How did I get here?
It's early 2017. I have a game idea that I want to build. (Tower Defense Style) It's been years since I last coded. I say: "fck it" and start learning Game development with Unity. Fast forward a few months and I find Steem(it). Everything changes. The game, never gets built. Instead I go full steem ahead into crypto (pun intended).
It's late 2019. I have a (different) game idea that I want to build. (Auto Chess Style) I'm a better developer now. This time, I decide for a Web framework instead of Unity. Fast forward a month, the artist I wanted to work with for the cards, etc. doesn't have enough time. So I decide to focus on 1-2 month project that doesn't need much graphics. inji - a social media platform. Turns out my perfectionism goes into overdrive and the 1-2 months somehow turn into 2 years. Fck.
It's early 2022. I have a (the same from 2019) game idea that I want to build. (Auto Chess Style) I'm an even better developer now. After my experience with my one-man inji show, I decide to ask Splinterlands for help. Turns out, they like new game ideas. But they like it even more when their own games flourish. So I say, fck it and help out.
It's late May, 2023. After some stressful months through cryptos brutal markets and working on all kinds of code - from hive tools, libraries over a soccer game and validators, I'm getting this negging feeling again. It's now been 6 years and I still have not built any of my game ideas. But maybe now is the right time to do? So I say fck it and use my off-hours and weekends to build. This time, it's Unity again.
Finally
So. We're here.
The summer is pretty much over. But I'm finally doing it: I'm building my game.
As mentioned above, I'm using Unity as Game Engine for it be playable within the Browser (via WebGL) and later on via native builds.
For the genre, it's an "auto chess"-like game. (like HS Battlegrounds)
And what I believe will hopefully be a win-win for this entire Hive-Splinterlands Ecosystem:
It has native Hive-integration (i.e for Login) and a deep connection to the Splinterlands Ecosystem - as its name might also give away.
Last but not least: the primary goal of the game is to be fun. It's not a DeFi vehicle. It's supposed to be fun.
Alpha
The game is in private alpha right now and goes through some testing to make sure that everything runs smoothly as possible on the technical side.
But staying true to the MVP mentality, I'm working as hard as possible to get it ready for closed/public Beta.
And to end this post with some Alpha:
Hive On
Wolf
I remember you mentioning, although very subtly, about your goal to create a game during our short talk at Hivefest. I'm so excited to see you work harder towards its fruition. I've missed out on many things in the last year and half+. I hope I won't miss out on your game.
Good things take time. With your dedication and work ethic, I'm sure it is going to be an amazing game.
Hey, long time no talk! Thank you for the kind words. Hope everything is well for you. Let's catch up some time :)
Oh nice!
Obviously owning Web3 assets is way better than owning Web2 assets (like skins in Fortnite) but not too many people honestly care that much because they have so much fun in Fortnite - fun is the most important ingredient so I'm excited to see what you've been building.
Thank you for actually building a game to be fun and not on dump-economics.
Every new game built on Hive is always great news. I agree with @themarkymark , the difficult thing is to build a sustainable tokenomic, as well as attracting constant player interest.
Good luck and I look forward to seeing more alpha in the future
@tipu curate
Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 51/61) Liquid rewards.
Building a game is the easy part, the tokenomics is what is so difficult. Most games lean on being a ponzi or resort to gambling. It's very hard to get around that while keeping people interested. Everyone wants to make 101%+ return on investment as soon as possible.
Good games require a lot of client side action, which needs server side verification because you can't trust the client, especially when you add crypto.
I have a few game ideas and some in progress with a couple live. The tokenomics issues are what prevents me from doing a lot more.
I know what you mean. I'm not planning around own tokenomics right now. I think that's a distraction around great gameplay. Splinterlands already has enough tokenomics and more use-cases for the tokens/assets is IMO more beneficial than new tokens. (which is also difficult to get right, as you mentioned)
Re: client-side. All of the logic for the game is happening on the server. Client makes actions ofc, but those are verified on the server as well. 🙂
Oh and didn't know you're making games. Anything I might have seen already?
Excellent decision. It's far easier to implement tokenomics once a core community is established as well. Bolt-on tokenomics if you will. Even Splinterlands saw its greatest growth after doing so when it came to DEC and SPS introductions. I see future tokenomic options as reserve ammo to spur growth on should it become needed.
I have a very simple idle game on hive called ape Mining Club which was more of an experiment. I have a few games on iOS and Android as well as working on some for another chain. I did have planned a couple games for Hive Punks originally but I don’t think I will finish them.
I understand very well when it comes to wanting to develop a game, and simply occupying yourself with other matters not related to the game being developed. I wish I hadn't dedicated myself to JS and GML (Gamer Maker Studio Language) but to Unity, it would have saved me a lot of time and resources.
By the way, I've already shared my project here in the Hive community, you can check it out:
https://peakd.com/hive-140217/@wlffreitas/support-my-single-game-project-at-hive-i-present-to-you-life-bound-souls-a-2d-action-rpg
i believe you must have missed the good old days when you still code frequently. programming is not for the weak, so i'm sure you would have immersed yourself in vigorous hard work in meeting the evolving programming world. i will love to see you back in action and also to get the see the project you want to embark on.
It is also exciting to hear about your current project, the "auto chess" like game with Hive integration and ties to Splinterlands. It sounds like a fantastic addition to the ecosystem, and your commitment to making it fun above all else is commendable.
Your story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to pursue your passions and dreams. Best of luck with your Unity project
Good luck!
So you are building in Webgl for Keychain logins???
I have been working on a Unity SDK For Hive for Native Unity games. Have you done anywork looking at making a Unity Native App with Hive Logins??
I have some ideas.
let's chat
Hey, thanks for the offer! I've already added Keychain login. I also want to add HiveAuth in the future: https://github.com/Retzark/HiveAuth-Unity3d
AWESOME.
Build it, and they will come..
:)
ps. good pun there. 😂
Always nice to see someone find their way to the backburner.
Very excited for what you can deliver. Obviously a very ambitious project, but I'm convinced the community will stand by you if you can materialize it! If you build it, they will come!
count me in on this game! :)
And then Unity imploded. Lol! Not sure it will survive the current crisis going down. I have been following the craziness on YouTube.
I'm long enough in crypto that the situation with Unity doesn't really phase me. Pretty sure it will be far less troublesome than some clickbait youtubers try to make it.
That's an interesting take! You're only the 2nd person I've spoken with who doesn't think it's a problem. The other is a buddy of mine in the UK who builds applications for a very small bank related niche group.
On a side note, I was working at EA Games on back in 2007 when the current Unity CEO was running things there. He was an absolute douchebag and mismanaged things there as well, and made incredibly dumb business decisions before he was finally fired. At one point, famously he suggested charging $1 to reload ammo clips in Battlefield.
On the upside, at least they backed off on the runtime fee below $1M earnings, and also are removing the required splash screen on all versions.
All that being said, it doesn't take away from Unity as a game engine. It is by far the most accessible engine with the best community.
Splinterlands is my favorite blockchain game and your game will increase the use cases of the cards.
I will gladly follow the development of your game.
I read in your previous post that it is in the private alpha stage.
If you need players to try the game in the future I am available
@tipu curate
Sorry, please curate posts not older than 1 day.