In this episode, I share my journey of using AI tools like Claude Code and Bezi to solve real-world Unity game development problems—cloud saves, player management, and handling large numbers. I discuss what worked, what didn’t, and why specialized AI tools can make a significant difference. If you’re a game dev hitting roadblocks, check this out and let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Video version
https://youtu.be/2QEJyDjMzb4
In this UIBuzz episode, I discuss using Cursor, an AI-enhanced IDE based on Visual Studio Code, to build a React app and then a SwiftUI app. Despite some issues, Cursor efficiently handled tasks, proving to be a valuable tool for developers.
Reach out to me at PeterWitham.com
★ Support this podcast ★Here are some thoughts on using prebuilt assets to build your games and apps. Personally, I think it's fine to use them, but I want to offer both sides for consideration.
Contact
https://peterwitham.com/contact
In this episode, I discuss Warframe, an amazing free-to-play game. I highlight its fair monetization, cross-platform play, and community engagement, contrasting it with the failures of other AAA studios. I encourage listeners to try Warframe and support its developers if they enjoy it.
Try Warframe at warframe.com
Reach out to me at www.peterwitham.com/contact
★ Support this podcast ★In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, I return after a month's break to discuss my recent projects and a concerning trend in the gaming industry.
Including an update to my "Endless Hurdles" game timed with the Olympics, learning Blender for 3D graphics, and developing a new macOS project management app.
I also delve into Bungie's layoffs, scrutinizing management's decisions and their broader implications for the gaming industry. I share my frustration over the industry's treatment of employees and encourage a shift towards valuing and nurturing talent.
Listeners can join the conversation with me on X @UIBuzz and find more details about my projects on PeterWitham.com and my live streams on twitch.tv/compileddev.
★ Support this podcast ★I talk about my experiences learning Blender in public to create some 3D assets for my games. Then I discuss testing on multiple devices to get a real feel for performance problems with your apps and games.
Mentioned in this episode
My Godot Endless Runner video course
Joey Carlino's excellent Blender modeling video
In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, I delve into the important topic of valuing your time. I discuss why it's essential to recognize the worth of your time and the fine line between offering services for free and charging a monetary value for your efforts.
I give practical advice on handling changing circumstances, especially when transitioning from offering free to paid services, and stress the importance of not feeling guilty about charging for your work.
I encourage listeners to reflect on what their time is worth and to find a balance that works for them.
I emphasize the need not to feel bad about charging for your services if your situation changes and you can no longer offer them for free.
Thank you for tuning in! If you have opinions on this topic, contact me at PeterWitham.com/contact.
Share this episode with someone who might benefit from this perspective.
★ Support this podcast ★I want to add a cross-platform leaderboard to my updated rebuild of Endless Hurdles. There are two options.
1. I build my own
2. I use a 3rd party service
In this episode, I will discuss the pros and cons of both options in the hope that it will help you when you need to make similar choices.
Play Endless Hurdles for iOS
https://peterwitham.com/eh
Contact me
https://peterwitham.com/contact
Could you show your support by buying me a coffee?
https://peterwitham.com/bmc
I have spent the last few weeks deeply investing in converting my site PeterWitham.com from WordPress hosting to static site generation through Astro. It has been an intense couple of weeks to beat my deadline before the WordPress hosting renews for another year. In this episode, I share tips and thoughts to help you do the same.
Mentioned in this episode
Astro
TailwindCSS
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Some thoughts on the wins and losses of developing a game by yourself versus a team.
I welcome your participation in the show and discussion of this topic.
In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, I explore the journey of updating and porting my Unity game to Unreal Engine.
Delving into blueprints, I share my experience transitioning from traditional coding to a more visual approach. Embracing the efficiency and creativity that blueprint coding offers.
I discuss the ease of logic implementation and the abundance of resources available in the marketplace. While highlighting the time-saving benefits of utilizing plugins, I emphasize the importance of focusing on innovation rather than getting lost in technicalities. Reflecting on the challenges faced with publishing and exporting on iOS, I advocate for streamlined workflows to simplify the process.
