Archives for design

Our Shift to Unreal Engine 5: MoboNode’s Experience Beyond Unity3D

Posted on by in Programming | Comments Off on Our Shift to Unreal Engine 5: MoboNode’s Experience Beyond Unity3D

MoboNode is a passion project where players take on the role of Dr. Boss, a computer scientist shrunk down inside an old PC whilst investigating AI Ethics at CERN. As he navigates a hazardous environment, he will battle digital threats and demonic entites, repair malfunctioning components and maintain the PC. The game is structured around linear missions involving fixing components, defeating enemies, and uncovering the fate of other scientists.

VIDEO PREVIEW OF IN DEV

 

Core gameplay revolves around base building and combat. Players can craft tools as weapons—like screwdrivers and EMF bombs—to combat rats, roaches, demonic entities, viruses and rogue updates (anything you expect to find inside a PC case). A base of operations exists inside the Power Supply Unit (PSU) serves as a safe zone for crafting and resting, creating a balance between exploration(combat) and strategy. The visual style leans into a retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic FPS games, while character design reflects a blend of human and machine elements. Key locations feature distinct environments, from the chaotic motherboard to the safe haven of the PSU.

After years of building MoboNode in Unity3D, we faced a pivotal decision: stick with what we knew or embrace the cutting-edge features of Unreal Engine 5. This was over a year ago! While the transition has presented its challenges, we firmly believe it’s the right move for our project.

We want MoboNode to stand out visually, and Unreal Engine 5’s advanced rendering capabilities, like Nanite and Lumen, promised to bring our vibrant world to life in ways Unity simply could not. Nanite allows for incredibly detailed assets without the usual performance trade-offs, while Lumen offers dynamic global illumination, creating realistic lighting that adapts in real time. This leap in visual fidelity has opened up exciting possibilities for MoboNode’s aesthetic, allowing us to create a more immersive experience for players.

However, switching game engines is no small feat, and we quickly realized the journey would not be without its struggles. Here are some key challenges we faced:

Unreal Engine 5’s Blueprints system feels like learning a new language. It offers a robust visual scripting environment that, while powerful, can be overwhelming compared to Unity’s simpler interface. As someone who prefers coding in C#, embracing Blueprints has become a necessity to fully leverage the engine’s capabilities. This shift required us to adapt our thinking and workflow significantly.

Migrating assets from Unity to Unreal was another hurdle. While some assets could be converted, others needed to be reworked or recreated to fit Unreal’s framework. This process was time-consuming but ultimately rewarding, allowing us to revisit and enhance our art and design.

Despite these challenges, the decision to switch to Unreal Engine 5 has begun to pay off, enhancing the overall vision for MoboNode.

Keep up-to-date on Development or contact us to get involved –> https://www.bossit.net.au/welcome-to-boss-it/programming/mobonode/

Navigating the Sea of SEO and Web Design Sales: How to Identify Genuine Providers Amidst Automated Harassment

Posted on by in Ethics, Sales&Marketing | Comments Off on Navigating the Sea of SEO and Web Design Sales: How to Identify Genuine Providers Amidst Automated Harassment

Navigating the Sea of SEO and Web Design Sales: How to Identify Genuine Providers Amidst Automated Harassment

Businesses are inundated with offers from SEO and web design salespeople promising to boost their online presence and transform their websites. However, many of these offers are generic and lack any understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the businesses they target. This article explores the prevalent issue of automated harassment by salespeople and offers guidance on how businesses can differentiate genuine providers who prioritize conducting proper due diligence.

The Problem with Automated Harassment:

Automated sales tactics, such as mass emails and cold calls, have become ubiquitous in the digital marketing landscape. Unfortunately, these impersonal approaches often result in businesses being bombarded with irrelevant offers that do little to address their specific needs. Instead of taking the time to understand the nuances of each business, salespeople rely on generic pitches that fail to resonate with their audience.

