heart Part IV: Mini Clay Figurine

Wynn is leaving soon (this is a back dated post), and Mei Ru reminds me of the idea of making something for her. I think I should, given that I really feel close and comfortable with her. Since I had already fallen in love with clay work, then I shall make one for her. At the same time, Mei Ru stalks a Totoro from me as well. Why not.

What to make for Wynn? I know she likes Tare Panda as well, but I don’t want to make the same thing twice. I know she had some Mashimaro dolls in her room as well, thus this might be a good choice. Then there is this thing going on between her and Mei Ru, where she would always draw a tortoise on my hand. Perhaps a tortoise for her? I asked her directly, and she asks for a tortoise happily. The day before I make her gift, she draws a tortoise with a big head and tick tack toe on its back on my hand again. This seems like a good idea.

This time I would make something smaller. Not only it is cheaper (less raw material used), but it shall look even cuter. I shall make a cute tortoise first, with brown colour body and green colour shell. I make one big shell with dark green; can cover it with 9 lighter green spot for the tick tack toe effect. I use a blade to carve the cross and the circle. Then came the big head with 2 black eye, and four feet with carved toes. It looks pretty cute, but the colour might seems a bit too dull.


I decide to make a white Totoro (still haven’t figure out whether its name is Bom Bom Ba or Ji Ji Ja), since it is cute and simple. One big round white body plus head, and two bunny ears. The eyes are made of squash black, white and followed by black again. A simple and very cute little white Totoro is born, yeah!


Time to bake them using the same style again (put them in a steel pot and heat it up, as mom put it, avoid wasting gas in baking such a small toy). This time mom made a wrong estimation of the baking time, as the figurine is smaller this time. Actually I thought of that as well, but I forgot to remind her. So, the base of the figurine got burnt a bit. The tortoise had a totally black shining base with a half shaded body, while the white Totoro had a brown base instead. It isn’t that bad, as now they look kinda unique, one of a kind limited edition.




PS: The piece of shit is actually meant for Mei Ru, as she draws them on my hand the day before.

Gift of Heart Part III: Art of Drawing

Many years ago I gave a piece of artwork to the first girl I like. It consists of a few pieces of drawings, where each illustrates a part of us being together (from 1st meet to date to courtship). Each peace of drawing has some Chinese text illustration on it, accompanied by a translucent piece of paper with some motives on them. When the translucent paper is combined with the drawing, it creates a different feel of the art work. All the pieces are combined into a hand made book. This is probably the most heart-ful gift I ever made in my life, which I was for one second reluctant to give it away. But what is the purpose of a gift if it is not given away, as its value lies within the hand of the receiver.

The gift chosen for Totoro Girl is of course, a Totoro; and I know the exact place to get one. I found some new Totoro stocks in an Anime Toy shop at 1U, and the first thing which caught my eye is a Totoro photo frame. What so special about a photo frame? Just buying a Totoro doll seems a bit plain, but a photo frame would allow some creativity space. I can draw something meaningful and slip it into the photo frame. The frame is pretty cute actually, with a grey Totoro and a big leaf as its hat, and many small flowers, leafs and mushrooms all around it.


It had been a very long while since I last drawn something, and I hope I still have the basic skill set. I need to buy a whole new set of stationeries, as I had loose my last set (I have no idea where they are now). I pick up my supplies at Popular bookstore, as they have quite a good variety. I choose back my old faithful tools, such as Faber Castell Water Colour Pencil, Buncho Oil Paster, Crayon, Silver Ink Pen, Black Ink Pen, 2B Pencils & Erasers, Blade and Colour Papers.


What should I draw then? Of course, a Totoro. I choose a picture where Totoro sleep under a tree in the jungle, with Bom Bom Ba and Ji Ji Ja by his side. Then we have a little girl sleeping by Totoro’s side. I like this picture, as the environment is calm and they are sleeping calmly and safely. I did some modification to it, and hopefully it turn out fine. Actually my art work pretty sucks and I think she can draw much better than me. But I think she will appreciate it, as long as it doesn’t look too ugly.



After the art work is finished, slip the paper into the photo frame and it fit perfectly. The Totoro is put into the “doggy” bag I bough earlier. All done! Yeah!




Somehow she fancies Totoro a lot, may it due to its cuteness, probably some mysterious elements and some touching moment. I think Totoro is a good mythical creature, which shows kindness and gave us some hope of miracle and fantasy. Probably we could use Totoro as education medium for the younger children, to create a kind future full of hope.

