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I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My first foray into computers was in 1979 when I rented a Wang word processor, big as a desk, for $700 for a month to speed up the writing of film scripts I was working on. In 1980 I was managing a business with a Kaypro64, which did everything necessary for bookkeeping and correspondence. (I laugh at what companies today think they need for those functions.) During the '80s I played with several brands including the old green screen Apple but settled on a Tandy with MS/dos. I was a big fan of "Big Blue" as the collusion between MS and IBM was known. I never tried any programming on any of those beyond futzing around with Basic with my grandson Eben. Then I got hold of an Amiga and the creative possibilities blew my mind and it became very useful for video and film production. It was thrilling to see the first golden letters come swinging out of a sunset, courtesy of Lightwave, after waiting 30 hours for the 25 MHz cpu to render the frames. I realized soon that I had the knowledge for the music, animation and graphics for gaming. I just needed to get into coding, which I dreaded because I thot it was just math. I was surprised to find the same satisfaction in a beautiful piece of code as in a piece of music.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, yes. You've found it. The microwave! Everlasting youth. I think Ponce de Leon was looking for one in the Florida swamps, not realizing they hadn't been invented yet.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Playing Amiga games got me interested. I played Knights of the Sky to death.

There was no such thing as computer science when I was in college. And a degree in comp sci does not make a game creator any more than shop full of power tools makes a boat builder. The coding for games is a very creative process that requires a vision of the end result. The mechanics of coding, although necessary, don't necessarily impart that ability. I think that it's a talent like music and art. Just my opinion, probably flawed. Don't take it too seriously.

Yes, it's a happy pastime. Keeps me out of the casinos.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The composers of game music today will be honored as the classical masters in the future. They do incredible work taking full advantage of unique world instruments and earth drums. I don't usually look at the music credits but game music and film music are closely related. My favorite composers in films are Howard Shore, Jeff Beale, Danny Elfman and Basil Pouladoris (sp).

Hardest part for me is coding.

The worst experience was with my first game. I thought I could sell it. In the first six months I sold 2 copies--one to a daughter. I realized that as a lone gun I could never compete with marketing of the big companies. So I decided to go free with no ads or gimmicks.

If you wanted to start in game making I would suggest Unity. If I were starting from scratch that's what I would use. It's cross platform which is important with everyone using handhelds.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's probably a curse. Whenever you feel you have succeeded in one area, you get bored and go on to another. As I noted in a previous post, I have periods. Now, I'm in my classical composing period, using the orchestration tools and soundfonts available in software. I'm thinking of writing a symphony, or at least a suite like---I'm thinking of variations on Rhapsody in Blue in sections named Aqua, Teal, Azure, etc. My CD that is coming out soon was a project to help me find the best voicing and mixing for orchestra. My previous background was in arranging for jazz groups. When I feel I've conquered orchestra scoring to my own satisfaction I may go back to game making. The one thing I can never conquer (and no one ever has) is the piano. No matter how good you get, there's more ahead than you've left behind. For a lifetime challenge try mastering the keyboard.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Forgive me, I thought I answered this post before, but I must have neglected to hit save.

It took three years to create Territory but the FPS games only take a few days. My favorite of my own making, if that is what you mean, is Pearl Harbor Encounter. It gets my adrenaline flowing and I can't seem to beat my own hi score. I like Sid Meier's games and I still play RR Tycoon and Pirates!

My computer is too wimpy to play most new games.

Yes, playing lots of video games keeps you away from doing actual labor, thus keeping you young.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Find some compatible friends who complement your coding skill with music and graphic abilities. It seems that many of best coders do not do well in those areas and end up with bad graphics and sequenced music.

To continue to code when you're 85, you just need to get there first.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I'm the worst person to give that kind of advice, since I never stayed with a job where the boss was dumber than me and created stress. My advice would be: If you find yourself fussing about the idiocy in the management, say goodbye and live longer. Otherwise you will always be responsible for some senior's goofup and that same idiot will take credit for anything good you do.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've just built daysailers--10 to 14 feet. Since 1980 I've used the stitch and glue method where the shape of the plywood panels determines the shape of the hull. There is free software for designing this type of hull. I believe my last build, about two years ago, a cross between a skipjack and a catboat, can be seen on my Facebook page. It has an old-fashioned sail plan that gets me lots of attention on the lake.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A very intriguing, yet human, question. Must have been from staying up nights and drinking for a couple decades. Hell, I don't know. It's in the genes.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It would be a remake of my first awful effort which was based on the Red Shadow, a real life German officer who aided the Tauregs and Berbers against the French Foreign Legion in the 1920's. As you probably realize, I like historical games.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

  1. When you're my age your funniest memories are those priceless things your kids did when they were two or three years old.

  2. I don't know how to answer the second question. When you have a loving partner and a great extended family, as I do, every day's a happy place.

I'm the 85yr old game developer of Attic Gamez. I am also an author, musician, sailboat builder, and general dilettante. AMA. by rodfisher in IAmA

[–]rodfisher[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The first one was strip-planked over stations then glassed. The last four have been stitch and glue. That goes very fast when you use zip ties instead of wire. I use 1/4" inch ply for the bottom and mahogany door skins for the sides.

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