(no subject)

[drcuriosity]

Life's progressing. I've finally got things sorted out with a permanent computer in the CompSci department, and as soon as I have local admin access on the machine I'll be installing far too much stuff and getting a development environment up and running. It's a quad core machine with a fairly reasonable entry-level graphic card, so it should be pretty zippy for getting compiling done.

My supervisor's out of the country again at the moment, but he's given me a fair number of things to progress with. Some things I can't discuss openly as they're still under an embargo of sorts, but I've got materials that are certainly inspirational in terms of developing new virtual learning experiences. We're feeling like a good fit, in terms of work style and motivations.

My side-project work seems to be coming along. Things seemed to have finally finished with regard to the simulation work I was doing. My MMO stuff's mostly simple writing and research tasks at the moment, but it all adds up to useful stuff. I've also got a bunch of library books to work through that should hopefully help both my academic and other work.

Speaking of which, I've just finished reading through Game Development Essentials: Game Story & Character Development by Marianne Krawczyk. Most of the content is, understandably, a primer on creative writing as it pertains to games. Since I've been geeking in this field for a while there was little that was news to me, but there were still a few interesting industry anecdotes and the like. My main issues with the book were that some of the examples were either a bit forced or not very well explained. The book also comes with a CD: most of the demo game stuff is pretty pointless (IMHO), but having real-world examples of design documents, storyboards and concept art from a number of titles provided a few insights.

I'm also looking at returning to the U.S. for a month or so later this year. The travel agents are looking out for specials and deals for me, but it's still likely to cost a few grand. On the other hand, it's a priority I'm more than happy to save for, in the circumstances.

Comments

[thedarkproject]

What sort of direction are you going in with the MMO stuff? I try and stay fairly well-read in that area, and it also pertains directly to my day job, although the two don't overlap nearly as much as I'd like.

And as for the creative writing in games thing, I have Character Development and Storytelling for Games, which came highly recommended, sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. One day I'd like to work on a game with a good story but where your choices have real repercussions rather than just revealing the next plot point, as is so common.

[drcuriosity]

So far, most of my efforts have been in high-level world building - a bit of backstory, fleshing out groups, notable people and possible in-world locations. Not that dissimilar from some of the stuff I've done in the course of my other gaming activities over the years, though with a different focus in terms of which details get nailed down and which are left free to write in later.

As the project progresses I'm going to be doing a bit more in the way of game mechanics, so it's not all on the conceptual writing side of things.

[drcuriosity]

Oh, and thanks for the book suggestion. I may have to check that one out if I get a chance.

[elissa-carey.livejournal.com]

I'm also looking at returning to the U.S. for a month or so later this year.

Fantastic! I'm fairly sure I know where you'll be headed, as well. ;)

[drcuriosity]

I'm fairly sure you do, too. Can't wait to see her again... well I have to, practically, but that doesn't mean being patient is fun.

[elissa-carey.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean. Just a few months until I see Alex again, and I'll be moving! No more visits! It's so close, I can almost taste it. No, being patient is not fun, despite how ultimately rewarding it is. :)

[drcuriosity]

Well, that's the thing, isn't it? She's more than worth putting up with a few trials here and there.

[elissa-carey.livejournal.com]

Oh, completely agreed. We just don't have to like it. :)

[starlick.livejournal.com]

What part of the US do you travel to?

[drcuriosity]

Kentucky. Y'know, where my fiancée is. Probably via Los Angeles.

[kest]

I've been seeing some really fantastic deals from here to your parts of the world lately, but I imagine the reverse is not always true.

[drcuriosity]

Sadly no :-\ Still, we'll keep looking.