Silvey's Log

Blip

2007-05-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Day 142, flying out to East Coast.

Current Status
3 Online Resumes filled out
1 Word Document Resume Completed
3 Interested Phone Calls
1 Consultant Meeting
13 Jobs Applied to
5 Programmer Challenges - (New)
2 Survey
Many Email Responses - (New)
5 Phone Interviews - (New)

Quest
A week has passed and I returned to the giant's cave. There, the giant was gone, revealing a deeper cavern that unravelled into the black darkness. For a moment, I wasn't sure what to do. We have much that a human would desire, I remembered the giant saying.

I noticed an odd statue just down the path. For an hour, I talked to the statue alone, hoping to gather some insight on the situation.

Finally, I lit a torch and set foot into the abyss...

Back into Reality
Well, I started the SG3D series, a set of small games/demos, showcasing my progress in learning 3D and OpenGL. Other than that, I've been trying to keep up with the speed of the rushing water that seems to be all around me.

I'm off to Maynard, MA!

Beseeched by the Giant

2007-05-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Day 135, slowing down.

Current Status
3 Online Resumes filled out
1 Word Document Resume Completed
3 Interested Phone Calls
1 Consultant Meeting
13 Jobs Applied to - (New)
3 Programmer Challenges - (New)
2 Survey - (New)
Many Email Responses - (New)
3 Phone Interview - (New)

Quest
The weather has been rainy lately. This has made the paths I've explored considerably different. It's as if the mud is reaching out to clasp my sandals, pulling me down with incredible force. The steeper paths are too slippery to even consider. So I've been keeping shelter at the Iron Giant's cave.

At first, it seemed the overgrown Giant just slept under the soothing sound of the rain tapping his rock roof. It didn't seem to mind my presence, even in sharing his cavern. But, the other day, its eyes slowly opened, revealing blinding green gemstones that seemed to pierce my soul. I was both excited and frightened at the same time. Slowly, the creature spoke to me,

"You whom hath invaded my home repeatedly. What is it you seek?"

What possible reason can you give a monster that could squash you with a single blow? The truth was all I had, for my simple weaponry could not affect such a thing. "It's raining," I replied, "and I thought your home would be a good place to stay, at least, temporarily."

It sighed. "Temporarily? Yes, I suppose it offers the luxury a mere human would fine comforting. Yet, it is my home and I have not accepted your kind, only tolerated it. We have much that a human would desire, if it interests you, come back in a week and we shall talk more formally. Until then, I have business to attend to..."

And the green light faded as its eyes rested back into sleep. Standing awkwardly, I pondered what the Iron Giant meant. It seems I should come back in a week, but first I must learn more about the creatures. I sought out a man named Nehe, a wise wizard in the valley who knew much about the OpenGL waters. Knowing more of this mysterious liquid only couples my experience needed to charm monsters and such. The Lua forest also may assist me with my current needs...

As I left, the rain settled and a Rainbow formed. On my way back to the valley, I noticed the athletic character tracking my path...

Back into Reality
Challenge after challenge, I find myself busy all the time. Work all day, study all night it seems. Sleep has been...minimal. Nonetheless, I made some time to go see my mum for Mother's Day. It was a fun little adventure, although short lived. We'll probably go back in a week or so when everyone is available.

Oh, and my birthday is coming! Don't forget to get me something nice, internets!

Make a Run for IT!

2007-05-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Day 129, most cleverest blog title...evar! So clever you probably don't get it, you puny nothing-ness you. Yeah, I just insulted you, internets, what are you gonna do about it? Don't spam me...

Current Status
3 Online Resumes filled out
1 Word Document Resume Completed
3 Interested Phone Calls - (1 New)
1 Consultant Meeting
10 Jobs Applied to - (New)
2 Programmer Challenges - (New)
1 Survey - (New)
3 Email Responses - (New)
1 Phone Interview - (New)

Quest
Last week I set foot out on to the Hill. Major accomplishment? Maybe.

I didn't seek out too far and kept in view of the Outfit, who thought nothing of my little gettaway.

I came back down the following day and gathered a few valuable resources that I realized I needed for the long haul. Also, I was expected to throw a relatively large fair at the grassy, Uni knoll. As soon as I completed that relatively successful event, I had no more strings tying me to this land. So I gathered my gatherings and set out deeper than ever before. I went past the forest line and viewed a couple of small caves. I even managed to climb a decent sized wall, which was unexpectedly more challenging than I had originally imagined.