"龙猫会给乖的小孩每天一个美丽的梦"

Gift of Heart Part II: Clay Work

When shopping for Christmas gift at 1U, I found a very special shop. A shop which sell polymer clay, which you can shape it into anything you like and bake it to create a clay figurine. I wanted to ask them to make one for me instead, but they claim it would require one week of waiting time. Since I am going to Chiang Mai soon, might as well I buy the material and make it myself. Besides, it looks like really fun. I think I like Plastisin very much when I was small, besides LEGO of course.

I got about 6 pieces of clays of different colours in a pack for around RM 25, then a bigger piece of black and white colour clay for RM 10 each. They even sell clay which turn into rubber after bake (suitable as gift for kids). Wynn told me later that there are much cheaper white clay available, which can be made into coloured clay using some colouring.


I missed the Christmas deadline and drag the completion of this gift until several weeks ago. I decide to use this to make a panda figurine for Miss Evil, since she likes panda very much. Tare Panda seems to be the cutest panda around, so I might as will make that. I Google around for images of Tare Panda as my references.

Making this gift is really fun, maybe because I do like clay work. First I make a pillow with some pattern on it. Then came the head, which is extremely difficult due to the eyes (hard to make them look cute). Then came the round body, followed by ears, hands and legs. I add a cape and hat for Tare to make him look even cuter. This is my design, with references from existing Tare Panda product out there of course.




There are many small pieces of leftover clay, and I still feel like making more stuff. I used them to make a mini tree, a mushroom, a cake and a candy bar. These small little things are really cute; I think I had fallen in love with clay work.


I ask my mom to bake it in the oven, and she complains it is wastage of gas since the figurine is so small compared to the big oven. She put them into a steel pot and heats it up instead. For a figurine of 2-3 inches thick, 20-30 minutes should be just nice.

These clay figurines fit perfectly into the gift box I bought earlier. I put some soft paper in to fill up the spaces, make it look nicer and for a bit of cover up effect. Put the box into a small carry bag and it is ready to go.






PS: Since Valentine day is around the corner, does anyone wanna order some handmade valentine gift from me?

Gift of Heart Part I: My First Serious Paper Craft

It all started with me in the mood of giving the people I like and appreciate a small Christmas present, and end up delaying the deliveries and come up with something more personal than I initially thought.

I hand made a paper craft for Tang, with many help and guidance from my dear friend Wynn (she left for Batu yesterday, and I really miss her). I don’t think I did a really good job, but it is my first attempt at such a challenging paper craft anyway. I saw Wynn made some flowers and ball-shaped paper craft for Mei Ru, thus I decide that this might be a good choice of gift for Tang. It is hand made and it should look nice, and I always like hand made gift better (it shows the person’s patient and appreciation for us). Besides, it would be nice for me to learn to make some paper craft, and Wynn is there to teach me.

I got some origami paper from Popular bookstore (I stumbled upon them while getting some stationeries). I had bought a gift box earlier, thus I thought it would be nice to make a ball-shaped paper craft and put it inside the gift box. But it turns out the origami papers I bought are too big, end up making a ball-shaped paper craft which couldn’t fit into it. There are many varieties of ball-shaped paper craft to choose from, as Wynn had the book. She made a 64 pieces combo one for Mei Ru, but I decide to not to take up too much challenges for the first time.

Equipment used to accomplish "Shooting Star"

I choose to make “Shooting Star”, a 24 pieces combo which looks nice as well. I do it with 2 colours of shining paper, blue and red. Four pieces will combined as one side, making a total of 6 sides. 4 sides will form the centre ring, while 1 each of both the top and bottom. The result isn’t perfect, but it is on best effort basis. I spent about 5 hours to make it (it should take around 2 hours for newbie), due to many un-concentrated hours watching the TV series playing continuously on Wynn’s computer.

Ladies and Gentleman, my first serious ball-shaped paper craft, the “Shooting Star”. Luckily it turned out pretty alright, else I would have to think of something else. I decide to use some present paper to do some creative wrapping. It turns out looking like a hanging cake box. The present is ready and good to go.

The Final Product: "Shooting Star"

All Set to Go

The Gift Box

I pass it to her last Thursday on my farewell dinner treat to her. I didn’t get to see her open the present, thus I am not quite sure if she likes it or not. Anyway, I am happy about it with one mission accomplished.