You can call me Jage (pronounce as Ya-Ge), it is a nickname. I do not have much experience in game design. That does not mean that I have no clue of what I am doing. I have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Well, pretty much every engineering class I had to do some programing to solve a problem or to generate a graph. It is not just one-off assignments. I worked in a three-year student work study which involved making a simulation. I was also involved in making a software for a custom-made 3D-printer in my senior project. I was even Undergraduate Student Assistance for computer science. I am often the one programing in a team project. Each class, I had to use a different language. Some just prefer one over another and it will be easier to grade the work. Others want us to gain some experience with it. I used Python, Mathematica, MATLAB, Labview, Arduino IDE and a few others. (I had to learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the first time to just make this site). I constantly had to be on my toes. I did not just understand how to use a single programing language. I understand the logic needed to program for a project.
I also had to model parts in different applications like Fusion, Inventor, and OnShape. I even learn to use Blender. I was trying to find a CAD (computer-aided design) software either free or more affordable than Inventor. Blender seems to be a good substitute at the time. I also draw as well. Some of it was done on and by a computer (as in making my own code to generate an image). I did learn to draw parts sketch by hand. With a good old pencil and erase. Understanding perspective, abstract thinking, and part dependency are a big fundamental in 3d modeling. As an engineer, I need to see beyond the first layer of an object. I need to see and understand each part that makes up the entire system. There is no “I am just a cog”. Every part has a purpose and I understand the importance. No matter how mundane. These skills can easily transfer to modeling character and rigging them.
Figuring out how to solve a problem often involves reading the manual/official document. The notorious ill explained documentation. I do not enjoy it, but I am willing to do it. As an engineer, I spend half the time reading to understand a topic to solve a problem. I search to see if there is something that already exists that meets my needs or an example of how a feature works. I often need to make my own function/feature. I experiment and make prototypes of systems to prove in the concept. Even if I have no clue where to go, I look for inspiration. Some of the topics that I look into are not necessarily or seem related to the project.
Looking into video game Object-Oriented Programing helped me think and helped me solve some of my problems in my engineering courses. That way of thinking helped me understand the modularity and simplicity that is needed for programing. Most people see video games as just video games. No. Video games are a software application. Software development is serious and structure procedure. Those same techniques and skills can easily transfer into game development. Like Unreal Engine’s node base coding is not unique to me. Labview is a node base programing language. It is used and still being used in serval labs and companies today.
I have the skill to find and solve programing problems. It might take me a bit to solve it. A few overnighters, pacing in circles, pulling my hair for a bit, I will be able to find a solution or a reasonable compromise which will meet the goal. I like to think. Problem solving. Making something into reality. I enjoy the art of creation. I am creative as well and as much as technical. I know when downsize and rescope the goal. Focus on what is needed to be done and allow creative to breath.
Surprising no one, I have an interest in science fiction and fantasy. I am nerd. A Geek. For both, I do not have the typical interest in them. I do not like Star Wars, Lord of Rings, Jurassic Park, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Indiana Johns, Marvel Comic, DC Comic, Pokémon, Five night at Freddy’s (FnaF), etc. I tried, but I cannot get into them. For the movies and shows, I got bored. Or they were over hyped, then I got disappointed when the said expectations were not met. I.e., “It’s life changing”, the only I was moved is when I have an itch on my face. For games, I tried them for most it. I just do not get it. I can see why people like Pokémon, the cute animals and all. I am clueless about FnaF. They just felt like working. So, how do I like sci-fi.
The concept of sci-fi is not what I like, it is that I found it by accident. Stuff in the clearance section or in discount retail store. It is not the fact that is sci-fi, it that I found it. For example, one of favorite games as a kid was Fossel Fighter: Champion. It is basically Pokémon but with dinosaurs. I do not like dinosaurs. They are okay, I just have a mild interest with dinos. When I found a single copy of the game in a bargain bin, it just clicked. Not all games, movies, or series that I found were good. It was just more interesting to learn about something unfamiliar. That is really reason I like sci-fi. It is the mysterious and exploring. The essence of sci-fi. Some of the contents were/are popular, it is just I did not hear much. Like the Transformer franchise. (personal favorites Beast War/Machine, Armanda, Prime). It is a big thing, but I rarely hear anything about it. It is the idea that is something more than first there.