Future Volunteer Recruitment: Game Development

[Cipher]

We're opening this thread to allow people well-versed in programming and game development to have a place to offer their help / volunteer in the future. Please note that we're not currently bringing anyone in; this thread acts is a place of reference for when we do :)

 

Please do not include personal information in this thread!

 

When replying to this thread, please include the following information:

• Your Discord tag
  
• Applicable skills (see below)
  
• Availability & time zone
  
• Languages and libraries you have experience with
  
• What you would be interested in working on
  

 

We're currently looking at people who:

• Have a strong knowledge of C98 and C++, and have worked with DSLs before
  
• Are comfortable working a very large existing codebase
  
• Have experience implementing new systems
  
• Have experience with the various systems in a game engine; including rendering, the tools pipeline, performance optimization, dynamic content, etc.
  
• Have worked with modular and distributed systems
  
• Have a strong working knowledge of SQL databases and writing queries
  
• Are comfortable using Git
  
• Are happy to use Discord to communicate with the rest of the team
  

[_NOPE_]

Sort of duplicating from the other thread, but I'll adjust to match this thread as appropriate:

 

• Discord User ID: 523521835279712257, aka PhiloticKnight #0232
  
• Applicable skills: MSSQL/TSQL, Oracle SQL, C# (which I believe can translate backwards to C98/C++, I've read through the game's source code, and I can follow it just fine). Comfortable working a very large existing codebase, Have experience implementing new systems - in fact, I have experience in CREATING new systems, within my current company, I analyzed their entire packing, crating, and shipping systems and replaced it with my own created database/software solution that saves the company roughly $11,000 a month in labor, and an additional $20,000 a month in rework/quality issues a month. Have worked with modular and distributed systems. Have a strong working knowledge of SQL databases and writing queries. Comfortable using Git. I've never really used Discord before Homecoming, but I'm a creature of change, I'm fully willing to learn it and work with it if necessary.
  
• Time Zone: US Central, Availability: After 8PM Weekdays, and most anytime weekend, sporadically during the day (as I can squeeze some things in during my day job as a C# Developer)
  
• Languages and libraries you have experience with: PL/SQL, PowerShell, QBasic, Visual Basic 6, C#, LINQ, Windows Mobile, .NET Framework, PROGRESS/OpenEdge 4GL ABL, Drupal, Wordpress, HTML, CSS, Javascript, REST, XML, Office API, SAP, IFS, AutoDesk Inventor and AutoCAD, you name it, I can learn it fairly quickly. The "game" portion would be the new thing to me.
  
• I'm interested in providing a central "core experience" for all users, so that they are free to express themselves, in whatever way that might be... in providing a home wherein imaginations can run free. I trust you to place me wherever you think I'd fit best, if at all.
  

 

[hnloaded]

* Discord User ID: hnloaded#3816

* Applicable SKills: C++, C#, VB.NET, SQL Server, large-scale systems (Anheuser Busch/InBev) and implementing new systems; everything from a performance API to a mortgage-analysis AI.

* Time Zone: CST. After 4pm Weekdays.

* Languages/Libraries: C#, tSQL, C++, Visual Basic, ASP.NET, .Net Core, Microsoft Azure, Hmtl 5, CSS, REST, Bootstrap 5

* I'm interested in getting practical experience developing code for games and working to turn interesting ideas into reality.  To be entirely fair, my knowledge of game development is entirely theoretical (IE: no practical, lots of reading) but i'm ready to make the jump with this project.

* I'd like to work on powersets and general systems implementation.  One thing i've thought about its implementing an API that hooks into a builder that updates based on the current state of Homecoming's powers and balance so its accurate at all times.

[Halcyon]

Discord tag

• I'd rather not broadcast this; you might think that's paranoid, but I had a bad experience last year where I shared my tag on a forum and a program scraped it up and I got some awful stuff sent my way.  :o  Please PM me if/when you are looking at growing the team and want to chat and I'll send my tag over.
  

Applicable skills/languages/etc

• ~13 years daily work experience with C++. A good chunk of that my job also used a company-created DSL to "make things easier", so yeah. (TBH, I've been stuck in some ridiculously complex Javascript the past 3 years for work reasons, but would be happy to have an excuse to go back.)
  
• Other languages/knowledge/libraries/scars (experience may vary): Javascript, Java, REST, Unity, GCP, AWS, and others.
  
• RE: Codebase sizes. The majority of my career has been building/maintaining/managing projects around large scale client/server architectures. That included new implementation, as well as fixing crap others broke (sometimes, "others" = me. hah, hah).
  
