Dev Log 03 - Self Doubt and Dialogue Systems

This week has been heavy with self-doubt. Every time I commit to a long-term project, I inevitably hit a point where the hours behind me seem to shrink to nothing in the rearview, replaced by feelings of inadequacy and shame over perceived poor work ethic. That’s a big reason I write these dev logs and weekly WIP updates—to keep a grounded record of what I’ve actually accomplished, something I can look back on when doubt creeps in. As I settle more into a work rhythm, it feels even more important to remind myself of the progress I’ve clawed from the ether.

That said, while these updates help me see my forward momentum, they do little to ease the existential dread of pouring myself into a game that may never find time in anyone’s schedule. At times it feels like I’m crafting an overly personal, obsessively optimized portfolio piece. But as outcomes go, there are certainly worse.

This week’s focus was on systems, particularly a new dialogue system. I integrated an open-source solution called DlgSystem by NotYetGames. The integration process had its challenges, but their documentation and smart design made it surprisingly smooth once I got into it. Along the way, I learned a lot about bridging Blueprints and C++, which has been hugely inspiring for how I think about system architecture. I love building tools that are performant yet elegantly exposed for ease of use, and Unreal gives me so many satisfying ways to make that happen.

Next up: finishing the props I started earlier this week and polishing up the UI. As always, thanks for checking out this ongoing Dev-Log/Manifesto. Any engagement at all goes a long way toward keeping me motivated!