Hi everyone!
As you probably know I've been taking a break from development of E:Z 2 whilst I try to settle some things regarding my working life. I'm looking for new work at the moment so that I can better support my growing, young family. It's tough being young with kids in the UK at the moment!
Regardless, over the last few weeks I've had some time to experiment with other things like creative writing and I've also been doing a lot of work in Unity. I'm in a bit of a bind right now, as I can't decide how it would be best for myself to proceed.
On the one hand I could create something using Unity that could eventually (a year or so down the line) feed and support my family. It would be my 'thing', my first real retail item and that would get my foot into the industry as a sole developer. To me this appeals, as it's personal development on my half and obviously there are endless benefits to this should my product be successful.
On the other hand, I could continue working and finish Entropy : Zero 2, which would further my creative skills and knowledge of the Source Engine, push my name as 'Breadman' out further afield and would make followers/fans very happy I'd imagine. I hold Entropy : Zero very dearly, and am immensely interested in the story of Bad Cop.
My problem is I cannot hope to do both of these things at once. One must come before the other. So this is the position I am in at the moment and I have yet to make a decision. The situation regarding my want and need to change jobs is still unresolved, so you may not see much happening until it is. I'll keep you all informed!
Go with option #1.
Simple.
The reasons you've provided speak for themselves. There are priorities in life, unfortunately. Moreover: going with option #2 would put your whole enterprise in jeopardy - both the mod and your family/professional life. Personally, I believe in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, as it's proven time and time again to work flawlessly in all ways of life.
Increase of creative skills can be achieved in "professional gamedev" way as well as in the "mod way", and "increasing knowledge of Source Engine" sounds pretty damn murky to me, especially when considering the risks.
Of course I'm disappointed by the fact that I'll have to wait a longer for the mod release, but hell... For one thing, there are more important things (as stated above), and for the second thing - who knows - maybe it'll be worth it. Maybe the quality of the mod will be better.
With family problems and career problems on your head... I don't think it really helps with mods creation ;) And I believe that making mods should be fun, first and foremost. And players can feel it. I can feel it. The fun you're having when in development translates almost directly into fun that your players experience.
All and all, I wish you good luck and I'm looking forward to hear how things are panning out for you. Definitely don't feel bad if going with #1.
Cheers!
0x29a
Take all the time you need. No matter what you produce, I'm sure it will be something EZ fans will enjoy. And thanks for the update!
Family first. Get a new better job
Do what's best for your family. You already gave us this fantastic mod, we can wait all the time you need for a sequel!
The responsibility now is to first look for a new job and support the family, the rest can wait.
Real life comes first. Do something that will make you money.
What wonderful followers you all are. Thank you!
I can just see it now. "From the creator of Entropy Zero". I'd buy that in a snap!
Dude take your time were in no rush you just released Entropy Zero awhile ago so take a break and get your personal life in balance. We will all be he ready for you when your ready.
We can wait for Entropy's to come up, work on the personal life, and if you're eager to create a bigger entropy zero story, you own the lore of entropy and you can change some of the HL2 lore to fit yours, you don't need a game to have a lore. but if you are eager to tell us but cant release anything yet you can just type down a few words down like you have just now to tell us.
ohh its ok, take a break as long as you want just don't rush we will support you no matter what good luck mate
even though this more than likely means we wont get entropy zero 2, go with option 1. Life always comes first.
do ya thang man
family first