• My SQL usage probably needs a refresher, but I've worked on several projects that involved building and optimizing DB interfaces.
  
• Git is fine. I've spent the last few years in GitHub specifically. Discord is fine, too.
  
• I also have some publishing credits in desktop game design (several boardgames, a couple of RPGs).
  

Availability & time zone

• Evenings in general are good. I'm senior enough at work to be able to set my schedule to some extent, so I can normally get time one day a week or so during the day. Timezone is Central, US.
  

What you would be interested in working on

• Happy to help with bugfixes, refactoring, etc as well - maybe I'm twisted but I like simplifying code/making it more maintainable. The one thing that blows my top at work is people delivering needlessly complex implementations.
  
• Major story arcs/trials/task forces/etc
  
• Powers design (implementation logic, game design and balancing - I'm hopeless from an art perspective)
  

[jack_nomind]

 

• Tag: Arafelis 1090 (skinned as Jack No-Mind in the Homecoming discord)
  
• Applicable Skills: In candor, I have only a little experience with SQL or other modern databases and my C/C++ skills are antiquated.  I do, however, have a little experience working with game design; in ancient times I worked on several MUDs (the only one of which still alive is Lost Souls MUD), and was involved in the early days of what is now City of Titans before deciding the project was unlikely to reach completion.  Emergent gameplay and encounter tools -- "dynamic content" in modern terms -- are particular passion areas of mine, and I've kept up with small-scale game development happening on itch.io and git; DSLs are not at all uncomfortable for me.  Ultimately, I think I can be a good problem-solving resource for the team even if I have the lowest output in lines.
  
• Time: Eastern US time, with high availability in summer.  I've gone back to school for a career change and my fall, winter, and spring availability is good but not total.
  
• Languages: Lua, ren'py, RGSS2, etc for scripting; just C and C++ for general purpose languages, no special familiarity with any library sets.
  
• Interest area: Anything that supports the content pipeline, particularly as it relates to encounter tools (mob behavior, world interactions, and abilities).
  

[Nemesis18]

Discord User: Nemesis

Applicable Skills: 20+ years of C development

Time zone: US Mountain; schedule is somewhat flexible

Languages: C, C#, JavaScript, SQL

Interest area: however I can help

 

[molleafauss]

Very briefly and with some obfuscation

 

* Your Discord tag: Molleafauss (id via pm if interested)

* Applicable skills: 20 years of backend dev. From C/C++ (very rusty skills, last piece of C++ written dates early 2000 on Sun Solaris) to Java/Python/nodejs nowadays. SQL mostly Oracle with reasonably large transactional datasets (~1TB). Some NoSQL. AWS Architect certified (i.e infrastructure as code: Ansible/Cloudformation/Terraform). Good Linux and networking (TCP/UDP) knowledge. Member of XMPP software foundation in 2008-2010.

* Availability & time zone: GMT

* Languages and libraries you have experience with: See above.

* What you would be interested in working on: backend/networking/infrastructure as i've 0 skills with 3d or ui.  Happy to try scripting content if needed.

 

[Purrfekshawn]

Discord Tag: "Empress Inversonia the First#7836

Skills: C++, Assembler, Javascript, HTML. Also some experience working with Databases.

Reverse engineering: can look into hexadecimal code, unzipping contents (via "uncompress" function from "zlib.dll", which l used a while ago to retrieve contents from ".pigg" files), using Cheat Engine on certain applications, by that finding certain data & disassembling code. Also making injections into software (such as Power Dimmer for Champignons Online).

Modding various games, both online and offline.

Experience on working with CoH system:

Replacing certain textures & sounds (modification on Client-side, mostly under playing on Private Server)

Modding powers on Private server in order to fix annoying bugs.

 

Want to help improve your system a bit, as well as gain experience in process. Looking to fix some very annoying bugs, lacks and funks in Our shared crusade of making this game the Purrfekshawn. Want to make this game perfect platform for roleplaying, and as a part of it - extend Character's naming buffer, for it to be able to contain the whole My Beloved Main Character's name - Our Imperial Majesty Empress Elaina Inversonia von Heidi de Nibeashe el Lerella Linda Celia Dimensina the First.

 

[firstmagic]

• Discord: myrddin#4194
  
• Skills: Professional developer since the early 90's.  Very strong in C.  Lots of experience in Perl.  Workable in C++ and Python.  Smatterings of experience in lots of other languages (tcl, javascript, ruby, c#, java, etc).  In the process of learning golang.
  
