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Yes, issue 20 of the awesome Dev.Mag has arrived and its our biggest issue yet! We keep going from strength to strength.

It has tons of reviews, and other game dev related paraphernalia! Get it while its hot!

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On another note, you’ve probably wondered where I’ve been (or not…). Well, university started and the first week was uber hectic (note: 6am-11pm each day). My classes started this week and I’m super busy. Because of this new environment, I am obviously still trying to adapt to it. So until I can get into a nice routine, game dev is unfortunately going to have to take a backseat.

I’ll still try to pop in here every now and then (and announce Dev.Mags).

Since RT2 has taken up such a substantial part of my life, I have decided to refrain from “feature creeping” and trying to make it perfect and get the game done and out by 30 April 2007.

So, I drew up a relatively “easy” plan to finish Roach Toaster 2.

Milestone 1 is the completion of the campaign scheduled to be finished on Feb 29.

Milestone 2 is the completion of the bonus levels on 31 March.

Milestone 3 is all the bonus content like unlockable content and stuff. This has no date. If I finish with the above beforehand, I’ll delve into this.

Release Date: 30 April.

During the last month, its polish, get the art and setup the website.

This last week or 2, I managed to get work done on the story and the campaign. Its now on lvl 13/23 levels.

Well, 2007 has certainly been an awesome year for gaming and indie gaming. The standard has risen tremendously.

As for me (Shotbeak Games), 2007 has been fairly slow. I originally intended to have Roach Toaster 2 finished around May/June. Well, as you can see, it didn’t turn out that way. As previously said, I decided to set RT2 aside for the long-term (it will be finished eventually).

In June, I managed to learn XNA & C# and complete a remake of Roach Toaster 1 for Dream. Build. Play. I didn’t attain a finalist position, but I am already gearing up for DBP 2008.

In that time (June/July), I was porting Roach Toaster from XNA to Java for a school project. With 2 days left to go, I decided it just wouldn’t work. So, I managed to churn out a java game called Cyberjam in 2 days.

In other areas of creativity, I set up a MySpace page for my music. I also set up a DeviantArt account for my art.

I also decided to change the theme. (yay?)

I have only 1 established goal for 2008 regarding game development, and that is to enter Dream. Build. Play 2008 (and win).

Anyway, for those few people that read my blog (thanks), I’ll see you on the flip-side.

Keep Toasting.

On a quick sidenote. I felt very creative yesterday. It was nice.

On to main post:

I bought me an Xbox-360 controller today. I don’t have an Xbox-360 though. I am gearing up for DBP 2008. This time I am going to make a game that works with the controller so that it will have a better chance of erm… winning DBP 2008.

I always reminisced about the time when I can program a game and play it with a controller. With a controller, a game feels much more like a “game”, if you know what I mean.

So this is really cool. I’m going to get to work and prototype some random games.

On another side note:

I got my matric (kinda like A-levels, and whatnot) results today. I did really well (which is where the money for the Xbox-360 controller comes from). My sis and dad promised to pay me if I beat her, and I did.

This week I managed to get no devtime in. I was very busy for several reasons, but I think the main reason is because I am scaling down on the development of RT2.

I was kinda hoping (when I started back in 2006) that I would finish it in 2007. Well, 2007 is coming to an end, and it is far from done. I am starting university next year, so I am uncertain whether I would be able to get much dev time in.

I don’t want to force myself to work on it as it ain’t fun. I want to work on it because it is an enjoyable hobby.

So, Roach Toaster 2 is taking a notch down on my priority list. When it will be done, I don’t know…

I am not too sure if I will continue with the devblogs though.

Until whenever, Keep Toasting!

Well well. Dev.Mag Issue 19 has finally arrived.

It is jam packed with game dev goodies, including and interview with Bit-Blot, creators of the splendid Aquaria!

Enjoy.