Yesterday sucked. I'm not sure if I slept wrong or maybe moved wrong during my activities the day before, but I spent a good portion of yesterday laid-up in bed with some serious back pain. Things are a little better so far today, but only time will tell if I'll be confined to working from the laptop again. I'm overdue for a chiropractor visit...
I tried working on a profile system for members yesterday, just to give them a little piece of the site to call their own. It's close to being done, but there is still a lot of security setup to do before I can let members start uploading pictures to use in their profile, and since I don't know how long I'll be able to keep at it today, I'm going to use that excuse and do what I've been dying to do for days.
Today, I get back into the Unity3D client for Let's Make a MMO! Logins are already setup and working with the existing database, which means anyone who has registered via the website will be able to login to the client using the same credentials. Doesn't sound like much, but it's what is behind that client that is so important.
The client will look more like a chat program than an MMO to start, mainly because I still don't know what I'm building yet. In all honesty, I'm really starting to doubt the interest in this project, but I'm going to power through and stay focused. I suppose the worst case scenario is that I end up having ridiculous conversations with myself about what game to make, and at the very least, that should be entertaining.
So the goal today is to get a basic UI system implemented into Unity that talks to the server; just your basic login forms, a chat window, and hopefully a buddy list. Keeping the end-game in mind, I intend to build these systems so that later-on in development, I can simply resize them/hide them within the UI, freeing up screenspace to allow for whatever world will exist in the future.
If the pace of input continues to remain stagnant, I will then be moving back to website work to hopefully make things a bit more interesting to the passing visitor. I'm willing to continue its progress without input, but it sort-of defeats the purpose of the project. Regardless, I'll have a nice Unity3D + SmartFox architecture setup and ready to go.
I'm starting to wonder if I would have been better off simply starting a blog/tutorial system on how to build a MMO in Unity and SmartFox yourself. I will save that worry for a day when my mind is not being influenced by constant pain. For now, I'm very psyched to fire up Unity and get to work on the client!
Today, much like the ones before it, is about clinging to that little bit of hope I've managed to keep alive during this year of personal Hell.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Day 4's Plans
The 100 hour mark is approaching, which sounds like a substantial amount of time, but this number includes sleep, eating, breaks, etc. I've got a lot of plans today, and there's a good chance I won't get to the whole list, but the goal has always been about progress.
My database needs a config update since, for the most part, this server has been used solely as a web-server and remote testing server for previous projects. I'd also like to start putting together a profile system for members, mostly because I'd like to make this experience as social as possible. In order to allow uploading files to the server, a lot of new security needs to be put in place. Boring stuff that, when it's done, looks like no progress was made at all, but I'll sleep better at night.
After down-time, I'd like to whip up at least a very basic profile page for members, including a profile image so every display name can have a face. The code to grab those images and place them in the site is working (I manually added my twitter profile pic last night), all that needs to be done is the secure file-upload script.
One thing is nagging at my mind like a child tugging on my shirt asking "Why, Why, Why?" over and over again, and it's the sites look. Don't get me wrong, I think I made some pretty good progress in-so-far as readability and making good use of screen-space, but this site is far from one that makes you want to sign up when you first see it. The issue, for me at least, is that I can't help but feel that just about any design at this point would sway votes one way or another. That, coupled with the fact that we still have no idea what game we're making, and I can't help but feel like my time would be better spent on other things.
If anyone has an idea or a free-to-use site template that they know of, feel free to let me know. I am open to any and all ideas, from the site layout to the camera view in the games client.
For now, time to dump a second cup of coffee down the hatch and get to work.
PS. I really need to mow my lawn...
 |
| Layout as of yesterday morning... |
 |
| ... and 24-hours later |
My database needs a config update since, for the most part, this server has been used solely as a web-server and remote testing server for previous projects. I'd also like to start putting together a profile system for members, mostly because I'd like to make this experience as social as possible. In order to allow uploading files to the server, a lot of new security needs to be put in place. Boring stuff that, when it's done, looks like no progress was made at all, but I'll sleep better at night.