• Systems: Extensive experience in super scalable, low latency, enterprise grade network servers.  Have developed multiple large systems from scratch, integrating with many other interoperable systems.  Have stepped into work on pre-existing large projects.  Most of my work for the last decade has been developing asynchronous, event driven network systems written in C on Linux for one of the world's largest companies/customer bases.  Moderate experience interfacing with SQL style databases.  I've also written some of my own schemas, but that's definitely not my specialty, they're probably pretty scary to look at. ;)  Been using git for some time now.
  
• Availability/TZ: Evenings/weekends, MST.
  
• Languages/Libraries: Largely covered in skills/systems above.  Additionally, off the top of my head:  libevent, openssl.  Worked extensively with gdb and Purify.
  
• Interest: Pretty much any back-end system.  Wouldn't mind getting my feet wet with actual in-game systems as well.
  

 

[wjrasmussen]

We're opening this thread to allow people well-versed in programming and game development to have a place to offer their help / volunteer in the future. Please note that we're not currently bringing anyone in; this thread acts is a place of reference for when we do :)

 

Please do not include personal information in this thread!

 

When replying to this thread, please include the following information:

• Your Discord tag
  
• Applicable skills (see below)
  
• Availability & time zone
  
• Languages and libraries you have experience with
  
• What you would be interested in working on
  

 

We're currently looking at people who:

• Have a strong knowledge of C98 and C++, and have worked with DSLs before
  
• Are comfortable working a very large existing codebase
  
• Have experience implementing new systems
  
• Have experience with the various systems in a game engine; including rendering, the tools pipeline, performance optimization, dynamic content, etc.
  
• Have worked with modular and distributed systems
  
• Have a strong working knowledge of SQL databases and writing queries
  
• Are comfortable using Git
  
• Are happy to use Discord to communicate with the rest of the team
  

Before going through all those hoops, tell us what are the plans and deadlines are for them.  Are you looking to do.  Just bug fixes?  Silly QoL game changes?  add new zones.  Alternative advancement system at level 50.

[LowlyOne]

Your Discord tag: John Ransom#0395

Availability & time zone: Pacific Time Zone; I teach programming and do programming contract work. My availability changes from time to time.

Languages and libraries you have experience with: C, C++, C#, Python, Unity and a bunch of others

What you would be interested in working on: Oh, I have lots of things I would like to add to the game: bug fixes, quality of life changes, powersets, more customization options, etc.

 

We're currently looking at people who:

Have a strong knowledge of C98 and C++, and have worked with DSLs before: Oh yes, most of my 22 year professional carrier in programming has been working in C/C++. Also, most of my professional carrier has been in making computer games. I have even worked at Cryptic Studios on Star Trek Online.

Are comfortable working a very large existing codebase: Yes. The CoH code base is about as big as Star Trek Online.

Have experience implementing new systems: Yes. In fact I have also built smaller games from scratch.

Have experience with the various systems in a game engine; including rendering, the tools pipeline, performance optimization, dynamic content, etc.: I have worked with DirectX, and OpenGL, and have programmed shaders from time to time. In the game industry half a programmers work is making tools. Performance optimization is not my favorite thing to do, but I have done it before. I try to keep things high performance when I write them. Dynamic content comes with tools development. I have some experience with just about every facet of game development, however if you were to pin down what I am most experienced with it is probably UI.

Have worked with modular and distributed systems: Modular systems, yes. I haven't yet worked with managing a patch server.

Have a strong working knowledge of SQL databases and writing queries: I can write queries, but I wouldn't say I have a strong working knowledge of it.

Are comfortable using Git: I have only used it minimally in the past. I am fine with using it.

Are happy to use Discord to communicate with the rest of the team: Yes that works for me.

[Merlew]

Your Discord tag: Merlew#8842

 

Applicable skills (see below): I am currently a college student majoring in Computer Science. I would say I am an armature programmer at this time. I am currently interning and learning a lot about what I don't know about being a "real world" programmer. I would be interested in giving my time to learn and contribute to this project. I am currently most familiar with c++, c#, and Java. Having taken many classes on algorithm theory and mathematics I find that I can learn a new programming language relatively fast as I just have to catch up on the logic/ syntax. I am comfortable with using Git and I have some experience writing queries. I have worked with larger programs. If there is any room for a student when the time comes please let me know.

Availability & time zone: CDT 6pm - 10pm M - S // I would be willing to give 10 - 15 hours time a week (unless it turned into something more and I could move from my current position).

