Hello, World!

Welcome!

Hello, World: The required title for the first entry of any programming-related blog.

Hello and welcome to the Phoenix Game Development blog. Phoenix Game Development is a one-man operation, that I have set up to promote my work. I have decided to use set up a blog to document the development process for my next game (details to follow), and hopefully gain some exposure.
Another reason is that my next project is going to be a graphical MMO. (Massively Multiplayer Online) I will therefore need to develop a user base in order to properly test the game (Once I have something to test). This blog might help me attract a few people to the project, so that I can get some feedback from an early stage.

More about me
My Alias is "Jack Stone", although that's not my real name. I have an ordinary degree in Computer Game development. I have been working with computers for years, I've always had an interest in them and in games. Since I'm still a student, I don't work for any game design company, so I would classify myself as an "Indie".
I usually program in C++, but I also know Java. I also regularly use 3d modelling software like 3DS Max, graphics packages (Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro) and various other game tools (Quark, audacity) for developing my projects. I find that doing everything myself, while it takes a lot longer, teaches me a lot more, and is a lot more rewarding. The final project feels more "yours" than if you had been just one member of a large team.
I use the Torque Game Engine for most of my projects: Garage Games. I think it's one of the best 3D Games engines for Independent games developers, and the community is very helpful.

Design Philosophies
My primary goal is to make a game that is fun for me to play. Most developers probably use market research techniques to make a game that a certain target marked want to make, but I dont. This philosophy has influenced my work in many ways, particulary in the use of storytelling and narrative in games. Standard, linear gameplay with static stories wont be any fun if you know how the story ends, so I am interested in dynamic story, and free, open worlds, where the player can choose their own path.
I have also spent some time working with Artificial Intelligence, developing things like neural networks and genetic algorithms for game use. AI is a very underrepresented field in games, and it's only now that its starting to be recognised.

I think that's all I need to say to start this. Any comments are welcome, and I can be reached by email here: jackstone@phoenixgamedevelopment.com

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