Dev notes #16 - 2023-01-31

New Year, New Developments!

I  hope you had a happy and productive start to the new year! With the  holidays at an end, I've been diving back into the world of development.  Sorry for the long delay in updates.

Workstation Upgrade

First  and foremost, I'm excited to share a significant upgrade to my  workstation — a second monitor! This addition has been on my radar for  some time, and it's already proving to be a game-changer. With two  screens, my work progresses much faster. I've had the chance to test it  out in Daz and while writing code, and the results are impressive.  Real-time editing of the game with a full-resolution view is super cool.  Admittedly, I'm still adjusting to it in 3D programs, but I'm confident  that with time, it will become second nature.

Embracing Blender: Expanding my 3D Horizons

Starting  in January, I delved into beginner courses in Blender. This decision  stemmed from the realization that my current tools and knowledge in the  realm of 3D were no longer sufficient to bring my creative ideas to  life. Let's take Ivi's tentacles and other characters, for example.  Currently, they exist as separate "creatures" with their own skeletons  and numerous segments. Posing them can be challenging and  time-consuming, especially for dynamic scenes or interactions where  characters interact with objects or hold items.

This  limitation has led to instances where Ivi's tentacles had to be  omitted, and some captivating scenes and moments remained unrealized.  While this might not be an apparent issue now, it severely constrains  the potential of future hybrids and monsters — something I'm eager to  avoid.

Enter Blender, a  versatile tool with features that allow me to create tentacles by simply  drawing the desired trajectory with a mouse. I've already tried my hand  at creating electrical cables from scratch, and the results have been  promising. My next step is to integrate these creations into Daz for  further testing. Keep an eye on the "dev updates" channel on my Discord server for updates on my progress.

Exploring Time-Saving Tools

Additionally,  I've discovered various addons in Blender that enable the creation of  procedurally generated buildings. These tools have the potential to  significantly reduce development time and can be used for various  purposes, such as close-up shots, aerial views (for example, in the view  from a helicopter), or even interactive maps using holographic shaders.  The possibilities are endless, but my previous unfamiliarity with the  program hindered my progress.

By  expanding my knowledge through Blender courses, I aim to leverage these  tools effectively. Moreover, gaining further insights into lighting,  composition, and other creative aspects will undoubtedly enhance the  quality and technical precision of my renders. While some may know that I  lack a formal art education, I started my 3D journey in my spare time,  learning through trial and error to create visually appealing content.  While this approach has proven effective for acquiring foundational  skills, there comes a point where it's necessary to expand my knowledge  to break through the limitations.

As  I've reached that point, I'm hopeful that the courses will unlock  exciting 3D capabilities, allowing us to bring you even more engaging  and visually stunning experiences.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and here's to a year filled with incredible developments and creativity!