 

Languages and libraries you have experience with: c++, java, and c#.  .net.

 

What you would be interested in working on: While this is the programming section of application type posts I am experienced in programming, 3d modeling, and I know how to create textures. I have worked with applying new models and textures to existing video games through mods such as Minecraft modding in the past. I would be interested in just about any work I can get my hands on, however possibly applying new models and textures to the game would be a good start.

 

 

 

[Ssieth]

Your Discord tag: Ssieth#4236

Applicable skills (see below): A pretty broad range of fullstack development experience spanning 20+ years and covering open source and Microsoft platforms.  No experience in game development but plenty in enterprise systems of various stripes.  I've also done a stretch as a sysadmin for a mixed environment of linux and windows infrastructure (including SQL server).

Availability & time zone:  UK time based with availability most evenings and weekends.

Languages and libraries you have experience with:  My current role has me working primarily on a .NET/Angular/Oracle based stack but I've traditionally worked with LAMP/LEMP or .NET/MSSQL.  I've delved into C++ a bit (although mainly bugfixing other folks code-bases rather than producing anything original).

What you would be interested in working on:  Pretty much anything that isn't too graphics intensive - that's been a real gap in my experience so far.

[Tinfoilpancakes]

Discord Tag: TinfoilPancakes#6812 - ID# 197037798589595648

Applicable skills: 5 years of professional C & C++ Development. API & Tool Design and System Architecture.

Availability & Time Zone: US PST - Weekends Probably. Happy to pick up a few tickets or help with design in general.

Languages & Libraries: C / C++ Primarily, Python, and a too many libraries and toolsets... and writing them as well. Also written & implemented DSL parsers... would rather not nowadays but oh well.

What you would be interested in working on: Anything software side or U/I. Some comfort with GPU Compute if that ever becomes a thing.

[Lynkfox]

what the hell.

 

 

Your Discord tag: Lynkfox#4882

Applicable skills (see below) C++ (like... 10 years ago) Decompiling code and figuring it out, in assembly(like... 15 years ago) Much more recently, C#, Java. Not quite what you are looking for, but I remember enough of C++ and have good experience in C# that I should be able to muddle my way through. As a volunteer, I don't think it will be too bad.

 

GitHub experience, plenty.

 

Large code bases - not so much, but not afraid of them either.

 

Systems: Lots of fan work on producing RPG systems, board game systems, and the like. Nothing published, but mostly for a lack of trying than any other particular reason. Playtester for many different board games, who gives honest proper feedback, often supported by math and spreedsheets. So I know my way around balancing powers on a smaller scale, at least somewhat.

 

Availability & time zone EST, mostly Evenings, some days (currently Stay At Home Dad)

 

Languages and libraries you have experience with .net is by strongest skill by far, but I've self taught myself several others: Javascript, css, php, sql, some very limited python, working in the unity engine, and a myriad of others that I've taught myself small bits off here and there. Picking up new skills to a point where I can be helpful is pretty common for me.

 

What you would be interested in working on Anything and everything. I love doing systems design and balancing, but honestly code work is fun. Puzzling out code work of others is fun as well (i used to get other students to pay me to debug their code for them... cause it was fun. Money was a nice bonus).

[redbird]

Summary: 25+ year Game dev veteran currently working in the industry with extra time and a passion for CoH, I go back to the beginning as most of us do.

 

I have direct experience with MMO's as a programmer, both small studio (10 people) and large (200+) I've been there and done that, and am

doing it right now as a lead programmer (server programming primarily, but generalist when needed)

 

• Your Discord tag

 

redbird _ 6599

 

• Availability & time zone

 

My "other projects" time is generally from 9pm EST after my wife and kids have gone to bed until I drop at usually around 3am EST

 

• Languages and libraries you have experience with

 

I am a full stack game developer specializing primarily in client/server networked games. I lean toward

back end/behind-the scenes server work but have done everything from AI to UI. I have been senior or lead on many shipped titles, the

ones you might have heard of include:

 

EvE Online: personally refactored all networking to be multithreaded c++, NOT Python (yes really, unfortunately that makes it pretty easy to figure out who I am even though I'm not including "personal information")

EverQuest: networking/generalist senior on 4 expansions

Killing Floor 2, Incursion (VR yay!): Senior networking/generalist

Maneater (currently in development): Senior generalist

 

Also worked on a myriad of other games at studios like Hi-Rez, Acclaim and some Independant efforts.

 

I am most comfortable in c/c++ but have worked in C#/.NET, Python, lua.. whatever.. a loop is a loop.

