_Not much to report today. The end of last week was more about figuring out my game development process and finding a groove to work in. I will say it's important to know when to let go and start over. That's how I'm learning so far, the projects undergo the same process of revision as writing does. Rough Draft-->First Draft-->Second Draft, etc.
Lighthouse Keeper starts with the stratified maps, building each one before connecting them via door events. With the process of revision in mind I will restart development. Unfortunate, but with each attempt the next iteration will be more successful.
How I build parks in Jurassic World Evolution is: Start a map, build the park until I run into a snag, restart sandbox, go further each time. This will be my modus operandi until its time to change the formula.
_RPG Travel Kit: [proj_00]: "RPG Travel Kit" has sat on the backburner since development for Lighthouse Keeper began. This is because it's been a long-running project with little success and then something new came along. This time I'll be condensing the Death in Space core game without any major changes to the rules. Data will be kept minimal, tailoring the entire project to a smaller pocket-sized format. Adobe products will be omitted for now, instead I'm opting to print the Kit by hand, however amateurish that may look.
_Outfitting the Schedule: With the hiring process going as it is, I won't be officially employed until early October. I'm going to use the time to work on whatever I can but will do my best to accommodate everything in my line-up. Been a while since I've sat down at a café to work. Daily progress should include:
>RPG Travel Kit
>Writing
>Drawing
>Lighthouse Quest
As long as I maintain consistency, all is well.
_Challenges: The intent behind printing the Travel Kit by hand is to address the problems I've had with printer margins and low ink. As I said, it'll look amateurish. But if it facilitates a gaming session then it's done what it needs to. To catch up, I'll be going light on the custom ruleset I wanted to implement since simulationist mechanics add drag to the game if done immodestly. "Travel" is the key word, it needs to be agile.
I need to take a break from binging out on video games. If I'm not going to set a timer for myself then it's in the best interest of my work to withhold from Steam until I can make some progress. The impulse to play video games will just as easily turn into any other form of distraction and this is where good spiritual hygiene comes in. Mastery of the impulses, not the other way around. Furthermore, creativity demands a clear headspace. Mental clutter is just as detrimental as material clutter.
_Closing Thoughts: Though I like to be ambitious with the number of projects I'm working on, having eyes bigger than my stomach will slow progress all around. Yes, there are many things I'm balancing but to make sure each item in the line-up gets proper attention, it'll be best to take smaller bites from smaller meals. Call it goal-oriented size training. Mental health has been suffering lately (SO MUCH SUFFERING!) so I'm taking it easy on myself while I keep moving forward.
From my experience, difficulty is intensified when you take the challenge personally. It may help to laugh it off, not be too serious with what you're doing, but for now I'm maintaining a quiet and clear headspace with everything. In a spiritual sense, lots of negative energy going around. Less will indeed be more.
_Quote of the Week: “Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously.”-Hunter S. Thompson