The Journey from IT to Game Development: A Developer's Tale
January 29, 2025, 5:55 pm
Location: United States, California, San Francisco
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 2003
Total raised: $525M
Transitioning from IT to game development is like stepping from a quiet library into a bustling arcade. The sounds, the colors, the energy—it's a world apart. This journey is not just about learning new skills; it's about embracing a new mindset.
Our protagonist, an IT professional with years of experience, decided to dive into the realm of game development. With a background in web technologies and static analysis, he had never ventured into the world of gaming. Yet, the allure of creativity and innovation was too strong to resist. He signed up for a Tech Jam hosted by Facepunch, the creators of Garry’s Mod, to work on their upcoming game, s&box.
s&box is a spiritual successor to Garry’s Mod, aiming to blend elements from Roblox and Unity. It offers a robust platform for developers, complete with a game editor, level editor, asset library, and a C# API. This was a playground for creativity, but it also came with its challenges. The game was still in semi-open testing, meaning many features were unstable and the API was a work in progress.
The first step in any game jam is to brainstorm ideas. Our developer initially envisioned creating a simplified version of a space engine, akin to Kerbal Space Program. However, he quickly realized the complexity of such a project. Instead, he drew inspiration from his favorite survival games, leading to the birth of his project: SbokuBot. The concept was simple yet intriguing—AI bots that could surround players, using cover strategically.
But the path to realization was fraught with obstacles. The first hurdle was understanding the s&box API. The documentation was sparse, and the minimalistic nature of the API left him grappling with basic functionalities. He needed to create AI that could navigate the game world, which required a solid grasp of the NavMesh system.
The NavMesh is a navigation system that allows characters to find paths through the game environment. However, determining cover points for the bots proved to be a daunting task. Should he scan the environment manually or derive it from the geometry? The choices were overwhelming.
As he delved deeper into the project, he realized he needed a foundation to build upon. He considered forking an existing shooter game, Nicked, but soon dismissed the idea due to its complexity. Instead, he opted for a simpler weapon base that already included bot spawning capabilities.
The excitement of progress quickly turned into frustration. The bot system was not designed with AI in mind. The checks for actions like reloading were tied to player input, making it impossible for the bots to function independently. This realization forced him to dive into the code, refactoring and restructuring to create a new controller for the bots.
With each step forward, new challenges emerged. Implementing AI behavior was like piecing together a puzzle. He explored various methods, from finite state machines to behavior trees, but the complexity often left him stumped. He eventually settled on a hybrid approach, combining elements of both to create a functional AI that could chase and shoot at players.
Despite the technical hurdles, the creative process was exhilarating. He envisioned a testing arena where players could face waves of AI enemies, a chance to showcase the bots in action. However, the timeline was tight, and the pressure mounted.
The final days before submission were a whirlwind of activity. Bugs surfaced like weeds in a garden, each one requiring attention. From issues with the NavMesh to unexpected behavior in the AI, it felt like a race against time. Yet, with each resolved issue, the project took shape.
In the end, the journey was not just about creating a game. It was about growth, resilience, and the thrill of overcoming obstacles. The developer emerged from the experience with a newfound appreciation for game development. He had transformed from a passive observer to an active creator, navigating the challenges of a new industry.
The transition from IT to game development is akin to learning a new language. It requires patience, practice, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Our developer's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and determination.
As he reflects on his journey, he realizes that every setback was a stepping stone. Each line of code, each bug fix, and each moment of frustration contributed to his growth. The world of game development is vast and complex, but it is also filled with opportunities for those willing to take the leap.
In conclusion, the path from IT to game development is not for the faint of heart. It demands creativity, technical skill, and a willingness to learn. But for those who dare to embark on this journey, the rewards are immeasurable. The thrill of creating something from nothing, the joy of seeing players engage with your work—these are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
So, to anyone considering a similar leap, remember this: every great game starts with a single idea. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. The world of game development awaits, and it’s ready for your unique vision.
Our protagonist, an IT professional with years of experience, decided to dive into the realm of game development. With a background in web technologies and static analysis, he had never ventured into the world of gaming. Yet, the allure of creativity and innovation was too strong to resist. He signed up for a Tech Jam hosted by Facepunch, the creators of Garry’s Mod, to work on their upcoming game, s&box.
s&box is a spiritual successor to Garry’s Mod, aiming to blend elements from Roblox and Unity. It offers a robust platform for developers, complete with a game editor, level editor, asset library, and a C# API. This was a playground for creativity, but it also came with its challenges. The game was still in semi-open testing, meaning many features were unstable and the API was a work in progress.
The first step in any game jam is to brainstorm ideas. Our developer initially envisioned creating a simplified version of a space engine, akin to Kerbal Space Program. However, he quickly realized the complexity of such a project. Instead, he drew inspiration from his favorite survival games, leading to the birth of his project: SbokuBot. The concept was simple yet intriguing—AI bots that could surround players, using cover strategically.
But the path to realization was fraught with obstacles. The first hurdle was understanding the s&box API. The documentation was sparse, and the minimalistic nature of the API left him grappling with basic functionalities. He needed to create AI that could navigate the game world, which required a solid grasp of the NavMesh system.
The NavMesh is a navigation system that allows characters to find paths through the game environment. However, determining cover points for the bots proved to be a daunting task. Should he scan the environment manually or derive it from the geometry? The choices were overwhelming.
As he delved deeper into the project, he realized he needed a foundation to build upon. He considered forking an existing shooter game, Nicked, but soon dismissed the idea due to its complexity. Instead, he opted for a simpler weapon base that already included bot spawning capabilities.
The excitement of progress quickly turned into frustration. The bot system was not designed with AI in mind. The checks for actions like reloading were tied to player input, making it impossible for the bots to function independently. This realization forced him to dive into the code, refactoring and restructuring to create a new controller for the bots.
With each step forward, new challenges emerged. Implementing AI behavior was like piecing together a puzzle. He explored various methods, from finite state machines to behavior trees, but the complexity often left him stumped. He eventually settled on a hybrid approach, combining elements of both to create a functional AI that could chase and shoot at players.
Despite the technical hurdles, the creative process was exhilarating. He envisioned a testing arena where players could face waves of AI enemies, a chance to showcase the bots in action. However, the timeline was tight, and the pressure mounted.
The final days before submission were a whirlwind of activity. Bugs surfaced like weeds in a garden, each one requiring attention. From issues with the NavMesh to unexpected behavior in the AI, it felt like a race against time. Yet, with each resolved issue, the project took shape.
In the end, the journey was not just about creating a game. It was about growth, resilience, and the thrill of overcoming obstacles. The developer emerged from the experience with a newfound appreciation for game development. He had transformed from a passive observer to an active creator, navigating the challenges of a new industry.
The transition from IT to game development is akin to learning a new language. It requires patience, practice, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Our developer's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and determination.
As he reflects on his journey, he realizes that every setback was a stepping stone. Each line of code, each bug fix, and each moment of frustration contributed to his growth. The world of game development is vast and complex, but it is also filled with opportunities for those willing to take the leap.
In conclusion, the path from IT to game development is not for the faint of heart. It demands creativity, technical skill, and a willingness to learn. But for those who dare to embark on this journey, the rewards are immeasurable. The thrill of creating something from nothing, the joy of seeing players engage with your work—these are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
So, to anyone considering a similar leap, remember this: every great game starts with a single idea. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. The world of game development awaits, and it’s ready for your unique vision.