 

• What you would be interested in working on

 

Primarily knocking issues/bugs off the "big board" to start, making the game better for everyone. I have some specific little things I'd like to add (for example, when a buff/debuff is expiring, flash a number of seconds over it so you know when it's about to go away) as well as some larger things I'd like to work on like dynamic zones, geometry, phased content, I have some ideas on superbases too

 

Look, ideas are a dime a dozen, what I really want is to bring some horsepower to the dev team so some of the

good suggestions that are already on the table can get implemented instead of "yeah that would be nice but..."

 

I'd also like to take into account some of the advances of the last 10 years in MMO mission design, adding some new tools for game designers to use,

perhaps even some deeper AI functionality, let's talk. I need to know more about where the project is to be more specific.

 

• Have a strong knowledge of C98 and C++, and have worked with DSLs before

 

Many years, although not really sure how Domain-Specific Language applies here.

 

• Are comfortable working a very large existing codebase

 

you have no idea. I could tell you stories.

 

• Have experience implementing new systems

 

Large-sytem 'game' architectures has been my dayjob for quite a number of years, I have done this solo and managed teams. I can give very large and specific examples if needed.

 

• Have experience with the various systems in a game engine; including rendering, the tools pipeline, performance optimization, dynamic content, etc.

 

Very much so, on a daily level professionally. If I have a weak spot it would be rendering. I'm not really a technical artist, but I've faked it a few times.

 

• Have worked with modular and distributed systems

 

Worked with existing ones and created new ones from the ground up on several very large and still-existing products.

 

• Have a strong working knowledge of SQL databases and writing queries

 

I'm not a DBA but I generally assume those duties as part of my work, quite comfortable with SQL.

 

• Are comfortable using Git

 

Git, Perforce, SVN, I use whatever the studio is comfortable with.

 

• Are happy to use Discord to communicate with the rest of the team

 

No problemo.

 

[Buzzkill]

Your Discord tag

Buzzkill#4102

 

Applicable skills

Previous (minimal) experience with game development & several years of professional experience working on teams & shipping products.

 

Availability & time zone

Mountain time, evenings & weekends

 

Languages and libraries you have experience with

C-family languages, PostgreSQL & Oracle DB.

 

What you would be interested in working on

I went to school for game development, but I haven't had much opportunity to develop games. I'm looking for an opportunity to do so, as well as improve my skills with C-level development.

 

As for what I'd be interested in working on within the project; assisting with fixing bugs to start, as well as possibly improving upon character creation & customization.

[oedipus_tex]

Discord Tag:

Quo#9102

 

Applicable Skills:

I have written mods for multiple games, including the following:

 

Torchlight 2 - Theolentist Character class

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=136409017

 

This mod introduced the Theolentist character class along with, with 3 specializations and close to 40 new powers. The class was heavily influenced by CoH. I introduced "toggle" abilities to the game, added a unique power feature called "Favors" and added several custom pets. The mod also includes custom particle effects developed for this class. (Credit: Icon design was done by a modder named Twinkletoes.) This mod took about 2 years to develop.

 

Civilization 6 - Quo's Spheres of Intrigue (originally Quo's Combined Tweaks)

https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/introducing-quos-spheres-of-intrigue.643945/page-1#post-15465463

 

This mod has been ongoing for the past 2 years. It is written mainly in SQL. It introduces a set of shared characteristics called "spheres" that drastically alter gameplay.

 

I was also for a period of time a "spell programmer" for a MUD (way back before World of Warcraft was a thing).

 

Languages and libraries you have experience with

C-family languages, SQLite, Actionscript for Flash (legacy), Python

 

 

Availability & time zone

Weekends, mainly

 

 

What you would be interested in working on

As my work on the Theolentist class above shows, I am primarily a Power Set person. I also have experience creating NPC/pets/enemies. I would be best used piloting and revising new/old powersets. Would be potentially willing to design them offline for transfer into the "real" game as they were designed.

[Mspekkio]

*  Your Discord tag:

    MSpekkio #SixEightThreeNine

*  Applicable skills:

    MS SQL as a Developer, DBA, and consultant.  C# development. system and process design.

*  Have a strong knowledge of C98 and C++, and have worked with DSLs before

    I've created DSL, parsers for other peoples DSL, and generally messed with undocumented protocol's before the phrase DSL came into common use.

    I can read and write both C and C++.  I would be fully  capable of opening requests for specific changes in relation to things I'm working on, and providing technical direction but I wouldn't want to be the one to fight through all the asterisks and ampersands.