After down-time, I'd like to whip up at least a very basic profile page for members, including a profile image so every display name can have a face. The code to grab those images and place them in the site is working (I manually added my twitter profile pic last night), all that needs to be done is the secure file-upload script.
One thing is nagging at my mind like a child tugging on my shirt asking "Why, Why, Why?" over and over again, and it's the sites look. Don't get me wrong, I think I made some pretty good progress in-so-far as readability and making good use of screen-space, but this site is far from one that makes you want to sign up when you first see it. The issue, for me at least, is that I can't help but feel that just about any design at this point would sway votes one way or another. That, coupled with the fact that we still have no idea what game we're making, and I can't help but feel like my time would be better spent on other things.
If anyone has an idea or a free-to-use site template that they know of, feel free to let me know. I am open to any and all ideas, from the site layout to the camera view in the games client.
For now, time to dump a second cup of coffee down the hatch and get to work.
PS. I really need to mow my lawn...
Sharing Ideas Made Easy
I just wrapped up work on a system that allows members to share ideas for this project and also vote on ideas posted by other members. The goal here is to get things started and hopefully make some progress in-s-far as which direction this game is going to be taken.
Again, it's not much, but it's another step in the right direction. Can't wait to see the conversation get started... this is what the last 3 1/2 days have been for.
 |
| I figured my hard work earned me the right to share the first idea |
Again, it's not much, but it's another step in the right direction. Can't wait to see the conversation get started... this is what the last 3 1/2 days have been for.
Monday, March 30, 2015
A Chance To Vote
Since my last post I've been working pretty steadily at a status/voting system that will allow members to share thoughts as well as provide us all feedback as to which of those are most popular.
It's not much, but it's progress in the right direction. Coffee early today helped me realize that polls were not a priority yet, other than they need to be done and working. We need to get the conversation going so that I know the right questions to ask.
Not sure how many more hours I've got in me, but coffee is brewing.
 |
| Voting half is done, now to build the form that allows posting ideas |
It's not much, but it's progress in the right direction. Coffee early today helped me realize that polls were not a priority yet, other than they need to be done and working. We need to get the conversation going so that I know the right questions to ask.
Not sure how many more hours I've got in me, but coffee is brewing.
The 3-Day Mark
72 hours ago I was pacing in my house, pulling out my hair, asking myself repeatedly "could this really work?" I have the skillsets to deliver, and I'm convinced that there are at least some people out there who would love to take part in making an MMO but cannot do so for one reason or another. And that's quite literally what this is all about. My days of proving that I can do this in such a sheltered way are over; it's time to dive head-first into this community of gamedev's and deliver something that is fun and enjoyable. I honestly can't tell you if I will fail or not, because there are quite a few variables in that equation that I have no control over.
Variable #1: What is it?
I don't have a clue what game I'm making. That is incredibly exciting to me, considering I am obsessive when it comes to proving that something could work before diving into it. For this particular project, the only thing that needed to work was the basic concept: do I have the skills to build a system that makes this entire experience enjoyable rather than cumbersome for the end-user. I believe I do, and while I don't expect you to believe me at this point, I'm not asking for more than the time to prove it.
This is why I got into gamedev. Not to hide in my office, having no social life, and cranking out game after game. I got into this to be a part of a community that 13-year-old me would have cherished, and 33-year-old me does not take that for granted. On the other hand, it is quite an undertaking, even when you don't consider the fact that the game has no plans yet. It will be a social experience before it ever becomes a game, and for that I am incredibly grateful.
Variable #2: Your Participation
This project cannot work without input. I am very anxious to get started on the client, but I'm a little limited in what I can do without knowing what type of game this will be. If it's a top-down fantasy RPG, the setup of even the smallest details becomes very, very different than (for instance) a resource-managment or 4X MMO. Because it is an MMO, it needs to be efficient, and so it needs to be scoped to include what is needed, and the rest stays out.
