The Frozen Throne – Rao Dao Zao

When it comes to modding, I have to admit to a masochistic streak. I could use the 3rd party pre-processor to get structs and pseudo-object-orientated syntax that would make this a whole heap easier, but no, I’ve got to use the bare metal to feel alive.

So, that procedurally generated Warcraft III side project I’ve been fiddling with during lunch hour is a whole barrel of laughs. This episode’s consternation surrounds creature spawning.

Continue reading “Blog 638: Continuing to Make Sense of Cellular Automata” →

Modding, Warcraft III

Blog 629: Making Sense of Cellular Automata

Mar 7, 2015 Rao Dao Zao

We’ve been through the cellular automata algorithm before. I said some things back then that were mostly theory — things I’ve now been able to test in the wild.

So how does one take a grid of noise and turn it into a functional RPG? Well, lucky for you, I’m getting close…

Continue reading “Blog 629: Making Sense of Cellular Automata” →

Modding, Warcraft III

Blog 628: Falling Off the Wagon

Feb 19, 2015 Rao Dao Zao

“I can give up any time I want, bartender.

“Just lemme make one more Warcraft map…!”

Oh dear.

Continue reading “Blog 628: Falling Off the Wagon” →

Modding, Warcraft III

Blog 618: Post-Mortem Blues Y4

Dec 8, 2014Apr 1, 2021 Rao Dao Zao

I think it is perhaps poetic justice that, on replaying all my own maps years after closing the lid on each one, I experienced all the very prominent bugs other people had discovered since that I had never managed to reproduce.

Maybe I could sit on a few of them, like the one where Fallen Stones V chases you down and ruins the gauntlet sequence of This Wreckage, because that doesn’t actually break the game.

Others, like Project Y4‘s infamous bomb drop crash bug that stops people barely ten minutes into the game, definitely needed some care and attention.

Continue reading “Blog 618: Post-Mortem Blues Y4” →

Modding, Warcraft III

Blog 617: Post Mortem: Project Y4

Dec 3, 2014Jul 1, 2021 Rao Dao Zao

Considering I’m now making a real game for real, maybe now is a good time to go back to my roots and examine what went right… and what went wrong… with my previous development efforts: my Warcraft III maps.

Today: my swansong, RDZ Industries: Project Y4

Wow, I managed to do this one without spoilers, too. Check me out.

Continue reading “Blog 617: Post Mortem: Project Y4” →