Despite the hurdles, progress on the game remains steady, with dedicated development time each week. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the evolving development journey!
As mentioned in this episode
Blog post - Porting from Unity to Unreal
My Godot Endless Runner video course
Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you
In this episode, I am catching up on my indie game, Project Hack. I want to share my progress and plans as I build out the multiplayer version in Unreal Engine.
This is a fun passion project for me, and it fills the gaps between work and side projects that need to be done.
You can find the blog posts at
https://peterwitham.com/p8k
In this episode, I discuss the importance of adding achievements to games after implementing a leaderboard in my iOS game. I explain achievements, how they benefit player engagement, and how they extend the game's lifespan. I share examples like jumping hurdles and seasonal events to keep players coming back. Achievements provide goals, a sense of accomplishment, and friendly competition. I encourage game developers to integrate achievement systems for an enhanced player experience and competitive edge.
Join me on the podcast to share your game and app development thoughts.
https://peterwitham.com/contact
You can also show your support by buying me a coffee
In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, host Peter Witham discusses the increasing challenges and restrictions app developers face when using app stores.
He highlights the need to explore alternative options, particularly web apps, to solve these problems. Peter emphasizes the advantage of web apps in terms of cross-platform compatibility and the ability to write code once. However, he acknowledges the difficulty in providing the same user experience as native apps, especially with the simplicity of one-click installs and home screen icons.
Peter believes that solving this problem will significantly contribute to the usability and popularity of web apps. He mentions the growing importance of web browsers, even on devices like the Apple Vision Pro, and wonders about the potential of other headsets.
Peter admits that he is not up to date with the latest web app technologies and asks for suggestions and recommendations from the community. He encourages listeners to share their thoughts and even invites them to join the show as guests to discuss this topic further.
Peter concludes by emphasizing the relevance of considering web apps as app stores become more complex regarding rules and revenue sharing.
As mentioned in this episode
EU and US Apple AppStore Changes
Contact me
https://peterwitham.com/contact
You can also show your support by buying me a coffee
★ Support this podcast ★I have found that the performance on Android of a Godot 4 exported game is just dreadful—some questions and observations in this episode.
You can also show your support by buying me a coffee
★ Support this podcast ★In this episode of the UI Buzz Podcast, I discuss adding Game Center support to my SpriteKit game. Adding game services, like leaderboards, can enhance the gameplay experience and encourage friendly competition. Integrating GameCenter was surprisingly easy, and it handles user accounts and cheating prevention. Resetting the leaderboard every seven days ensures fairness. I also mention the potential for implementing an achievement system tied to specific events. Game services can be used with different game development environments.
Also, I'm working on a Godot Engine video course and invite listeners to sign up for updates.
As mentioned in this episode,
Godot video course notification signup
You can also show your support by buying me a coffee
★ Support this podcast ★In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, I discuss the issue of AAA games not meeting players' expectations and feeling bored and uninspired.
The problem stems from game companies sticking to a successful formula and releasing new content that feels repetitive. For example, first-person shooters and multiplayer online games offer the same gameplay with minor additions. This lack of substance in DLCs and expansions has made players skeptical and turn to indie games for more exciting experiences.
I highlight the importance of indie game developers who take risks and create unique and experimental games. The rise in attention towards indie games challenges the dominance of AAA games with their hype-driven marketing.
Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you
★ Support this podcast ★I discuss my plans for game development, including my first 3D game, and the importance of learning, planning, and following best practices. I also talk about existing 2D games and building a video course on building a 2D runner game with the Godot engine.
As mentioned in this episode
Livestream
Contact me
Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you
I cannot think of a game that does not have some UI. In Unreal Engine, widgets are the answer to creating and displaying a UI. In this episode, I'll explain how I create and manage them based on research for best practices and suggestions.
As mentioned in this episode
Project Hack update blog post
Please show your support by buying me a coffee
Contact Me
https://peterwitham.com/contact
In this episode, JetBrains released the Kotlin multiplatform roadmap for 2024. Learn more about the exciting developments in Kotlin multiplatform for next year.
As mentioned in this episode,
JetBrains Blog post
Fleet
Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you
★ Support this podcast ★