development blog
   

2012-01-20 >> NEW TOYS - it is like it is xmas again!

Over the last few days; "toys" arrived - Mobile 1UP has the iCade and 60beat GamePad.

 
alternative controllers - both of these will be / are big for gamers

Mobile 1UP has worked with so many companies over the years integrating third-party controllers on many different platforms; so we figured adding support for these two cool gadgets wont be difficult. 60beat provided us a development sample free - we had to buy the iCade on ebay (SUCKS - support developers?) since they never responded to our emails.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

The iCade is effectively a blue-tooth keyboard which sends various keyUp and keyDown events so adding support is a matter of catching these events and handling a key pressed state within the games for processing.

The GamePad uses an interesting approach of providing input events by translating audio signals via the microphone of the head-phone jack on the device into event callbacks - which is done by linking against a third party library at compile time to process the audio signals.

Cool stuff - we really cannot wait to play around with both of these devices.


2012-01-16 >> Caveman - work in progress : bug finding (not our code)

A number of fans have requested the ability for our games to handle orientation changes correctly - as some devices have special sleeves that force the game in a specific orientation and the games end up being up-side down.

So we did the research; followed all the guidelines presented and implemented a custom UIViewController to handle rotation events only to find that open GL draws everthing with anti-aliasing when in Landscape mode, however Portrait mode everything is drawn as expected. Talk about head-scratching - our conclusion, bug in iOS.


this is how it was looking (grr - anti-aliasing)
this is how it should look (no anti-aliasing)

Notice how the "version 1.0" font is being messed up - unwanted anti-aliasing in effect.

    // ensure that scaling up/down (should not matter) is nearest neighbour glTexParameteri(GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL_TEXTURE_MIN_FILTER, GL_NEAREST); glTexParameteri(GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL_TEXTURE_MAG_FILTER, GL_NEAREST);

Mobile 1UP has found a working solution to handle rotation events and display the game the appropriate way based on the way the device is held for iOS devices. The way to do it is to Keep the device in "portrait" model and translate the view and touch events appropriately.

We kept a copy of the code that shows this bug - since we have a work around; all is good.


2012-01-12 >> Caveman - work in progress

Mobile 1UP has received the new artwork and music for the game tutorial.

 
these icons will now sit in the game tool bar for use

The only thing left to do now is finalize the last set of levels and define the difficult balance - then we are ready to submit. It has been a long time since the update, but we are confident everyone will be very happy once it is available!

>> HP/Palm webos - is anyone still out there?

Mobile 1UP over the last twelve months saw a complete drop in the activity for webOS!

It seems that somewhere along the line - the application management for webos applications was changed such that the developer had to specify what devices were compatible and were supported (MANUALLY!). The only devices marked as supported was the Palm Pre, but we all know the Palm Pre2 (it's replacement) is also good for running all the games.


all the metadata has now been updated and submitted for review

Mobile 1UP will update Caveman for the webos devices - but we need to really get an idea if it is worth releasing a version for the HP Touchpad. It will not be difficult for us to do - we will ping a few people inside to see what is going on exactly.


2012-01-08 >> Caveman - work in progress

Mobile 1UP actually managed to get a lot done this weekend - recap below!

 
a little of fiddling with photoshop and viola! :) much better

With the new functionality (zoom, lock) - it makes sense to move them to the game toolbar and move the pause/fast forward options out. Just need some new artwork for integration. A list of changes (nearly all done):

  • correction to medium: 29 (added stone to avoid 'simple walk to exit')
  • added a tutorial (how to play) section to the application for newbies
  • implemented save state of game (so can pause, exit, re-open and resume)
  • must complete a level pack before unlocking the next (no cheating!)
  • +30 levels (OBSCURE SET) - yippee!
  • +30 levels (INSANE SET) - yippee!
  • re-ordering and balancing of all 120 levels to match the difficulty

Mobile 1UP will also include the remaining 60 levels - giving the complete set (120 - 30 in each: easy, medium, obscure and insane). In this update however, there will be some re-schuffling and configuration of the levels so the game levels are much more balanced.


