I talk about my experiences learning Blender in public to create some 3D assets for my games. Then I discuss testing on multiple devices to get a real feel for performance problems with your apps and games. Mentioned in this episode My Godot Endless Runner video course Joey Carlino's excellent Blender modeling video ★ Support this podcast ★…

In this episode of the UIBuzz podcast, I delve into the important topic of valuing your time. I discuss why it's essential to recognize the worth of your time and the fine line between offering services for free and charging a monetary value for your efforts. I give practical advice on handling changing circumstances, especially when transitioning …

I want to add a cross-platform leaderboard to my updated rebuild of Endless Hurdles. There are two options. 1. I build my own 2. I use a 3rd party service In this episode, I will discuss the pros and cons of both options in the hope that it will help you when you need to make similar choices. Play Endless Hurdles for iOS https://peterwitham.com/eh …

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 …

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. (00:00) - Introduction (00:14) - Solo game development (03:53) - Buy me a Coffee (04:52) - Contact Me 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 …

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 po…

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 …

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 ab…

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 ★By Peter Witham

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 …

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 wi…

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 …

Happy New Year, everyone! 2024 is here and PLNX - The Video Games Podcast is back with a brand new episode. In this one, I talk about some of the big games I played in 2023. Think of it like a mini-review of the games I absolutely loved from 2023, of sorts. The games I played and loved in 2023 (the ones I talk about in this episode): - Marvel's Mid…

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 http…

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 thi…

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 ★By Peter Witham

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. (00:00) - Devlog - My Godot game engine experience (01:07) - Download Endless Hurdles on iOS (01:49) - My plan of attack for learning (03:38) - Things I like in Godot …

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 …

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 supp…

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. (00:00) - Introduction (00:38) - A players perspective (01:37) - Don't rush it (02:2…

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…

Having shipped the 1.0 release of my Endless Hurdles game, I feel it is a great time to remind everyone about the importance of shipping for early feedback to help guide your next decisions. As mentioned in this episode, Endless Hurdles for iOS ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

These are a few thoughts from a decision I made this week to let players learn from experience rather than me making decisions for them in my new game. I'd love you to come on the podcast to discuss game or app development. You can reach out to me https://peterwitham.com/contact My development live stream https://twitch.tv/compileswift ★ Support th…

As I work on a 2D side-scrolling game using SpriteKit, I am learning the delicate art of game balance and parallax while keeping things simple for the player. I would love to hear from you if you want to come on the Podcast and discuss game and app development. Please reach out at peterwitham.com/contact, and let's get a discussion going. If you wo…

This episode is all about Starfield, the game coming soon from Bethesda. Not only do I love making games, but I'm a huge gamer. Starfield feels precisely like the type of game I enjoy playing. I dive into some of the details we know and my thoughts. Starfield Web Site Follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/uibuzz ★ Support this podcast ★…

Hard to believe that I'm more on the introverted side than anything else. Growing up, I was always quiet and shy, which can be a problem when you work in a field that requires interaction and team dynamics. Here are some tips in this episode to help you deal with and grow while accepting nothing is wrong with being introverted. I was hoping you cou…

I am catching up on my crazy developer life, including conferences, game development, app releases, and more. Contact me Twitter: @UIBuzz Web site: PeterWitham.com ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

In this episode, I explain the Game Save Blueprint and how I use it for persistent data storage between gameplays. ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

I am learning Unreal Engine. I know nothing. These are my journals :) In this episode, I talk about learning how to create a UI for an idle-style game. What a Blueprint is for a Widget and the game instance and how they work together. (00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - ProjectHack.net (01:04) - Unity frustrations (02:26) - Unreal Engine 5 first steps…

It took longer than I thought to release the new episode because I had been swamped. I have a new app, and the Project H8ck idle game is out for folks (that means you) to beta test and give me feedback on—that and more in this episode. (00:00) - Introduction (00:31) - My new iOS App (00:35) - CS Live stream (00:54) - Job Finder Tracker (02:23) - Pr…

An update on my progress as I work to complete and release the playable demo version of my idle game built with Unity for multiple platforms. I had some not-so-fun times this week trying to understand why iOS and iPadOS are acting so strange in my game compared to all other platforms (including Mac). Also, I finally got a splash page up for the gam…

Every tool is the right tool for someone. Maybe not you, but let's change how we present our choices and opinions in the developer community, so we do not put off those new to the community. Infighting on tools and hard-nosed opinions is not the way to go. Some thoughts on this episode. Video Vlog Follow the Vlog on YouTube, plus more content ★ Sup…

In this episode, I explain why just getting the latest version of a tool, framework, or library is not always a good plan. This always risks introducing problems you now have to deal with, which is not something you want when preparing to ship. Prefer YouTube? OK, I have a video for this https://youtu.be/8Sww1wARboQ ★ Support this podcast ★…

I want to talk about the last 10% of a project timeline. When you're developing things, building things, whatever they may be, the last 10% is always the most challenging part. You want to get it released, and you start to rush without noticing. That is the time to slow down and check every dark corner of the project. Some advice and tips in this e…

This week, some pain and some pleasure with my game-building in Unity. Ever had that experience of "It worked yesterday and last week. Why does it not work now"? Yep, one of those weeks. Listen on for details and solutions. Reachout to me at peterwitham.com ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

As mentioned in this episode My development blog Video showing Unity Device Simulator Install Safe Area Helper Say thanks and support this Podcast Buy me a Coffee ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

Chapter List (00:00) - Introduction (00:40) - This years goals (01:36) - 1 (04:31) - 2 (06:27) - 3 (07:08) - Game development update (14:36) - Twitter (14:47) - Buy me a Coffee ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

As I reach the end of the year, I always look back and see how well I did with my personal goals and choices. I think this was a good year in my software development journey. But I'm not spoiling the episode!By Peter Witham

Some of us like it, and some of us dread it. But at the end of it all, we have to promote ourselves, and I'm going to tell you why it's a good thing and some ideas on how to do it without being aggressive.By Peter Witham

In this episode, I share some experiences using collaboration in public to improve the way I work with folks, learn new things, and create a fun game along the way.By Peter Witham

If you keep doing the same thing for too long, you go in circles and do not improve. This applies not only to your skills but work. In this episode, some suggestions to beat it.By Peter Witham

Do you know what those fancy tools are doing and how? You should, because sometimes you might not have them and need to get work done. Some thoughts in this episode.By Peter Witham

Welcome to Episode 11 of PLNX - The Video Games Podcast!SECTION 1 - "WIP - What I’m Playing" (1:36):Completed:Final Fantasy VII RemakeGotham Knights (more in the Story Of The Day section)Playing (First Impressions):FIFA 23SECTION 2 - In The News (6:52):Dualsense Edge to launch on January 26th, 2023. It's priced at $200. No news about availability i…

Some thoughts in this episode on how boss fights are causing me heartache in my game.By Peter Witham

Share your thoughts with me Twitter Web Site ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

Share your thoughts Twitter PeterWitham.com ★ Support this podcast ★By Peter Witham

We all love to try new things, those you see all over the tech news and discussions. But exercise caution when doing so. They might make life far more complicated than it needs to be regarding shipping. Some thoughts and suggestions in this episode.By Peter Witham