29th March, 2005
Don't be too eager to throw away the paper and pen, for digital versions.
I think that when you place a line on paper with a pen then deep down you know that it's fairly permanent. There's always white-out, but its not readily available, and considerably inconvenient.
I think designing with a pen forces you to actually think about what you're doing rather than expecting the computer to let you make mistakes or do things for you.
Humans made computers to begin with anyway, they are not superior.
28th March, 2005
I've got this idea for a game design based around remote control tanks. Without saying much more, I think where this type of game tends to fail is ... screwing up the details.
I think when a player is usually given a lot of freedom, that the freedom is so highly managed that it is too linear, like watching a movie.
Well an example is having a town in a game. In this town you can walk into all the houses and all that happens is walk around, and if anyones home they will tell you something.
Exploration is fine, but I think people don't walk into a video game house just to admire the architecture. Like if I go to a food-shop, then I will wait in a queue if necessary, place the order then sit and wait or read any magazines available, then pay and get the food.
I would never go in there if they didn't offer the food.
The whole purpose of going inside is about food, and exploration is fine but a waste if theres nothing to do.
27th March, 2005
It is Easter Sunday today.
Enjoy the chocolate I say.