Does the majority of participants want a Sci Fi game, or would they prefer fantasy? Are they looking for a laid back 3D version of Travian with more depth, or does grinding mobs sound more fun? Or is everyone interested in a 3D community of like-minded people where everyone can have their own little piece of the world to call home? These are the questions that I am hoping members will help me answer, so members are desperately needed.
Variable #3: Time
Right now, I have a lot of time to work on this project, but that is because I am in between freelance gigs. As soon as I am working again, depending on the project, I'll have less time to work. Considering I'm doing the programming solo, that can become a bit of an issue. But I'm dedicated, and any free time that I can spare will be put into this project. You can't fault me for needing to keep the lights on while I do this, and freelance work provides me a lot of opportunities that I would not get by other means... don't be fooled, however: it comes with its share of pitfalls as well. For instance, not knowing when the next gig is going to come along...
I solo'd the entire process of building a working MMO architecture in six months, and I'm a lot more experienced with Unity3D and SmartFox now. I've built a website that works seamlessly with the client/game server setup I built from scratch back on day one. I know the limitations of almost all my porting options (Windows Desktop, Windows Store, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, Unity Web Player). And while I understand that the client & game server are the most important parts of this project, they aren't needed yet. When they are needed, they're ready and already allowing logins... right now what's important is giving members a chance to share input. I'm not asking anyone for their most cherished game ideas, it's about taking existing concepts and making something unique and fun. Don't share anything you'll regret later, and as a whole, I think we'll all get something out of this in the long run.
This is where I need to be. This is the right project for me, mostly because it isn't just mine. I'm excited to see what we come up with. I'm confident it will be a unique experience, and while it may have it's share of bugs or annoyances, it will absolutely have character.
Let's Make a MMO!!
First Registrations are Coming In!!
After a good night's rest, I woke up to two new registered members and it has lit a fire under my hind-quarters. Seeing my member-poll system working and being used makes the last 60+ hours of grinding out this website worth it, and from here on out, anything I add to the system will only make the experience better for all of us.
As much as I want to dive into the client, I feel like that would be getting ahead of myself at this point. What the site needs is a way for everyone to communicate openly about ideas and likes/dislikes. There needs to be an easy way for everyone to be heard, but without overwhelming new visitors with more information than they need.
Since I am still on my first cup of coffee, I'm probably going to expand on the polls system first, since the work is relatively simple. The first goal of the day: multiple polls rather than just one, since it's quite literally the only form of interaction members currently have. After that, I'll be hiding in notebook work designing a system of communication for members, and hopefully some sort of voting system to keep the most popular ideas easily accessible.
There's something here... and I may not know what it is yet exactly, but that is half the fun. That's what I am inviting you all to help me figure out. This game is like the skeleton of a T-Rex buried beneath the sand for millions of years: grab a tool and help us dig it out, and when we're done we'll all have a fun game to play; one that we can all say we took part in creating.
Let's Make a MMO!!!!
Polls Are Live
I've just finished up work on the poll system, which will hopefully make sharing ideas with members easy... as soon as I have some members.
I'm pretty burnt out at this point, so I think it's time to stretch out on the couch and watch a movie.
 |
| Thanks to Chart.js and jquery, this was pretty easy |
I'm pretty burnt out at this point, so I think it's time to stretch out on the couch and watch a movie.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Registrations Are Open!
My meeting today got cut short, but I suppose there is a silver-lining in that I can work on this project, at least for the time being. I should probably take a break and play some XBox or something, but there is a reason the saying 'no rest for the weary' is cliche'.
Only the most basic systems to allow user registration are in place, but I've put in a lot of effort to (hopefully) make the experience pretty smooth for the end-user. If you forget your password, that link is working as well; and so is the link for cancelling your account should you desire to do so. Beyond that, there are no options. Unfortunately you cannot even change your password at the moment.
