UIBuzz - Software and game development

I have spent the last few weeks deeply investing in converting my site PeterWitham.com from WordPress hosting to static site generation through Astro. It has been an intense couple of weeks to beat my deadline before the WordPress hosting renews for another year. In this episode, I share tips and thoughts to help you do the same. Mentioned in this episode Astro TailwindCSS Contact me ★ Support this podcast ★

Some thoughts on the wins and losses of developing a game by yourself versus a team. I welcome your participation in the show and discussion of this topic. Contact me to share your thoughts https://peterwitham.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, I explore the journey of updating and porting my Unity game to Unreal Engine. Delving into blueprints, I share my experience transitioning from traditional coding to a more visual approach. Embracing the efficiency and creativity that blueprint coding offers. I discuss the ease of logic implementation and the abundance of resources available in the marketplace. While highlighting the time-saving benefits of utilizing plugins, I emphasize the importance of focusing on innovation rather than getting lost in technicalities. Reflecting on the challenges faced with publishing and exporting on iOS, I advocate for streamlined workflows to simplify the process. Despite the hurdles, progress on the game remains steady, with dedicated development time each week. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the evolving development journey! As mentioned in this episode Blog post - Porting from Unity to Unreal My Godot Endless Runner video course My Live streaming Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, I am catching up on my indie game, Project Hack. I want to share my progress and plans as I build out the multiplayer version in Unreal Engine. This is a fun passion project for me, and it fills the gaps between work and side projects that need to be done. You can find the blog posts at https://peterwitham.com/p8k ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, I discuss the importance of adding achievements to games after implementing a leaderboard in my iOS game. I explain achievements, how they benefit player engagement, and how they extend the game's lifespan. I share examples like jumping hurdles and seasonal events to keep players coming back. Achievements provide goals, a sense of accomplishment, and friendly competition. I encourage game developers to integrate achievement systems for an enhanced player experience and competitive edge. Join me on the podcast to share your game and app development thoughts. https://peterwitham.com/contact You can also show your support by buying me a coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, host Peter Witham discusses the increasing challenges and restrictions app developers face when using app stores. He highlights the need to explore alternative options, particularly web apps, to solve these problems. Peter emphasizes the advantage of web apps in terms of cross-platform compatibility and the ability to write code once. However, he acknowledges the difficulty in providing the same user experience as native apps, especially with the simplicity of one-click installs and home screen icons. Peter believes that solving this problem will significantly contribute to the usability and popularity of web apps. He mentions the growing importance of web browsers, even on devices like the Apple Vision Pro, and wonders about the potential of other headsets. Peter admits that he is not up to date with the latest web app technologies and asks for suggestions and recommendations from the community. He encourages listeners to share their thoughts and even invites them to join the show as guests to discuss this topic further. Peter concludes by emphasizing the relevance of considering web apps as app stores become more complex regarding rules and revenue sharing. As mentioned in this episode EU and US Apple AppStore Changes Contact me https://peterwitham.com/contact You can also show your support by buying me a coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

I have found that the performance on Android of a Godot 4 exported game is just dreadful—some questions and observations in this episode. You can also show your support by buying me a coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the UI Buzz Podcast, I discuss adding Game Center support to my SpriteKit game. Adding game services, like leaderboards, can enhance the gameplay experience and encourage friendly competition. Integrating GameCenter was surprisingly easy, and it handles user accounts and cheating prevention. Resetting the leaderboard every seven days ensures fairness. I also mention the potential for implementing an achievement system tied to specific events. Game services can be used with different game development environments. Also, I'm working on a Godot Engine video course and invite listeners to sign up for updates. As mentioned in this episode, Godot video course notification signup You can also show your support by buying me a coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, I discuss the issue of AAA games not meeting players' expectations and feeling bored and uninspired. The problem stems from game companies sticking to a successful formula and releasing new content that feels repetitive. For example, first-person shooters and multiplayer online games offer the same gameplay with minor additions. This lack of substance in DLCs and expansions has made players skeptical and turn to indie games for more exciting experiences. I highlight the importance of indie game developers who take risks and create unique and experimental games. The rise in attention towards indie games challenges the dominance of AAA games with their hype-driven marketing. Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

I discuss my plans for game development, including my first 3D game, and the importance of learning, planning, and following best practices. I also talk about existing 2D games and building a video course on building a 2D runner game with the Godot engine. As mentioned in this episode Livestream Contact me Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

I cannot think of a game that does not have some UI. In Unreal Engine, widgets are the answer to creating and displaying a UI. In this episode, I'll explain how I create and manage them based on research for best practices and suggestions. As mentioned in this episode Project Hack update blog post Please show your support by buying me a coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc Contact Me https://peterwitham.com/contact ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, JetBrains released the Kotlin multiplatform roadmap for 2024. Learn more about the exciting developments in Kotlin multiplatform for next year. As mentioned in this episode, JetBrains Blog post Fleet Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

A couple of different topics in this episode. - OpenAI is looking to change the ways smaller developers use the services - SpriteKit development continues with updates to my game for the Xmas event - Web development and content migration planning is something that takes a lot of time As mentioned in this episode, 118+ things I didn't have to do this week Astro.build Support this and future work by buying me a coffee. Thank you https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

Yep, it's time to discuss my relationship with WordPress and WordPress hosting. Let me sum it up: I love WordPress. But let me also say I love performance for site visitors more. Some thoughts in this episode that might help you decide which way to go and also rethink what the problem might be with your WordPress sites. ★ Support this podcast ★

Now that Unity has seen sense and dropped arguably the most unpopular person in not-so-recent gaming history, is the water safe to return? Well, no, the sharks are still circling. Plus, so many game studios are currently suffering from layoffs and closure. ★ Support this podcast ★

After learning how the Godot game engine wants me to work, I have put a few thoughts together and would like to share them with folks considering switching or starting with the tool. ★ Support this podcast ★

Unity sent an email detailing their latest changes on Friday, September 22nd. More accurately, reversal of changes in an attempt to stop the bleed to their user base. I go over those changes and share my thoughts on this whole mess from the perspective of an indie game and professional software developer. As mentioned in this episode, Unity's open letter to the community on their blog. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the experience of developing my game with SpriteKit and how it compares with other game development tools. I use my planned game updates for the remainder of the year as a benchmark for the pro's and con's of SpriteKit vs game engine tools. As mentioned in this episode My Endless Hurdles iOS game You can support this content by buying me a Coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

As an avid gamer, I have played Starfield like mad since it dropped on early access. To that end, I have some thoughts and tips for those considering the game. There are no spoilers here, so there's no need to worry about that. See the chapter list for a breakdown. You can support this content by buying me a Coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★

How I use lite project and timeline planning for my side projects to stay on a schedule and keep myself accountable. I'm using my Endless Hurdles updates as examples of making this manageable and attainable. As mentioned in this episode Endless Hurdles iOS game Project planning live stream Reach out to me You can support this content by buying me a Coffee https://peterwitham.com/bmc ★ Support this podcast ★