First Week in Budapest/Dear Diary 02

Well, here I am folks, living it up in Budapest, working hard and playing hard! Week one is officially over. On the whole I’ve steered clear of the tourist trail; no museums, galleries, or thermal baths yet, but that’s the joy of being here for several months… I can savour the city like a fine wine, sip by sip. Most of my sightseeing has taken the form of wandering the city with my camera, observing the beautiful Baroque and Neo-Renaissance architecture, and stopping for street food and coffee. Budapest an astoundingly beautiful city, and I think I’ll be happy during my time here.

A few photographs from my first walk around the city

Most of the week was eaten up by my work. I’m very excited to have officially begin production on Sentenced, though it turns out I’m my own worst producer. I’ve been researching tools, mocking up interactions, and coding. I want the convicted men and women of the game to behave as physically realistically as possible in order to enhance the empathy the player might feel for them. Currently I’m trying to get them react according to where they are struck and how hard. It’s proven to be more of a challenge than I anticipated, but I’m sure that’s not the last time I’ll say those words before the project is done. I’m hoping to have a working beheadable model by some point early next week.

A test from earlier in the week. Ragdoll works.

On the social side of things, I’ve found my comfortable Englishman-abroad method of interacting with people - open with ‘Szia’, (hi), gesture and babble in English until we reach an understanding, finish with a ‘köszönöm’ (thanks). Most people I’ve encountered speak very good English, and I’ve been visiting a nearby Hostel bar and meeting a nice variety of friendly travellers and drinking too much with them.

Being able to work in the way that’s best for me on my own passion has been incredible liberating. I can dictate my own schedule, which so far has taken the form of sleeping late into the mornings, and working late into the night. I’ve had no problems motivating myself… in fact, I probably should be giving myself more free time to enjoy the city. Still, the deeper I delve into development, the more I realise how much work is ahead of me. The thought is almost overwhelming, but as long as I keep my eyes focused ahead, I should be fine.

Keep it Weird!

Sam

It's me and my winning Hostel Triva team!