Archive for the ‘Ideas & Concepts’ Category

Making a Space 4X Game: Technology

Making a Space 4X Game: Technology

By on June 28th, 2013 at 10:45 am
For this article I'm going to discuss technology in the game. On my previous article, A Living Galaxy, technology became a hot topic in the comment section so it only makes sense I write about it next.
Making a Space 4X Game: A Living Galaxy

Making a Space 4X Game: A Living Galaxy

By on May 3rd, 2013 at 9:43 am
I'm going to start writing about the systems in the game now. This will be a series of many articles. We start with my vision of what makes a galaxy feel alive and full of discovery.
Making a Space 4X Game: Modding

Making a Space 4X Game: Modding

By on March 15th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
For my next article I'm going to explain how I implemented modding. Please be aware that this is a more technically focused article.
Making a Space 4X Game: Empires and Races

Making a Space 4X Game: Empires and Races

By on February 12th, 2013 at 10:28 am
For my third article I'm going to write about how I design empires/races for games.
Making a Space 4X Game: An Overview on Graphics Libraries

Making a Space 4X Game: An Overview on Graphics Libraries

By on January 9th, 2013 at 2:50 pm
This article gives a brief overview on some of the Graphic and GUI libraries that I know and have used before to develop my games.
AI Design in 4X Games – An Approach

AI Design in 4X Games – An Approach

By on December 28th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
This article is an overview of the general approach we have taken with StarDrive’s AI and is meant to provide some insight into the process of designing an AI for games of this genre.
How to Tackle Build Micromanagement Tedium in 4X Games?

How to Tackle Build Micromanagement Tedium in 4X Games?

By on December 11th, 2012 at 8:35 am
How to deal with excessive micromanagement in 4X games? Especially when dealing with developing cities, planets or star systems?
Making a Space 4X Game: Setting the Stage

Making a Space 4X Game: Setting the Stage

By on December 7th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
I thought it'd be fun to see what goes on behind the scenes and some of the obstacles that I have encountered while making my 4X Game, whose name will remain hidden for now!
OggBoard Part II: A New Way to Play Card and Board Games

OggBoard Part II: A New Way to Play Card and Board Games

By on September 7th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
One year after the first failed attempt, Sam Lytle is back on Kickstarter for OggBoard.
Video Game Remakes (with an emphasis on SciFi, strategy and SciFi strategy games)

Video Game Remakes (with an emphasis on SciFi, strategy and SciFi strategy games)

By on May 25th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
What is a video game remake? My easy and short answer: A video game coded with recreated content a second time.
Master of Orion 4 Cause

Master of Orion 4 Cause

By on May 11th, 2012 at 7:57 am
Community driven Master of Orion 4 fund-raising project idea.                  
What Makes A Good Game – Challenge

What Makes A Good Game – Challenge

By on February 19th, 2012 at 10:53 am
I want to take the time to talk about challenge in games, which I feel is a vital part of the core of a good game.
What Makes A Good Game – User Interface

What Makes A Good Game – User Interface

By on December 21st, 2011 at 7:29 am
It goes without saying that User Interfaces(UI) are extremely important to any program. This article will talk about some basic concepts and thoughts about building good User Interfaces.
Strategy vs. Tactics in Video Games – A Small Essay

Strategy vs. Tactics in Video Games – A Small Essay

By on December 16th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
It's not only a question of scale but also a question of actions involved. While the strategist deals more with thinking ahead, planning and scheming the tactician deals with situation analyses and execution with what is provided to him.
Starships Combat Conundrums – Realism vs. Simplification

Starships Combat Conundrums – Realism vs. Simplification

By on December 7th, 2011 at 11:47 am
My personal preference is always toward realism but at a certain point, perhaps ironically, reality strikes and simplification are needed to have a playable game that can be developed in this decade.
What Makes A Good Game – Story

What Makes A Good Game – Story

By on November 28th, 2011 at 10:08 am
A story in a game is an important tool for the developer. It gives the developer the means to create emotion, a way to share the lore of their game universe and a way to present a point.
What Makes A Good Game – Progression

What Makes A Good Game – Progression

By on November 2nd, 2011 at 10:33 am
I'd like to talk about about Progression in games. Progression is having goals and how the player achieves them. What is their purpose(s) in the game? How do they fulfill their purpose(s)?