I will learn to code using C++ so that I can create C++ based Unreal projects but also so that I can get transferable coding skill’s that are employable outside the game development industry. I will do this by following a course called Beginning C++ Programming From Beginner to Beyond on Udemy. I will complete this course in 6 weeks by allocating 7 hours per week.
Measurable
I will track my progress by monitoring my ability to explain in my own words what the tutor is doing, complete all the course quizzes and coding exercises. I will also supplement this with completing small tasks agreed upon with my tutors from the course. The measurable outcome will be that I will be able to explain and use all of the concepts and skills taught on the course and this will be evidenced by the programs I will create as discussed above.
Achievable
This is achievable because I have already gained experience with C++ to a point where I can write simple console applications. I have the right learning materials, the right people surrounding me for support and the allocated time to practice the skills that I need. The skill level that I am aiming for is intermediate in this case, with a new SMART goal being created for the journey to an advanced level afterwards. I need to make sure that I stay focused on the concepts that I am learning and that I understand them completely before moving onto other things. I am aware that coding is a skill that builds up in layers of complexity and that a shoddy foundation would seriously inhibit my ability to learn to code properly.
Relevant
This skill is relevant to me because I want to learn how to make video games but also acquire coding as a transferable skill. The achievement of this goal would improve my ability to create great games and also the opportunity of employment should game development not work out for me as quickly as I would like. I am the right person for this as I have already shown an aptitude for blue print scripting in Unreal and am able to understand the overarching concepts behind programming. My personality type is also of relevance here, as I like problem solving and have the patience and determination to learn complex skills while not taking failure as a negative experience.
Time Bound
I will be attempting to complete the course mentioned above inside 6 weeks at which point another SMART goal should be defined. I have allocated 7 hours per week to this task.
Hello, my name is Mike. I am an aspiring game developer enjoying a second chance at life. Sounds deep right? I know, but its true. I am from London and from 2007 I owned a clothing business selling Barbour, Hunter, Joules and so on. I didn't like it. I kind of fell into it and by the time I knew I didn't like it I was committed and needed to follow through. In 2009 I met Natalie, my Cornish maid and once our little girl came along in 2015, we decided that Cornwall would be a better life for her than London. In the meantime, the business had suffered tremendous difficulty having been burgled twice. Insurance? What can I say. I ended up suing (and winning) the broker for selling me an incomplete policy. It was hard. When I arrived in Cornwall having shut the business down and generally being in pretty poor health, stressed and disappointed, my Wife (whom I would need exist without) tried to talk me into having 3 months off! Ha, I said, I would go crazy. Well the question was 'what are you going to do then'?
Turned out that I had a HND (most of a Degree) that qualified me for the course Games Design For Industry BA Top Up. I had always wanted to make video games for a living and so I applied, got on the course, worked like my life depended on it and came out with a 1st. If you're thinking 'why d'you have to say it like that and tell us the grade you loser'? Here's the thing, that HND was supposed to be a Degree in Computer Graphics and Games but, in my youthful wisdom, I played games more than studied them and failed. Then I went back to do the last year again and just couldn't hit my stride, so failed again. Imagine getting another chance to sort that mistake out... That was not going to happen again.
Having completed that course I and a friend I met there, Ethan, have set up Sofa Ninja Studios and are working on a game that was born on the course called Serial Link. I am very proud of where we are and I cannot believe that I have the chance to do this for real. We have a playable demo and will hopefully run a kickstarter early this year. Its a mature (code for violence and swearing) shooter where the player gets to shoot and use powers gifted to him.
Have a look at one of the latest videos although there has already been more development. I did warn you about the content...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv9R5ktCiA0&t=46sLinks to an external site.
I took to the game design and logic (cant call it coding, its Unreal blueprinting right now...) very well and feel that this is where I am meant to be. I am learning C++ and would like to make the transition to 'proper coder' this year if I can. Being in business for myself taught me the value of self discipline and being intrinsically motivated and so I carry those lessons with me into my new career. With my beautiful family behind me, Im ready.
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Chronicles of a Sofa Ninja 
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