Hey everyone

Shaz · 2012-03-02T05:21:26+0900

Let me get the ball rolling I'm a 40-something (who counts anymore at this stage?) mum to one, living in sunny Queensland, Australia. I like to vacation at the beach, but "the bush" is the best place to live. Growing up, we often had kangaroos as pets. Loved it! They are the most gorgeous, gentle creatures (until you make them angry or jealous). These days we're a bit more conventional, and a dog and a cat do us just fine. I've programmed business software since 1990, only got into game development a few years ago. I worked for Amaranth Games on the most recent Aveyond series, and the hidden object game Curse at Twilight: Thief of Souls, which has just been released on Big Fish Games. My fave RPG Maker so far is XP, but I think Ace might quickly slide into that spot. My strengths are in eventing and scripting. Right now, I work for 3 different companies on a part time, contract, and ad-hoc basis, and am also getting my own gamedev company off the ground. My husband and I share in homeschooling our son (via distance education, so not "real" homeschooling). I'm working on two games of my own - one RPG and one not. And late this month, we're moving house. So if I get to a point where I can't string three words together coherently, you'll know why

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Started by Shaz Mar 1, 2012, 08:21 PM 28 posts Page 2 of 2 View original ↗

The Infamous Bon Bon

#21 Mar 13, 2012, 11:43 AM Source

shaz said:
@Infamous Bon Bon (okay - what should I call you, 'cause I'll get RSI if I have to type that every time!) - yes, Zach has come up with several ideas for games that he'd like me to make. I'm a good programmer, but my art is pathetic. So then he suggested I get Amanda to make his games instead :) When I started working on Aveyond, Zach insisted I put RPG Maker on HIS computer too, and he was really focussed on making maps and very simple eventing. He's moved on to other things now, but he still wants me to make his games.
Bon, BB, or "Hey you with the hair" (though that's longer) are commonly used instead. I'm glad I'm not the only one. My stepson insisted I put RPG Maker VX on his computer too. He is trying, but gets distracted for long periods of time. If he actually manages to stay committed I will probably get him Ace for his birthday, its nice cause he is the only person outside the internet who cares what I'm working on and all the boring details (he thinks they're neat).
Shaz

#22 Mar 13, 2012, 11:44 AM Source

LOL! I TOTALLY understand about your mom. She just doesn't get it now. But hopefully someday, she will.

Keep at your art - good artists are hard to come by, and good programmers who are atrocious at art are desperate to find them :)
Shaz

#23 Mar 13, 2012, 11:46 AM Source

@BB - Ah, he's a true nerd, after my own heart :) I hope he stays interested - it's great when you can share your creations with each other.
ei8htbit

#24 Mar 13, 2012, 01:47 PM Source

Greetings Shaz! Very cool to have such an experienced presence on these forums, looking forward to hearing what you have to say :)
Yumeji

#25 Mar 13, 2012, 04:26 PM Source

You've got an impressive background and seem already quite popular around here. It might not be adequate to greet you this way then but I'll do it anyway: welcome!
Knightmare

#26 Mar 13, 2012, 04:29 PM Source

Hey Shaz welcome to the forums. I remember you from the other site. A kangaroo as a pet?! That's far out!
Shaz

#27 Mar 13, 2012, 09:13 PM Source

I was thinking I might see if I can chase up some pics of them ... but that was a LONG time ago.

Now, let me set matters straight here, 'cause I don't want anyone thinking I'm better than I really am. I've worked with some wonderful people in casual game dev, and have a lot of experience testing and creating games for commercial release. But all of my work has been for other people. Someone else's story, someone else's game. Yes, I've gone from start to finish, but I've never had to do (or even organize) the whole thing myself. I'm just stepping into those waters now. So as far as actually creating my own game, there are quite a few on these forums already, and soon to join, who are way ahead of me in that area :) And I'll be watching them and learning from them, just like the rest of you ;) And of course I'm happy to offer help and suggestions to others, where I feel that I'm qualified to do so.
Indinera

#28 Mar 13, 2012, 09:20 PM Source

I'm sure you'll do well with your first experience. ;)