Can you describe the video game you are making? Does it have a name? What genre of game is it?
“The game I’m working on at the moment is a movement-based platformer, and it’s currently in the early stages of development—planning, worldbuilding, and experimenting with ideas. Despite setbacks with other versions of the game, [my team and I] wanted to focus on creativity. For example, [my team is] thinking of implementing mechanics that allow players to break down items or equipment into core elements, then combining those ingredients to make entirely new gear. As of right now, the team doesn’t have a name for it just yet; internally, it’s been called ‘Project Grimoire.’”
Are you working on the video game with a partner? If so, what is your role in the development of this video game as compared to your partner’s role?
“I work with a team of six people, each of us interconnected in our tasks and essential for the success of the game. As of right now, I am one of the senior programmers, working the front-end, meaning I design menus, user interfaces, and just the general user experience of the game. The back-end developers work on the game systems internally, such as physics or player movement. Without art, of course, our game wouldn’t be much of a game at all, and our artist works incredibly hard to give us the best look for the game they can. Our sound designers and writers both add the game feel, both of which help develop the world further than just the visuals.”
What inspired you to start programming a video game?
“I’ve always enjoyed playing games and thinking about the components that bring them together. Having taken a programming class early on in life, I found it unimaginably boring. Coding for data analysis, sorting, and calculations never really caught my interest, so realizing I could see my work come to life and become art was life-changing to me. I started with a few Scratch games, and looking for a challenge, moved to Unity. After talking with my friend in my sophomore year, we decided to make a game together. As time went on, some projects moved along steadily while others were lost to obscurity. Now, working with a full team, I intend to develop and publish a fully completed game.”
Are there any other projects you’ve worked on or are planning on working on?
“While working on the main game with my team, I have a couple of personal games that I intend to make. Some of them are practice games, while others are games I intend to publish. As excited as I would be to talk about them, they’re not ready for release, but be sure to be on the lookout for them! Other than game development, there are a couple of other projects I like to involve myself in. I’m the Vice President of our school’s official robotics club, Milpitas Xtreme Robotics, and one of the projects I’m currently leading is Project Twitch Drone, a passion project for my teammates and me. Hailing from Rainbow Six: Siege, the Twitch drone is a 2-wheeled robot that can be remotely controlled and, in our case, shoot NERF darts. I also love CADding and 3D printing, and I’m hoping to dust off the old printer soon and get back into it.”
Do you have any advice for anyone interested in learning computer science?
“Yes, absolutely! If you’re learning computer science solely for the purpose of making money, rather than because you find it interesting, I would suggest you don’t. Like all projects, learning computer science and programming can be extremely taxing, so burn-out is almost inevitable, especially if it’s not something you enjoy. Regardless, always make sure to practice self-care! For those just looking to start, block coding is fantastic for teaching yourself and practicing the logic. If you’re looking to make the move to line coding, online guides and Stack Overflow are great resources to keep in mind!”