I was so looking forward to diving in today that two things happened: 1) I started off in webcam 2 but didn’t switch the stream view so that first segment was my profile hidden behind the mic. Doh!, and 2) I forgot to start the recording (again).
Rewind.
Started over, got the correct webcam view and hit the broadcast record button. All’s well.
The reason I was so looking forward to diving in was the idea of changing all the current True/False variables to Number variables. In Storyline you can’t just change your mind at this scale without causing a trickle effect in any triggers that use existing variables.
DESIGN SKETCH
There were 15 True/False variables that were used to indicate if a drop target was occupied by any ring (drag item). Let’s call these “position” variables. By changing these position variables to a Number type I can evaluate positions by the rings and not drop targets. First benefit is reducing the set of position variables from 15 down to 5 (total number of potential rings for this game). Then, assign a number value 1-15 depending on if any ring is on a specific drop target position.
Essentially, each ring would have its own Number variable: Ring1, Ring2, Ring3, Ring4, and Ring5. Each position would be indicated by its numerical order starting with Tower A 1-5, Tower B 6-10, and Tower C 11-15. For this 2-ring game prototype, Ring1 is in position 4 and Ring2 is in position 5.
It only took a few minutes to scrap the existing set of True/False triggers, set up new Number variables, and re-assign the triggers. By the end of the episode I had the prototype working properly again – minus a few other considerations (See Episode 6).
AUGUST 15, 2017 FACEBOOK LIVE BROADCAST VIDEO:
Facebook Live reflection and thoughts
I started this project last Monday, August 7 and went live every day that week and this episode marks two more days this week. Seven straight days live with 9 1/2 hours of live broadcasting! While I’m really enjoying working out loud and sharing, I underestimated the overall effort. The actual event only takes about an 1 1/2 – 2 hours (prep > live > post) which is a blip in my day. However, in order to post here with updates and a recording of the broadcast I need to get the video uploaded to YouTube in order to embed. Rendering the broadcast video in preparation for YouTube takes several hours, which is not a concern but I do have to plan time later to finish up – usually well into the evening. Meanwhile, write up and post on a new page for each episode. Finally, promotion and marketing calendar planning fits in there somewhere.
All that is to say is I only planned daily episodes up to…well this episode. The plan is go live each episode until the project is complete. I’m still committed to that but beginning to realize it’s going to be a LOT of episodes. To mitigate some of the time rendering and post-production, I’m considering moving to YouTube and run the live events directly from that platform. I still have a few logistics to sort out and I’ll let you all know.
For now, Episode 8 is scheduled for August 18 at 11 AM CT / 12 PM CT. Follow the link below the Facebook Page to stay informed.
Be sure to LIKE NuggetHead Studioz Facebook Page to keep up with notifications and future live events! While you’re at it, go ahead and subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep up to date on any wacky future ideas!
Episode 7 – Aug 15, 2017 – YOU ARE HERE