Lack of Due Diligence:

One of the primary issues stemming from automated harassment is the lack of due diligence on the part of salespeople. Instead of researching the businesses they target, salespeople often resort to a one-size-fits-all approach, offering cookie-cutter solutions that may not align with the unique goals and challenges of their prospective clients. This not only leads to frustration and annoyance for businesses but also undermines the effectiveness of the services being offered.

How to Differentiate Genuine Providers

So, how can businesses separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to SEO and web design providers? The key lies in identifying providers who prioritize conducting proper due diligence:

  • Look for providers who take the time to research your business before making contact. Genuine providers will demonstrate a clear understanding of your industry, target audience, and current online presence.
  • Seek out companies that ask insightful questions about your goals, challenges, and previous marketing efforts. A provider who is genuinely interested in helping your business succeed will take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor their approach accordingly.
  • Request case studies or examples of previous work that demonstrate a track record of success. Genuine providers will be more than happy to showcase their expertise and highlight how they have helped businesses similar to yours achieve their goals.
  • Ensure their website is accessible and SSL secured. A reputable provider will prioritize the security and accessibility of their own website, reflecting their commitment to best practices in web design and digital security.
  • Evaluate the performance of their website using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. A reputable provider will prioritize website performance, including fast loading times and optimized user experience.
  • Check if their website is mobile-friendly using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test. With mobile usage on the rise, it’s crucial for websites to be optimized for mobile devices to ensure a seamless browsing experience for visitors.
  • Research their own search engine rankings for relevant keywords related to their services. A provider that excels in SEO should have a strong presence in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant industry keywords.
  • Review their portfolio and case studies to assess the quality of their work and the results they’ve achieved for previous clients. Look for evidence of successful projects that align with your business goals.
  • Inquire about their technical expertise and certifications. Look for providers who have certifications or accreditations from reputable organizations in the field of SEO, web design, or digital marketing.
  • Request references or testimonials from past clients to get insights into their experience working with the provider. Hearing from satisfied clients can provide valuable reassurance about the provider’s capabilities and professionalism.
  • Evaluate their communication style and transparency in discussing their services, pricing, and timelines. A trustworthy provider will be open and honest in their communication, providing clear explanations and setting realistic expectations.
  • Look for social proof on platforms like LinkedIn, where you can verify their professional credentials and see endorsements from colleagues or clients. Active engagement and positive feedback from their professional network can further validate their credibility.

The Importance of Due Diligence in Provider Selection

Choosing the right SEO and web design provider is crucial for the success of your online endeavors. By conducting proper due diligence and selecting a provider that truly understands your business, you can ensure that your investment yields tangible results. Genuine providers will work collaboratively with you to develop a customized strategy that addresses your specific needs and delivers measurable outcomes.

Alternatives to Traditional Sales Approaches

In addition to conducting due diligence when selecting a provider, businesses can also explore alternative approaches to engaging with potential partners:

  • Look for providers who offer free consultations or audits to assess your current online presence and identify areas for improvement. This demonstrates a commitment to understanding your business and providing tailored solutions.
  • Seek out providers who prioritize building relationships and long-term partnerships over making a quick sale. Genuine providers will invest the time and effort to earn your trust and demonstrate their value as a strategic partner.

It’s more important than ever for businesses to be discerning in their selection of SEO and web design providers. By prioritizing providers who demonstrate a commitment to conducting proper due diligence and understanding their clients’ unique needs, businesses can ensure that their investment in digital marketing yields meaningful results. Remember, the right provider is not just selling a service – they’re offering a partnership that can propel your business to new heights of success.

By thoroughly assessing these technical aspects and conducting due diligence, you can better evaluate the validity of SEO and web design salespeople and make informed decisions when selecting a provider for your business.

This comprehensive guide provides businesses with practical strategies to navigate the influx of sales pitches and identify genuine providers who prioritize understanding and meeting their specific needs.