Computer Programmers
We seem to have a lot of programmers in our community. I suppose this shouldn't surprise me, considering the subject material. I think designing and playing solo systems scratches that itch for automation that many of us feel. Solo gaming is at an interesting crossroads of simulation, emulation, procedural generation, and algorithmic logic. And of course, gaming.
So how many of you are programmers? Either by trade or by hobby?
I myself am a software engineer by trade. I work for a small company that does military simulation and motion control systems for military training. I work with many languages, mostly backend stuff, and have a particular love for databases.
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a programmer. I like algorithms and procedural generation but lack the technical skill.
ReplyDeleteI code for a living and as a hobby.
ReplyDeleteI do work in IT, but mostly in a prod support role. My computer science-fu isn't very strong, but persistence gets me through.
ReplyDeleteI am a quantitative ecologist, where I use math, programming, and statistics to understand interactions between organisms and their environment. My current research focuses on interactions between plants and their herbivores and its application to agriculture. Anymore, I mainly use R.
ReplyDeleteI got into solo gaming because I wanted something like hobby programming, but that got me away from the computer. It was either solo gaming or trying to build an analog computer.
raising a hand
ReplyDeleteI'm a hobbyist. I guess at this point I can put "experienced" in front of that. Mostly Python and Lua.
ReplyDeleteI like RPG design because it's a lot like programming and writing mixed together, just skewed towards the writing side. You get to wear multiple hats (designer, player, typesetter, even a little programming for LaTeX). It also has the benefit of being more like writing in that once the words are down, the project's playable.
Also, I like making tables. I find it soothing, haha.
Yup! Both!
ReplyDeleteOn the professional side, I currently do machine learning-y stuff along with image processing and some graph analytics. Mostly in python. In a previous life, I focused on more back-end stuff, like REST services via java as well as sql database maintenance.
On the hobby side, I have a git repo, where I simulate different boardgame and rpg design ideas in code to see what works. I created a java model when developing Wrath of the Autarch and am currently using a clojure model in developing the solo / co-op boardgame of that rpg.
A life-long developer by both hobby (first) and trade (second), but knocked out of the loop by extreme RSI which has essentially crippled my left hand the past nearly-three years :/. Too many days-long hacking sessions over too many years ruined the nerves in my arm :/.
ReplyDeletePhil Lewis How have I not seen this before? This looks awesome!!! I'd love to see your git too!
ReplyDeleteFor those that are curious... Used to do stock and bonds software in C and now do insurance in VB, java, and several legacy solutions. On the hobby side is it mainly web toys in javascript and some video game projects in GMS. Toss in some 3D modelling as well. :-)
ReplyDeleteTodd Zircher is being humble. His most important/influential software was V_MAP, a lightweight boardgame simulator, which allowed users to import graphics for a board and pieces, but didn't implement any game rules.
ReplyDeleteWell, there was that too. I like to think that it was more inspirational in that others came along and did it better in both 2D and 3D. (Actually helping a friend with 3D models because he's using Table Top Simulator for prototyping his board game.)
ReplyDeleteBy day, I'm a c# developer and oracle dba in the Regulatory/Oil sector for a rather large global company. By night I'm a LAMP/js web developer for myself and a handful of clients.
ReplyDeleteNew to solo play, but I've already pieced together a dice roller/displayer WordPress plugin and I've got several other solo-related projects in mind.
I've noticed the trend among solo gamers as well, lots of programmers (and therefore lots of useful tools) and of course, lots of blogs.
Tam H Hey, thanks! Hopefully this isn't too much of a thread hijack, but here's all the stuff I have on git. Can start a different thread if you want me to explain any of it. github.com - Ziapelta Games
ReplyDeletePhil Lewis I'm good, just finished reading it over and watching, but I'd love to hear your plans for adding solitaire support to Autarch!
ReplyDeletesoftware developer by trade and hobby. Lately, I mostly work in Java or other JVM languages. but, I have also worked in C/C++, C#, and Python.
ReplyDeletecareer-wise I've worked in flight simulators, health insurance, medical/academic journal publishing, flash memory storage systems, and most recently application of blockchain to financial markets.
hobby-wise: I've created an Android app for random generators (Adventuresmith) that I've had a lot of fun developing.
Professional sysadmin who has coded in a lot of languages over the years.
ReplyDeletesteve christensen I've played a little with Adventuresmith & had a good experience. I need to do more with it.
ReplyDeleteI've dabbled & even taken all but a semester of a computer programming AS. But my skills are so limited I would never call myself a programmer
ReplyDeleteSo many in the IT field! I'm not a programmer, but did take classes in C back in the late 80s. Does that count? I might even be able to hack up a "Hello World" attempt, but at that time I was less about the programming, more about electronics engineering. And then I found my artistic side...
ReplyDeleteThese days, I'm a technical alignment engineer, which is an IT services-oriented position combining service tech, QA work, and edging into client management and network admin. I also write technical documentation for our technicians to use (SOPs, troubleshooting, etc.), and I love that part of my job! But damned if I haven't tried my hand in Python and Swift. One of these days... :D
I was talking to my son about this thread and I think I know why there's an abundance of IT types. Solo gaming requires focus, logic, the ability to follow
ReplyDeleteprocedures, and the integration of various systems... (wait for it) and like it. :-)
I just dabble, strangely enough got interested in it specifically because my gaming spreadsheets were too clunky and I found Java and sqlite offered more robust solutions.
ReplyDelete