Dirty Coding Stories

I came across this article on Gamasutra today and I haven't laughed so hard in a long while. I think you need a little programming experience to get some of the stories but it goes to show what it is really like to work in the games industry with a tough deadline.

My personal favourite is the one with the space fix:

"We opened up the text file responsible for the conflict, added a space at the end, and saved it. We looked at each other with huge grins on our faces and said: Ship it!"

(Source Image: http://www.funnyjunksite.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/programmer.jpg - Date Accessed: 26 August 2009)

World Builder Short Film = Possible Future 3D Program?

I just came across an interesting and sad video linked to me by a guy called Rimrook. I won't spoil the story but I do want to talk about the idea in the video and how the future of modelling and designing could change someday.

Here's a link to the video:

http://vimeo.com/3365942

It's interesting actually because I've noticed a lot of game engines these days are starting to allow users to make levels and play them at the same time. I map for Half Life which uses an old BSP leaf system and requires compiling which can take 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on how much there is to compile and how well the user optimised it.

Lately I've been playing Little Big Planet and I found it funny how the idea in this video is similar to the level design tools in the game. You can literally hop in and build stuff in lego fashion and then apply stickers all over it like paint.

It makes me wonder if holograms or the ability to jump into a virtual environment will be possible someday. Maybe in our lifetime? The idea of falling through a leak in a virtual world sends shivers down my spine.

I will say though that this would make getting into the games industry a lot easier :)

(Credit goes to Rimrook on TWHL for the link to the video and Bruce Branit for making the unique video.)

A Summer Update

(Team Fortress 2: Pictures Taken In-Game by Habboi)

*It seems Blogger is having problems uploading for everyone therefore some pictures in this blog will not display. I apologize!*

An update on my summer holidays:

• I have been trying to get all of the Team Fortress 2 achievements: Link
  
  
• A friend wants to design another level with me and we came up with the idea of having a steam train which travels across a desert. The players have to capture each train cart.
  
  
• I am still recording Half Life 2: Episode Two and uploading them to YouTube: Link
  
  
• I am eagerly waiting for Metal Gear Solid 4 and Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit for the PlayStation 3!!! (Even though PS3 sucks I can't miss MGS4)
  
  
• I am excited after seeing the new Left 4 Dead game footage! It looks much better and should be lots of fun :D
  
  
• Lastly I will write up that Assassins Creed Review sometime! I promise!

(Sources: Valve: Team Fortress 2: http://steampowered.com/v/index.php?area=app&AppId=440&cc=GB)