2012-01-02 >> Caveman - secret goodies (party like it's 1991)

Mobile 1UP has decided to throw the new year with an easter egg in Caveman - see below:

 
secret features - who will find the warpcode for this first?

Let's see if we "forget" to remove this in the update. There are a number of warpcodes defined (unlock levels, jump to a specific level et al) but it is your job to find them. :)


2011-12-27 >> Caveman - work in progress

Mobile 1UP loves the holiday season - "vacation" (from day job) to work on games!

The next version is soon to be ready for us to submit for update:

  • zoom option: get a closer look at what is going on
  • lock option: pick a caveman, follow him to avoid assigning wrong caveman
  • tool selection: hide used, ensure one is always selected (if possible)
  • allow holding of +/- to increase/decrease release rate (no more tap-tap-tap)
  • alpha-blending optimizations (pixelation errors corrected)
  • correction to bashing logic (allow early exit if path is clear)
  • correction to bashing mask to avoid "bashing behind caveman" on turn around
  • correction to building logic (continual, straight build line possible)
  • clarification of "tool assignment" language on OPTIONS screen
  • TIMEWARP: added some 'secret' codes (unlock all levels + more) *g*
  • correction to "background" art: easy: 10,24 medium: 1,9,27 (missing layer)

First tackle the bugs and major requests (done) - then start the process of integrating the final 60 levels (32 re-configured, 28 new!). If things go to plan, a new version for submission will be available just around the new year - meaning Caveman will rock in 2012!


2011-12-25 >> MERRY XMAS - wow; what a crazy year!

Mobile 1UP wishes all our visitors and fans a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

Over the last few months the "day job" has been higher priority - as you may remember the company Aaron Ardiri works for was acquired by "Research In Motion". It has been both a challenging and interesting journey, but unfortunately has put the Mobile 1UP project on the back burner. With the xmas break - it is great to be back!

>> Caveman - work in progress

Mobile 1UP has received a tonne of feedback about Caveman - mainly suggestions, and "where is my update" messages (yes, we agree); the great news is over the last few days a few improvements have been made to the game engine itself and the integration of more levels has begun (let's not forget - play testing). The next update should be ready for submission around the new year - Mobile 1UP promises that you will not be disappointed!

>> BlackBerry Playbook - native development kit

Mobile 1UP also started to investigate the NDK (native development kit) of the BlackBerry Playbook - in a matter of hours the basics (environment, compiler, foundations, core libraries, windowing system) have been tinkered with; it wont be long before the cross-platform engine used by Mobile 1UP will be up and running on the platform.

... of course, Caveman update is our highest priority right now!


2011-05-31 >> ubitexx GmbH - acquired by Research in Motion

Research in Motion - creators of the Blackberry mobile device family has completed the acquisition of ubitexx GmbH; a mobile device management solutions company based in Munich, Germany to extend their management portfolio to include android and iOS devices.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH MOBILE 1UP - YOU ASK?

Mobile 1UP is directly affected by this news as Aaron Ardiri; the main guy behind the scenes works for ubitexx GmbH as the VP of Development and after the acquisition becomes a Technical Director (ie: he keeps his job - to focus on new exciting opportunities).

The excellent news is that Mobile 1UP will continue to operate and add new titles to its portfolio of games and applications - in fact, soon a new device type will be added - the Blackberry Playbook! We already have a device are waiting for the native SDK!


2011-05-01 >> Caveman - zoom functionality "prototype"; will be in 0.9.3!

Mobile 1UP has a lot of requests for providing better control mechanisms in the game; one of the most requested functionality is being able to zoom to get a closer at the action - we were able to quickly add this to the code, the results are shown in the video above.