Three hillside critters have made their presence very visible on my path through the unknown. One auspicious character seems to have the ability to control one's mind and purposed the challenge of climbing the surprisingly difficult wall. The other is an Iron Giant who sleeps in the caves and, I must admit, seems to be the most intriguing character I've met so far. The last one is the most athletic being I've ever met and typically competes at everything I do, like everything is a game.

So, I'm excited, I'm finally trying to navigate my way to the top of the Hill. I've been away for several days in this venture and now I'm coming back to the valley. Yes, that's right, I'm coming back to the valley. Each time I go a bit further and map out a plan to avoid deadends, but I come back because the valley has everything I need to sustain life. However, I'm going to tell one of the Outfit delegates I'm leaving for good. Doing that on Tuesday in fact. So far, no one as said anything about my random absences, so I expect breaking ties will be easier than I anticipated. Who knows, we'll have to wait until Tuesday.

Back to Reality
So the Game Fair was pretty cool. We did it in the Union this year, that is, we did it in the public eye. I don't know if it is enough to save the club from a youthful death, but it might. We did manage to give out 50 CD's, but very few actually played the games that were available. Soon, I won't be a part of the club any more, once I finish up my webmaster duties. Kind of sad actually, but it's time to see if the bird can fly on its own.

Everything's pretty crazy now, I feel like I'm being pulled in several different directions. I've been doing good about posting every Monday and you cans see today is Wednesday. Obviously, finding time is becoming quite the challenge. I hope I get to play some games with friends, I miss that. It's been years since I've had a good gaming binge.

'Till next week!

Camping on the Hill

2007-04-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Day 120, the pact ends today.

Current Status
3 Online Resumes filled out
1 Word Document Resume Completed
2 Interested Phone Calls
1 Consultant Meeting

Last night was a beautiful night. The stars sprinkled the sky, like gold glitter on fudge pudding. And in the shadows of the night, whilst the Outfit slept, I stepped out onto the Hill, equipped with the few items I've been polishing for the past few weeks. How far will I go? Will I make it to the top? Will I come tumbling down?

You probably think the Hill is just a bump on the otherwise flat plains. You probably think it's just any ordinary hill and barely a night's travelling to traverse it. You, my friend, know little of the common hill.

Hill is a very broad term, it can be used for small bumps and it can also go for baby mountains. Also, you must note that hills typically aren't bald landscapes. No, there's cliffs, caves, dense forests, roads and all kinds of critters. So, if you've imagined a small half circle, you obviously don't have the right mindset.

Anyway, now that I've got that out of the way, my Hill is as follows. At the base, there's rocks and flat (although sloping) fields of grass, touched with spots of potential caves. There are several roads that split the fields and a few walls of rock, forming challenging cliffs. Lift your eyes a little and you'll see a dense line of Trees that cover the geography of the underlying landscape. This forest stretches to every horizon of the Hill. Follow the top of the trees upward and you'll eventually see large cliffs jutting out of the thick layers of leaves. Beyond the steep dropoffs, there are more walls and bumps, possibly some narrow walking paths. Above that, and you see the sky, but that doesn't not mean that you are at the top. It just means it's all you can see from this angle...

I spent the night on one of the fields at the base. The morning came and the Outfit awoke, however they're unaware of what I'm doing. In fact, they just smiled and waved. I imagine they assume I'm just exploring a bit. Won't they be surprised when I enter the forest not to return?

On the way, I've met a couple monsters. No, no, not the kind of monsters you bash with a blunt object, but more of the mysterious kinds that you have to tiptoe around. One asked me in a wispy voice to speak its language, but I told it that would have to wait for another time. I won't mention the other monster for now...

Back to Reality
In other news, the TINS competition voting period ends today. I can't wait to see where I stand. I have to work on several games to get ready for this year's game fair on Friday, not to mention a horribly long list of other items, like chores for Stratics and objectives at work. It's going to be a tough week.

Time Mages

2007-04-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Day 113, creeping. Seven days until the pact is over.

My accomplice has returned, the Outfit has stated its plans and rings have formed around my eyes. In a state of emergency, I've posted a desperate cry for help at the local tavern. I doubt any one will answer my call, considering I'm requesting the assistance of Time Mages.

Time Mages are a rare thing. It takes years of hard study to bend time at will and even more years to perfect it. Then, finding one who has the skills plus the experience is pert near impossible! However, it seems I need a Time Mage more than anything to help me finish my checklist that blocks my path in traversing the Hill.

