Personal Writing and Meetings

So, have I ever mentioned that I really, REALLY, do not like bars? I really don't like the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, etc. I would much rather prefer to go out elsewhere, but that seems to be another topic for discussion. Anyhow, what inspired this sudden rant? Well, I have a group meeting today at some point in time at a local bar to discuss work for the project we're working on. Now, I may not be too keen on the amount of work that gets done in a bar setting, but I am pretty sure that the amount of work that will get done will amount to something between 0 and 1, on a 100 point scale of how productive this meeting could be.

So, the obvious question to this is: So, why don't you just not go? I mean, you don't have to, right?

Well, that depends. As far as group dynamics and team building are considered, some of these types of meetings are great for bonding a team together better. Aside, they could possibly be productive, even though the chances are slim. Furthermore, when you're someone who tries to keep everyone on track, managing different aspects of the project, it's usually a bad idea to not be where your comrades in arms are.

Now, aside from my previous rant, there is also the second and less important issue: I have no money! None! No money whatsoever. So, as this can be seen, I am not going to get anything out of this trip aside maybe some group bonding time, but even that is doubtful.

So, now with that topic aside, we can talk about better things.

I have begun to work on my story series again (or series of short stories to be a better example). I have currently finished the first 2 of what will be close to a 20 story work, at least for what would be the first overarching story in the series. While I have more written on it (another 5 short stories I have worked on before), the majority of those will be redone as I work slowly onwards, re-writing them to suit my new style. I may start publishing them at some point to my website, though I will probably be keeping them close and under my eyes only until I have something worth publishing. That may include publishing them in some way that reduces the amount of negative capability in the whole series (meaning I may just publish the whole thing at once, lol).

Anyhow, we'll see how all of this goes.

Starting School (Again): Final Quarter for SE and Entering the Game Industry

So, I have finally started up classes again completely. Finishing up the last quarter for my BS in Software Engineering. Likewise, I'm also taking two graduate level courses in the Game Design and Development master's sequence, seeing as I am technically enrolled (but do not officially enter until this Winter).

Thinking over the summer, I came to realize that I should be applying to game companies because the overall experience I could get in industry would completely outweigh what I would get out of the masters. This is mainly due to the experience based nature of the industry, as well as the fact that, other than some minor skills I could pick up in the masters, what the masters would really do for me is build my portfolio (something I would get automatically working in the industry). Hence, I have applied to these places:

1. ArenaNet (#1 Choice, makers of Guild Wars, etc)
2. Bethesda Softworks (#2 choice, makers of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout 3)
3. Blizzard (#3 choice, makers of Diablo, Warcraft, Starcraft, and World of Warcraft)
4. Turbine (makers of Lord of the Rings Online, D&D Online)
5. Microsoft (Halo and XBox games division)

So, for all of those, I'm hoping to actually possibly hear something positive back. Because of the nature for most of these jobs, I probably won't begin to hear anything serious for another month, giving me two months to my proposed availability date.

So, that's it for now. Hopefully, between now and then, Senior Project won't eat me alive.

Upgrading Computers to Windows 7

So, today, I upgraded both my laptop and desktop to Windows 7. This was somewhat painful, as I wne tthrough backing up all important work I had, on top of having to install the OS, followed by installing all related software for each.

I have decided that I am going to try to separate my desktop into more of a "just for fun" machine, while my laptop will remain multi-purpose of both amusement, work, and classes.

Aside, I have been thinking of adding a writing and art section to the portfolio part of my website, so that I can show some of my more creative aspects. This could be a boon or a hindrance, depending on who reads it. However, it would be a great show of what I can do creatively (not all of it, but some of it).

Can I have Guild Wars 2 Now Please!?

So, today ArenaNet made their big announcement and released the world premier trailer for Guild Wars 2.

Here is the site: http://www.guildwars2.com/

After watching that, all I have is this to say:

As a developer who wants to develop awesome games, I've found myself having two positions: wanting to make the awesome game, and then wanting to play the awesome game. So, here is my rant: when option 1 (developing the awesome game) is currently not an option, you fall back on playing the awesome game (or the closest thing you can get to it).

(Begin rant, humor, etc)

So, here is my message to ArenaNet:

You've completely ruined my break! I was planning on doing so much personal work on personal projects, working on my professional profile, etc. Now you go and release news like this to me!? Well, now I've stuck with option 2, having to play the closest thing to the awesome game you have shown (which means playing the first game). I had plans... Goals... I was going to work on so much over this few week break... And now, I'm playing Guild Wars.. Lots and lots of Guild Wars. There's only one way to make this up to me: you're just going to have to hire me. There's just no other way. It's the only way to get my motivation back for doing tons of awesome development and personal work. Well, what say you? I've given you everything you've asked for (application, resume, portfolio site... what more do you want from me).

(End rant)

So, aside, everyone should watch this trailer, just for how awesome it is. You need to watch it all the way, because it only gets better as it goes.

Anyhow, that is my personal rant for today.

Beth Turned 20 Yesterday!

So, yesterday, I spent time talking and working with Katlyn on getting everything setup for her sister's, Beth, birthday yesterday. I went over to hang out with Beth while everyone was at work, playing Guild Wars with her and distracting her until Steve and Kat got home from work. We then proceeded to take her out to dinner.

So, for dinner, we took her out to the Macaroni Grill. The only one of us that had ever been was Steve, so it was a new experience. The food was great and so was the service, especially for the relatively low prices. Beth was very excited and enjoyed her dish very much.

We then went back to Steve's place and presented the cake Kat had baked, on top of Beth's gifts (ha ha, I have no money... I just helped with her new computer). All in all, it was a cheerful time and everything went well.

Kat even wore a dress last night, which is relatively astonishing and very nice (I have to say, she typically doesn't have a reason to wear one... so, it's nice when she does and enjoys it).

Making the Most of My Time

So, for the next few weeks up until school starts, I am going to be trying to make the most of my time for accomplishing personal projects, getting some extra money, and relaxing (and after 5 quarters of straight work/class, I could use it). So, my tentative schedule is going to be the following:

* 1 to 2 hours - Work on game related articles for publishers.
* 1 to 2 hours - Work on Neverwinter Nights 2 Mod or IL Engine.
* 1 to 2 hours - Work on resume, website, and professional links (blog, etc.)
* 1 to 2 hours - Play new games and gather ideas for personal works.
* 1 to 2 hours - Do physical activity (Kendo, Iaido, Aikido, Running, Jogging, DDR, etc.)
* 2 to X hours - Play games / Hang out with Kat after work.

This is mainly for my benefit to have a plan of doing things for each day. Otherwise, odds are I won't get a lot done. Aside, the timings are really only suggestive, as if I have a serious break through with work or some such during a day, I may work much longer.

Aside, those are my current daily plans.

Last Day of Finals

So, today I had the last of my finals for the quarter, ending finals week for me. Both finals ended up being fairly difficult in comparison to the original material they covered, but overall I feel I did relatively well.

So, with that said, I'm gearing up to be working on some personal projects for the next few weeks between the two quarters. This includes my Neverwinter Nights 2 mod, Lands of Neremeir, as well as my game engine primer and related libraries I've been developing. I also need to update my website with my work experience from Project ASE and senior project.

Aside, I'm planning my work and academic hours for next quarter, which is slightly troublesome. Along with these, I have other payments due this month, along with school, which will be interesting to see how they all turn out.

So, all in all, even with school out, I'm going to be very busy.