Hi there,
Two years ago I started learning Java. My idea was to return to the world of ICT (I used to work as a programmer, back in the early days of the internet, and was self-employed for a few years, developing software and websites), but I soon ditched the course I was taking (boring, and way too theoretical) and started developing a game (Bee Aware!). My idea was to create a diverse, fun and slightly educational game for all ages about bees and the fact that they are endangered (which in turn will have serious consequences for humanity).
Anyway, I started with Java Swing, but felt limited after working with that for a few weeks, so I switched to JavaFX and had to rewrite what I had done so far. Now, Java may not be the first choice of many when it comes to game developing, however, I've grown to love JavaFX and can tell you it's excellent for 2D game development. To make a long story short, after many nights of figuring out JavaFX, and after many sighs from my wife and kids, Bee Aware! is now finished, and the demo is available.
The past week I was busy creating the achievements (67 of them (edit: tuned down to 65)) for the Steam platform, and putting together a demo for various indie sites. For the Steam build I only still need to implement cloud saving, and some stuff on the store page needs to be updated, and then the build and store will be complete (Steam doesn't make it easy though, there's a jungle of documents and api commands out there, and their interface is somewhat chaotic, but I'll get there).
I then still have to write part of the quizzes, but I'll save that for when all the technical stuff is done. Within a month or so I hope to publish Bee Aware! on Steam.
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Danny.
Check out the trailer for Bee Aware!