Keeping in mind that Time Mages are as about as common as ducks that can breath fire, I've minded to shining the metals. One way or another, I'm going to have to attempt a few steps up the slopes this week before the pact ends. I cannot fail at the pact. So, I've taken what tools I've got and cleaned, sharpened, waxed and whatever else I can do to perfect them.

I suppose next week I will be able to see if my efforts were in vain. If I'm not off towards my journey, then I'm doomed.

I'm too busy to write any more. If a Time Mage does come to my aid, I'll attempt to reverse time and write a little more...

Soloing

2007-04-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Day 106, the hill still claims the horizon.

All last week's plans and preparations are still future functions to be executed. I'm still floating around the base, dwindling on the "to be's". Alas, the lack of successful progress is taking its toll on my weary soul.

In the geeky world(s) of MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games), there's a term called Soloing. In these digital worlds of fictional characters, Soloing is the loneliest method of traversing what the game has to offer. These MMORPGs are built specifically to be major social networks, mainly for geeks, dorks and the like. However, the beautiful environments and social interactions have trapped many who were at one time, considered cool. If you are Soloing in these lands, lands designed to make the most socially awkard people popular, then you are truly the most loner, outcast type person the world has seen, both digital and real.

Is it any surprise that I'm a Soloer?

Last week, many people of the Outfit were out prepping for a new direction and how they were going to accomplish it. With the majority of the Outfit heads gone, I had plenty of time to ponder upon my journey to the top of the hill. However, the lessened pressure was relaxing and gave me room to breath. Perhaps I enjoyed the space too much?

Wait, have I not talked about the Outfit before?

The Outfit owns me. Even though I'm part of a small army of warriors clamouring to find a purpose, I currently work directly for the Outfit and do their bidding. Consider me a mindless guard who keeps them safe. They're pretty good to me, but I don't want the highlight of my life to be my outstanding guardsmanship. That's why I have to run over the hill, to escape the Outfit. As good as they are to me, they have a watchful eye and deep invested grasp on me. One wrong step and it could be my head! There is safety atop the hill as well as a whole new view of the life around me.

I have one "partner in crime" who is to support me. She alone carries me through the swamps and assists me when I'm wounded. Don't get me wrong, she's no cleric! Well, actually, she is, but she's not one to be kicked around. Anyway, my decision to cross the hill has one way or another, pulled her along.

She's been gone for a few days to aid a close relative from recent war wounds. It's imperitive that I use this time without my team and from the lack of Outfit members to get everything ready for the hill.

Wish me luck!

Cowering

2007-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Shield? Check. Helmet? Check. Iron Suit? Check. Let's roll out!

And so I stepped out of my tent, looked up the hill and shuddered. I took two steps upon its slope and escaped back to my tent, turning on a Nintendo, letting the electrons flow into my soul, calming my nerves.

As I mentioned last time, I've got an uphill battle in front of me and was hoping to conqueror it over the past week. Turns out I could only manage two steps (baby steps at that!). I don't know why, maybe the TINS competition got me out of whack. Yes, that'll do...

Anyway, it's back to the drawing board to sketch up a plan out of this ravine. It's time to put my focus back on traversing that daunting hill! Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all sitting and electron-sucking, I did manage to dabble in the near waters that run at the base of the hill. I sipped OpenGL and splashed in the FPS Creator, although not really taking a swim in either. I do intend to venture deeper into the OpenGL, as it can physically prepare you for the unforeseen dangers of the hill.

You know, one thought did come to mind. What will happen when I get to the top of the hill? Obviously, I can't see what's on the top, being at the bottom and all, nor can I see on the other side. Perhaps there's lucious forests and delicious fruits or maybe sprawling deserts with man-eating sandworms. Eeep! Maybe the real danger is on the other side! Phew, it's going to take some bravery to accomplish this task.

One of the camp units moved out over the past week. They were pretty close to me and a very good support team for the overall army, but they had their own hills to conqueror. One member of the unit returned to the vast dungeon that she has already been living to uncover its secrets. One such dungeon-benefit has given her passage to a far away land where she can obtain valuable experience.

The captain of the squad seems to have found a good position. His actions and choices vastly affect the rest of the squad, but overall, they support him (which is an important part of a well-functioning unit). I wish them the best of luck, I will miss their support.

Back to my hill, I'm going to have to take a stab at it alone for the time being. If I can make enough ground by myself, I'm sure the rest of my squad will follow, even if they like the ravine that we've been in for so long. So, I need to go over my checklist once again. I need to finish up the final packaging of Toggles V2.0, touch-up Garbage Man Stan! (voting still hasn't started yet), sweep the domain site, paint the Resume and grab some feelers.