At least registrations are done, and right now I just need one to keep me going. At least until I can possibly reschedule my meeting. I'll probably be bouncing between adding account settings options and setting up the first poll later tonight.
 |
| Registrations are open!!! |
Only the most basic systems to allow user registration are in place, but I've put in a lot of effort to (hopefully) make the experience pretty smooth for the end-user. If you forget your password, that link is working as well; and so is the link for cancelling your account should you desire to do so. Beyond that, there are no options. Unfortunately you cannot even change your password at the moment.
At least registrations are done, and right now I just need one to keep me going. At least until I can possibly reschedule my meeting. I'll probably be bouncing between adding account settings options and setting up the first poll later tonight.
New Links & Work Interruptions
I figured I'd check my work email after finishing up my registration system, and was quickly sidetracked by a request for a quote on some work. Once that was out of the way, I decided to do something simple to ease my mind (I am by no means excited about the work, but will probably end up doing it anyway), so I've created a Facebook and Google+ page for the project. I've also added links to those as well as Twitter and this blog to the website, and links to place holders for Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy (going up soon). Last but not least, there is now a link to my email address.
I will now be finishing up Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy, and as soon as those are posted, I'll be moving on to account settings.
I'm incredibly anxious to get started in Unity...
 |
| It may not look like much, but it's still progress |
I will now be finishing up Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy, and as soon as those are posted, I'll be moving on to account settings.
I'm incredibly anxious to get started in Unity...
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Registrations Done (but not open)
The registrations system is pretty much complete, and I will be making it available late tonight. It took longer than I had planned, but I also put a lot more effort into it than I had planned. Hopefully this results in a quick & easy registration process for anyone interested in this project.
 |
| Finally, a second user (and one who actually went through the registration process). |
Before I open it up to the public, I'm going to get Terms & Conditions and a Privacy Policy posted, as well as do some work on an account settings page for anyone who may need to update their email address, change their password, or even cancel their account. After that, the first poll will follow, and registered members will be able to vote on the future of this MMO!
A Fresh Look
Granted, it's only been 24 hours since I started this MMO, but when I woke up and looked at the site I realized it needed some work. Rather than dive right in to finishing registrations, I reworked some CSS and gave the design a bit more character.
The goal here is to keep the site simple, mostly due to the fact that the game currently has no direction and I don't want to sway it's design with a website layout that screams either sci-fi or fantasy.
Registrations shouldn't take me too long, and I am planning on a poll and 'status' system for the site to make it easier for those who wish to participate to do so.
With two cups of coffee down the hatch and a good night's rest behind me, I'm anxious to get started. Going to grab some lunch and get right to it.
Enough talk, time to get to work.
 |
| I don't love it, but it's an improvement. |
The goal here is to keep the site simple, mostly due to the fact that the game currently has no direction and I don't want to sway it's design with a website layout that screams either sci-fi or fantasy.
Registrations shouldn't take me too long, and I am planning on a poll and 'status' system for the site to make it easier for those who wish to participate to do so.
With two cups of coffee down the hatch and a good night's rest behind me, I'm anxious to get started. Going to grab some lunch and get right to it.
Enough talk, time to get to work.
Hittin' The Hay
Well, my goal tonight was to have registrations done, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I missed it by a small margin. No worries though, tomorrow I will definitely get registrations finished and will have time to add some more features to the site as well as get a Unity Web Player version of the MMO up (barring some unforeseen issues).
For now, I'm going to call it a night rather than push through past daylight (current 6:30 AM here)... best to get some sleep so tomorrow will go more efficiently.
Hope to see some of you sign-up tomorrow, and I'll do my best to get some polls or some other system up for input.
Official website: http://letsmakeammo.com/
Official twitter: http://twitter.com/letsmakeammo/
 |
| Registration form is ready for me in the A.M. |
For now, I'm going to call it a night rather than push through past daylight (current 6:30 AM here)... best to get some sleep so tomorrow will go more efficiently.
Hope to see some of you sign-up tomorrow, and I'll do my best to get some polls or some other system up for input.
