Wow! First off – Happy New Year everyone. I hope that 2012 proves to be an amazing year for all of you out there. 2011 was life changing for me –  it was the year I started doing game development seriously and as my full time job. I went to Madagascar, Poland and Hong Kong, My PhD proposal was accepted at 3 different universities and I was offered a place at all of them (but became a game developer instead!) and I asked my girl friend to move in with me. I am so excited to face the challenges and successes that are to come in 2012 – and I hope you all share my enthusiasm.

Secondly, December has been absolutely mad. What started off as a 2 week holiday turned into a month of excess, enjoyment and magical times.

 

Parogue on Madagascan Beach

Parogue on Madagascan Beach

Me and my girlfriend with Madagascan village children

Me and my girlfriend with Madagascan village children

Living the dream

Living the dream

Island accomodation

Island accomodation

 

As for games – well Castle Commander with Tom Tusk was a few days away from completion when I left, so with any luck we should finish it this week or next.

One issue we ran into was the name: Castle Conqueror has already been taking, so we are thinking Castle Commander – but if you have a suggestion please let us know! :)

And as for Super Adventure Pals with Julian from C0rrupt3d – well that is coming on really well! It looks beautiful and I think we are really nailing the ‘feel’ we want the game to have. Check out some of his awesome drawing videos for the games:

Zombinsanity is also back on the agenda – I’m fiddling with more engine ideas, and really taking my time so that I make the best possible game I can. I’ve started stringing together some trial levels, and picking out bugs. When I’m properly home, I’ll be able to start adding in more art assets which will help make the levels feel more complete. There are still one or two things that I haven’t worked out how to do – but I’ll get there in the end :)

More news to follow soon!