As you can tell, I have much to do. Wish me well and Happy Easter to those I did not see.

Uphill Battle

2007-04-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Toot, toot! Charge!

The worst part of an uphill battle is looking up the hill. You know you're going to have to traverse a difficult path and you'd rather not. Once you start, though, it's not as bad, because you're making progress. That is, unless you fall and roll back to the bottom, which is possible.

I'm at the bottom right now, looking up. I've set up camp and talked with the heads about strategy to overtake the enemy, but when the day is done, I'm still looking up at the hill. One way or another, it can't be avoided.

And that's how I feel about life at the moment. In other me-news, Toggles has been sitting, ready to be uploaded and played with its version 2.0 facial. I had to tell it to hold its horses while I did a quick 72hr programming competition, which often ends in defeat and bloodshot eyes. And so, I present to you:

Garbage Man Stan!

Aren't the trucks cute? That's what everybody has said when asked to comment on the game. I guess I don't mind, it was my original artwork, so I'll take that complement. In fact, I'm getting more and more proud of the game as time goes. Sure, there may be no purpose, a buggy ending, horrible title screen and carpal-tunnel-ish control mechanisms, but it's my creation and its very close to what I imagined.

The game is meant to look pixellaly. I intentionally chose a low resolution to make this game, choosing only 8-bit color. Why? Because I was going for NES style. It's the most functional 72hr hack game I've ever done, even if I wished the progress to be further along by now.

We'll know more about the results soon, as the entrants have to vote on the games. The competition is pretty fierce this year, so who knows what'll happen.

Hopefully, by next post I'll have started the journey up the hill.

There goes the Rabbit

2007-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Grab a cup of coffee, sip its smoldering hot refresh-ness and take a moment to relax as I chit-chat about what's happened since my first Silvey's Log post a week ago. As you can see, I still have the puke green, starter template that blogger provides. There's no links, customization or other things you'd think an aspiring blogger would jump to from the get-go.

Well, life seems to have me chained down at the moment.

Interestingly enough, I was sitting with my brother-in-law and father-in-law the other day, being forced upon their infinite advice and wisdom, when the topic of my future plans came up. Yes, yes, I've had my plans in my head, but that usually amounts to slow progress and unfinished deadlines. Long-story-short, I shook the father-in-law's hand as a pact that I would make some progress by the end of April. By progress I'm talking about getting my name out to the game industry.

And so it begins, officially that is. It was always unofficial before. Gamasutra.com has an impressive database of current positions in the industry and I'm starting to feel as if there actually is a chance for little, insignificant me. Thus, I venture into the deep unknown, bearing only a small inventory of which I call my set of indie games.

Other than that, Toggles V2.0 has been the focus of all my free time. It's been revamped to be more "fun," something they definitely don't tell you how to adjust in college. I expect to unveil the project tonight, tomorrow if something unexpected comes up. And now for a moment of insecurity: I sure hope it turns out well!

'Till next Monday!

Let's Get It Started!

2007-03-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Avast! Your caped crusader has returned from the darkness that is his world. And what words of wisdom do I bring from the other side? "Aaaaaargh!"

There, don't you feel all the wiser? Seriously, 'argh' best describes my life right now. Presently, progress and productivity have been a thing of the past. P-alliteration at its best...or should I say 'pest'?

I'm closing my other blogs, journals, life-exposing sites for now. And ye said, let it all be condensed into one. And so you have here, Silvey's Log, the most up-to-date exposure of myself. Aren't you thrilled?

Perhaps you're a friend, or a family member, co-worker or future employer. Well, know this, this is my life in its bottleneck. Here is where I openly discuss my projects, my dilemmas and my theories. If you want to know what I'm doing with my life, than this is the place. I intend to update this blog/devlog regularly, every Monday. I fell off my blorse (that's a blogging horse, a rare beast whom spews seemingly relevant contents upon random sites) last time from posting at random, at will. If I sum up the past week every Monday, perhaps it will be more...readable and consistent.

And now, because this entry has surpassed its allocation, I quickly sum up what's been happening since my last post on www.silvey-games.blogspot.com. I took Japanese, I did not finish my Japanese minor, I spent several hours at work (daily), I participated in my second Christmas Hack on a.cc, I wrote the beginnings of an RPG, I've been the webmaster of UAGDC, I've cleaned up Toggles (new version soon!), I've had several migraines (more to come!), my fingers are numb (right now!), and I've searched for new jobs (but haven't built a resume).

And there you have it. Let's get these 'soon's, 'come's, and 'will's completed. And for completeness, Avast!