Official website: http://letsmakeammo.com/
Official twitter: http://twitter.com/letsmakeammo/
Loggin' In
Took about a two hour break from programming to grab some more grub and go through some more notes. I'm happy to say that after a small programming session, the login system is now fully functional.
note: the login system is not available on the live server yet. as soon as registrations are done, it will be made active.
Next up: Registrations!!
Official website: http://letsmakeammo.com
Official twitter: http://twitter.com/letsmakeammo
note: the login system is not available on the live server yet. as soon as registrations are done, it will be made active.
Next up: Registrations!!
 |
| Fully functional login system... |
 |
| ...which will later be tied in to the Unity game client. |
Official website: http://letsmakeammo.com
Official twitter: http://twitter.com/letsmakeammo
Friday, March 27, 2015
Slow & Steady
I'm due for a break, mainly to eat, but I wanted to share progress on the site. I've added scripts that use the Twitter api to populate my database with tweets from the @LetsMakeaMMO account, and they are now being fed into the main page. I have also added a list of the current members/players, which shares it's data with the Unity/SmartFox login system.
I've also done a bit more with CSS work, but for the most part, that stuff is going to wait until I at least have a clue what I'm building.
For now, it's way past eatin' time.
Official website: http://letsmakeammo.com
Official twitter: http://twitter.com/letsmakeammo
 |
| A bit more progress on the bulls**t |
I've also done a bit more with CSS work, but for the most part, that stuff is going to wait until I at least have a clue what I'm building.
For now, it's way past eatin' time.
Official website: http://letsmakeammo.com
Official twitter: http://twitter.com/letsmakeammo
Website Progress
Since my last post I have been spending my time getting my website setup to connect to the database. This is working on both my local development server and the live server, which are now being fed my blog stream (manually at the moment, until my Blogger API request is accepted). I've also left some room for a twitter, as these two systems will likely be my main means of updating everyone on progress.
I'm pretty happy with progress on the entire project thus far, and am actually ahead of where I thought I would be at this time. I'll be even happier when registrations/logins for the site are completed, since I can then turn my attention back to the MMO itself... and if you're curious, you will be using the same login information for both the website and the game client.
Hope to see a few of you in the members list when it's ready!
Official twitter: @LetsMakeaMMO
 |
| Simple, but effective (for now) |
Hope to see a few of you in the members list when it's ready!
Official twitter: @LetsMakeaMMO
The Bulls**t
After a quick break to gather my thoughts and jot some stuff down on paper, I dove head first into this project. I'll admit from the get-go, I have my reservations. But I'm also excited for the fact that this project has made me step outside of my comfort zone, and will continue to do so as it progresses. I am way past due to shake things up.
As you can see from the screenshot above, I've created a twitter account for the game, a (very) temporary page up on the domain, have Dreamweaver setup to work seamlessly with FTP, Unity setup and talking to SmartFox, Netbeans open for some Java work, and I'm blogging too.
It's going to be an interesting night.
Official twitter: @LetsMakeaMMO
 |
| Rockin' 3 screens |
As you can see from the screenshot above, I've created a twitter account for the game, a (very) temporary page up on the domain, have Dreamweaver setup to work seamlessly with FTP, Unity setup and talking to SmartFox, Netbeans open for some Java work, and I'm blogging too.
It's going to be an interesting night.
Official twitter: @LetsMakeaMMO
Time To Get Started
For those of you just joining in, this project's goal is to create a working & playable MMO with the help of anyone who wants to have their opinion and ideas heard. I will be tweeting, blogging and streaming along the way, doing my best to share the experience with you each step of the way.
Links:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/letsmakeammo
Official Website : http://letsmakeammo.com (don't expect much up on the website yet)
Blog Address: http://letsmakeammo.blogspot.com/
Systems I will be using:
Unity3D 5
SmartFox Server 2X
NetBeans IDE
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Dreamweaver
That list will probably grow once I we get some details worked out. I'm going to collect my thoughts for a few and plan the first few hours of development, in which I will get the basic structure of the server-client communications in place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)