Course focusing in Java

I'll be following the Stanford course in Programming Methodology, which focuses on development with the Java language.

Computer Science I: Programming Methodology (Stanford, hosted by Academic Earth)

Course website (granted, for the 2010 section, which might be different than the 2007)

Karel the Robot Learns Java (Course text)

I will be using the Eclipse development platform, though a version which is outdated. The current version is Helios, but the 2007 course may be using either Europa or Callisto. The differences might be negligible, but older versions are available.

Kind of lost focus while trying to find a course with the programming language of choice, but now I'm back on track.

Oh lord, have to make up my mind.

I'm also trying my hand at Java. It's a little more intimidating than Python. D:

Shifting focus to Python

Unfortunately the lecture series over at Harvard shifts focus to C programming, utilizing Linux servers to which I do not have access. The MIT lectures, however, focus on python, which is more accessible to me! So I'll be following a different series of lectures and projects, now.

Success with Scratch 1.4- created a random enemy creation mechanic

It's not finished yet to the level I'd hoped to reach, but I managed to create a scratch program that can randomly generate enemies! Executing the program always generates one out of ten random enemies. Based on random variables between -10 and 10, it determines whether a second enemy will spawn. If the variable is greater than 0, it spawns a second one of ten enemies and generates a third variable between -10 and 10. If this third variable is greater than 0, it creates a third enemy. The enemy's health only displays if one has spawned, hides it otherwise.

I'm pleased with how this is turning out. I haven't worked out a way to battle these enemies yet, but the logic behind using variables to create more complex programs is starting to make more sense to me. Originally I had only planned to have two enemies to demo this program, and they would not change; this function adds a good deal of random chance to the game, with relatively simple code. when I seek to improve on it, I may add enemy HP variables, values that change depending on which enemy spawns. I might also add a boss spawn mechanic, which could simply be an additional random value in the code used to determine the first enemy's sprite.




An example in which only one enemy has spawned. Note that Randommobspawn 1 and 2 are both < 1. These variables are related, and a third enemy will only spawn if a second spawns- a second will spawn only if a random variable between -10 and 10 is greater than 0.

Scratch 1.4: MIT-developed graphical programming tool

I'm currently following along a couple of introductory computer science lectures, in particular Harvard's CS 50 course. Their current project covers the functions of Scratch 1.4, a graphic-oriented programming tool developed at MIT to teach children the basic theory behind programming. Various functions and variables are indicated as puzzle pieces, which fit together in a way that mimics typical code structure.

While there are easy-to-use game development programs which exist (I was recently exposed to Game Maker 8 in an intro game development course), my goal is to really learn the mechanics and basics of programming, not simply working within the parameters of pre-existing templates. That being said, Scratch 1.4 functions very much like already-existing game development toolkits, with a drag-and-drop interface for the various commands.

I'm creating a basic turn-based RPG battle within Scratch 1.4, using sprites from Camelot's Golden Sun titles for the Gameboy Advance. I spent a while just trying to get the selection arrow to work properly. :D I'll try and post the finished project as something playable, when complete.

A work-in-progress: this is the code used to determine the motion of the green selection arrow. (Click to enlarge)

Have to start somewhere: Programming

Indications are that C++ programming is most useful for game design, having to do with it being 'object-oriented'.  I came across a couple of tutorials, but they're quite dry- however I did find a series of introductory computer science video lectures from Harvard's CS 50 course, and this may be a better way for me to start.

http://academicearth.org/courses/introduction-to-computer-science-i

And on further inspection, this site actually hosts a ton of full courses!  Very useful.

Welcome to Clockwork Pixel!

Do you love video games, and aspire to create your own?  Would you like to learn about the tools and techniques to begin your own projects?  Have you heard about the latest news on independent game developers and studios?  Then welcome to Clockwork Pixel!

Clockwork Pixel is part development blog, part personal portfolio, part news; ultimately, all about video games.  In an effort to learn about the basics of video game development, I plan on blogging any activity and progress in detail.  You will be able to see my process, follow my influences, play my games, and even learn to create your own!

To be covered:

• Game development tools - I seek to overcome the hurdle of unfamiliarity with development software and programming; information pertaining to programming languages (C++, Java, etc), various developing platforms (e.g.  Macromedia Flash), and pre-existing game creators and templates.
• News  and events-  Upcoming titles, current influences, and news pertaining to independent developers- essentially everything not related to my own personal projects- will fall under this category. 
• Portfolio work - As a student seeking internships and employ with game designers, I hope to provide an accurate representation of my talents and capacity to learn new skills.  I will be posting design documents, illustrations, sketches, notes and writings on my personal projects.

More is forthcoming, check back frequently!