2011-04-25 >> Caveman - update submitted to webOS app catalog
>> Caveman + Caveman HD - update submitted to iOS app store

v0.9.2 is coming your way soon (subject to approval times)

  • HD version (1024x768) scrolling/panning correction
  • slight correction for basher logic (stopping too early at times)
  • tweaking to Caveman selection/assignment (no more double assignment)
  • audio improvement: multiple similar sounds can be played at once
  • level corrections - easy:25
  • allow panning/scrolling while paused (no auto un-pause)
  • goal requirement shown on top game gave (out: x in: x - xx% req: xx%)
  • timewarp = level codes to jump to specific level
  • added options screen:
    • specify action (can be used together)
      • assign tool to caveman by clicking on caveman (original logic)
      • assign tool to caveman by clicking on toolbar (alternative logic)
    • support for user to "flip" the display (180 degree rotation)
  • +30 levels (MEDIUM SET) - yippee!

Mobile 1UP wants to continue to hear your feedback and comments - as you can see, we did a lot in the last two weeks listening to users and putting more levels in - work has already started on the next version. Be sure to check out the SOLUTIONS GUIDES we put together if you get stuck - they are available on the main Caveman game information page.


2011-04-19 >> WORLD TRAVELS

Aaron Ardiri is on the move!

If you are located in Perth, Western Australia and want to join up for a beer over the next two weeks after easter, send us a message and you can get a sneak peak of what we are working on and, most importantly down a nice refreshing beer in the process!


2011-04-18 >> NEWSLETTER - 2011-04-18

Mobile 1UP's latest newsletter is now available online: 20110418-newsletter.txt


2011-03-31 >> Caveman - submitted to the webOS app catalog
>> Caveman & Caveman HD - submitted to the iOS app store

Mobile 1UP has completed the first build of Caveman and is in the process of making it available to everyone. To kick it off - webOS and iOS versions are now under review.

 
 
in-game screenies - completely new but totally familiar?

Caveman will be priced at $4.99 USD for the complete version (480x320) however as an introductory price and in parallel while we complete the other levels we will start it at $1.99 USD and increase as levels are added - all updates are free!

Mobile 1UP is also working on a HD (1024x768) version (iPad, TouchPad).


2011-03-30 >> webOSIGNITE - INVITED SPEAKER

hp launched their new "worldwide" developer program efforts with the webOSIGNITE starting with a session in London on March 30, 2011. Mobile 1UP was invited to give developers some insight about writing games for webOS.


presenting with a sneak-peak preview of Caveman running on a Pre 2 device

We couldn't resist the opportunity to show a preview of our Caveman game. It was great to see the enthusiasm at the event from the community of webOS developers in europe - hopefully more events like this will start showing up all over the world.


2010-06-23 >> LEMMINGS - developer porting challenge

Mobile 1UP will demonstrate the power of cross-platform mobile development by porting a classic Palm OS application to the latest mobile platforms via a live development-blog.

 
mock-up of user interface based on original

Mobile 1UP will focus its efforts to port its timeless classic implementation of Lemmings (from Palm OS) and release it as a free download containing all 120 original levels on the following platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OSX, iPhone/iPod/iPad and the Palm Pre.

www.mobile1up.com/lemmings/blog/


2010-06-10 >> GUEST SPEAKER: SEB Enskilda

Thursday, June 10, 2010
12:30pm - 2:30pm
SEB Enskilda
2 Cannon Street
EC4M 6XX London

Mobile 1UP was invited to speak at an event hosted by SEB Enskilda to discuss the state of mobile platforms - specifically identifying the various operating systems available and their maturity, which target groups exist, what is the relevance of press/hype and what are the new trends coming into play that will influence them moving forward?

The audience considered of financial advisors/strategies within the mobile space, particular interest was around Nokia and what Symbian and MeeGo mean for them moving forward.


2010-05+ >> MESSAGES ARCHIVED

older blog entries have been archived and are no longer relevant or visible.

DISCLAIMER:
"iPhone" and "iPod Touch" are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.


Copyright © 2008+, Aaron Ardiri. All rights reserved. Designed for 1024x768 resolution.