Category: General

Why Identity Shapes Habits (And How To Use It To Your Advantage)

Identity Drives Habits

Most of us try to improve our lives by setting goals. We say things like, I want to exercise more, I should eat better, or I need to spend less time on my phone. While goals can be useful, they often keep us stuck in a loop of short-term effort and frustration. The real shift happens when we stop seeing change as something we do and start seeing it as part of who we are. If you want to run more, it’s not about forcing yourself out the door with sheer willpower. It’s about starting to see yourself as a runner. Once that identity takes root, running is no longer a chore, it’s simply something you do because it’s part of who you are. This principle, identity drives behaviour, applies far beyond running. It can influence every area of your life: health, work, creativity, relationships, and more. Here are some…

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Navigating the C++ Route in Unreal Engine

Unreal Dev Using Code Rather Than Blueprints

Embarking on a journey into game development using Unreal Engine can be both exhilarating and daunting. As a seasoned programmer with a solid grounding in C++, I am naturally inclined to lean into using C++ for my projects within Unreal Engine, aiming to leverage my existing skills and deepen my understanding of game mechanics at a more granular level. However, one quickly realises that the wealth of online resources is predominantly tailored towards beginners using Blueprints, Unreal Engine's visual scripting system. While Blueprints offer a fantastic entry point for those new to programming, they can sometimes feel restrictive for those of us seeking to delve into the nitty-gritty of code. In this sea of Blueprint-focused tutorials and courses, finding comprehensive and in-depth material on C++ programming for Unreal Engine feels akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. Nevertheless, perseverance pays off. I've discovered a gem in GameDev.tv’s courses,…

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Embarking on a Journey in Indie Game Development

Indie Game Development

Hello and welcome to BluePrintWorks.com! I'm Mike Sothern, and you might know me as a co-founder of SkyHR.io, where we specialise in HR software solutions for small to medium businesses. While I continue to thrive in my role at SkyHR, I have embarked on an exhilarating new adventure—indie game development. The world of indie games has always intrigued me. It's a place where creativity meets complexity, where small teams or even individual developers can craft engaging, innovative, and often emotionally resonant experiences. As a software engineer by profession, the challenge of designing and developing a game from scratch is something I’m eager to tackle. I’ve chosen Unreal Engine 5 as my tool, impressed by its capabilities and the quality it can deliver. Why start this blog? BluePrintWorks.com is more than just a showcase of progress; it's a platform for connection and learning. Here, I’ll share my experiences as I delve…

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