Finally decided to join the community!

[Zazenora]

Hello everyone, my name is Brandon, although you may simply call me Zazenora. (Zazen or Zaz is also acceptable.)
I have finally decided to become an active member within the RPG Maker community after many years spent using the forums for my own self-teaching process. This community has given me so much, and I hope to one day be able to contribute something back since my current skill in game development wouldn't be possible without it.

I am currently 26 years old. I've enjoyed using RPG Maker since its early versions (RM2K, RM2K3) since around age 12-13.
Like probably quite a few members of this community, RPG Maker provided me with an easier way to dip my toes into the world of Game Development, as I've always been fascinated with how games were made since the days of the Super Nintendo, most notably the Final Fantasy series, as well as Chrono Trigger, etc,.

My development skills vary, and while I wouldn't consider myself anything more than an amateur in most areas, I understand the fundamentals in Graphic Design and Programming. Writing detailed story-lines and creating unique GUI's are what I seem to be best at right now, but I'm constantly striving to gain more experience in a wide range of areas.

Currently, I have a project that I'm working on ressurecting, "Eternal Cloud - Book One". It takes place in a universe I've created that I want to use for other projects going forward, known as "Ethereal Odyssey". Hopefully one day I'll have everything in a presentable order that I feel comfortable with sharing within the community.

Some things I am currently interested in/doing: Learning JavaScript and be able to apply it to RPG Maker MV, creating a completely custom set of tilesets, characterset & style, and making some new friends here in the community.

Aside from my day job, I've pretty much been a hermit these past few years online & offline, and have just recently decided to pick back up on my passion. If you've taken the time to read this entire introduction, I thank you.

Cheers!
,Zazenora

 

[Frogboy]

Welcome, Zaz! Glad you decided to join the forums. It's a decision you won't regret. The people around here are great and do a wonderful job helping each other out. I'm more of an old-school gamer but am no stranger to SNES or Final Fantasy. The original FF is a game I pick up and play often. Love 6 and 7 as well. I'll see ya around. Take care.

 

[Gabrelik]

Cheers, and welcome! (officially, since you've been lurking a bit XD )

I'm personally finding the best way to learn is to jump right in. I've been around here for a few years now, myself, and haven't learned nearly as much from reading as I have from developing my project. Don't get me wrong, there is a ton of useful information to help guide you along the way, but I would definitely recommend starting a very small project to get your feet wet. You can also cruise the Project Recruitment forum to get some experience, or maybe even join a game jam!

I wish you luck on whatever you decide. Well met!

 

[Zazenora]

Thanks for the info! Also, I should clarify that I've got enough experience with the engine itself to do quite a bit. After going a few years without so much as opening an RPG Maker project, I've had a pretty easy time getting back into the workflow. I can credit my knowledge to the vast amounts of tutorials scattered across the forum.
Scripting is where I'm just now starting to "dip my toes". I'm currently learning how to recreate functions that can otherwise be done from the visual coding aspect of RPG Maker.

@Gabrelik - I agree, the best way to learn is to actually do it. I try to find ways to apply what I'm learning and implement it into my project without a simple cut and paste approach, and also learning to recreate something without having to refer to the step-by-step tutorials over and over is a good way to make something "stick" in my head.

Thanks for the warm welcome! Hopefully I'll see you around in the forums.