So it begins!!!

Welcome to my blog where I delve into the fascinating world of game development, reflecting on my experiences as a Master’s student in Game Development Programming at Kingston University, London.

Beginning of a New Adventure

On January 23, 2024, I embarked on an exhilarating journey into the realm of game development. With a solid background in Computer Science, I was confident that transitioning to Game Development Programming would significantly make a difference in my career.

Diving into C# and Unity

With respect to the guidance of Prof. Vasilis Argyriou, I dove headfirst into the essentials of C#. Soon after grasping the basics, I began exploring Unity, a powerful game engine recommended for budding game developers. My first project was an Endless Runner Game prototype. This initial venture involved creating a simplistic setup where a box represented the player navigating through a plane dotted with obstacles, all while accumulating points on a scoreboard. Implementing a basic character controller allowed the player to dodge left and right.

Stepping into Multiplayer Game Development

The highlight of my studies so far has been joining a diverse team of three designers and two programmers tasked with developing a multiplayer game for our Connected Games module. We explored the intricacies of multiplayer dynamics, learning about various development tools like Arcweave for game planning and Photon PUN2 for implementing multiplayer functionality in Unity.

We also explored how to set up servers using XAMPP to manage game databases effectively, it is an essential skill for any game developer working in the online arena.

First Group Assignment: A Deep Dive into Connected Games

Our group’s first assignment was a literature review on connected games, which also required us to conceptualize our game. Our designers came up with two themes, first was a Human vs. Zombie survival game and the second was a Light vs. Dark themed game. After thorough discussion, we decided to go with Light vs. Dark themed FPS game, intrigued by the symbolic and design potentials it offered.

Using Arcweave, our designers laid out the basic game mechanics, while matchmaking strategies were planned and tracked using a Miro board. This Kanban style setup enabled us to assign and monitor tasks effectively, ensuring smooth progression through the development phases.

My First Multiplayer Game: A Milestone Achieved

One of the most thrilling achievements was developing my first multiplayer game. A basic pong game using Photon PUN. This project not only consolidated my understanding of multiplayer frameworks but also enhanced my practical skills in using Unity in a networked game context.

Looking Forward

As I continue with my studies at Kingston University, I am eager to further my expertise in game development, particularly in connected games. The journey so far has been immensely rewarding, and I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as I navigate through the complexities of game development. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey!

Shashank Kumar Sukumar Singh