*  Are comfortable working a very large existing codebase

    Yes and no, current Tools solution is 37 projects, 10 or so shared libraries, the others the various tools themselves and that's only a small (tiny really) part of the application's being delivered as part of the project.  No in that I haven't worked with a single solution that's as big as CoH.

*  Have experience implementing new systems

    Yes, about half the projects we work with are new work (current project) versus upgrading/integration some terrible legacy application.  Either way we are generally implementing new customer requirements.

*  Have experience with the various systems in a game engine; including rendering, the tools pipeline, performance optimization, dynamic content, etc.

    Game systems, no. I'm a "Enterprise programmer" so tools, processes, performance optimization, multiple components are all part of the deal.

*  Have worked with modular and distributed systems

    Almost exclusively.  My modules and distributed bits are usually nice, pretty, Windows services and forms, not raw processes.

*  Have a strong working knowledge of SQL databases and writing queries

    Yes.  I've designed database's from scratch, kept multiple terrabyte SQL databases limping along, done all the wrong things, and cried when there's not a better way.  Unless it's the GEOGRAPHY type, if it's Microsoft SQL I've at read the manual, and likely done it (Sorry SQL, I'm not going to re-architect and migrate 3 terabytes of data so I can partition the base table so I can apply a column store index to the now read-only portion of that partition [i jest, SQL 2016 makes column store index's not completely stupid, and I have read the manual on the GEOGRAPHY types and they are truly stupid])

*  Are comfortable using Git

    Yes, I've used both Git and SVN at the day job.  Git is great when you want formal code reviews on distributed teams, less great if everybody is just pushing to master, then it's just SVN with extra steps.  Neither Git nor SVN are great at non-source code data, but I prefer SVN in that case as it doens't get in your way as much.  I'm the primary version control repository designer and maintainer at work.  Expect opinions.

*  Are happy to use Discord to communicate with the rest of the team

You kids and your new-fangled communications.  Git and email are my natural preference.  Discord is fine.

*  Availability & time zone

    Eastern Time Nights, Could be available during daylight with warning.

*  Languages and libraries you have experience with:

    I've been some form of software developer for 15 years.  Like many here, I've spent a fair amount of time in different languages (How much VBA do you need?).

    Primary comfort point is Window OS's, C# and Microsoft SQL.  I've written numerous custom network applications/services (read random bytes, convert to database data/different bytes/some workflow).  Currently I'm maintaining the build and QA process for a very large project across a pile of disciplines, so writing tools (30ish at a quick count) for building, validating, generating documentation, and maintaining our environments, and documenting processes for same.  As mentioned above, I've done a ton of development and support on Microsoft SQL for a good long while. (SQL 2005 was like an angel kissing our checks).

    Previously I've done C++ (Windows API stuff that I'm happy to not do anymore), C, Java, Lua, Javascript, ASP.NET, OLE/ADO, Excel, VBA, VB Classic, VB.Net (no thank you),Wscript,etc  If it's a legacy Microsoft data exchange technology or scripting language I've touched it.

*  What you would be interested in working on

    I'm primarily posting due to the lack of people claiming strong Microsoft SQL skills.  Seems like the worker processes that CRUD from DBServer are a continual source of problems, and some of that is likely database related.  Getting to the point where the database is stable and performant enough to act as the back-end for a web auction view would be great; though, I would call it a great victory if we could just get the the auction house data to reliably return to the client.

 

Time wise I would only be able to contribute in a hobby fashion, but acting as a consultant on database changes, investigating specific issues, doing a performance review of a production database would all be tasks I could take on, code reviews of other's changes are all the kinds of things I could fit in.

 

Edit 7/3/2019

Having started to dive into the server source, I now see what you mean about DSLs.  I also see how a number of my assumptions about what is where were very wrong.  That's life.  I suspect there's still performance to be found for the 'front' of the server in optimizing the back-end persistence, based from some of the notes and comments in the source code, but those gains will likely require a broader look at the database read/write behavior under load.

 

[alocay]

Discord: Squid#3288

 

Availability:

Eastern Timezone (UTC -05:00), some evenings and weekends mainly

 

Skills:

• Most knowledgeable with C# but have some previous experience with developing platform components with C++
  
• Experience with SQL databases (mainly SQL Server but some postgres as well)
  
• Comfortable with Git
  
• Current software development work involves working with an existing application with a large (and often confusing) code base. This may be either implementing a new system, feature, or fixing an existing issue.
  
• Experience working on systems with various services working together as well as various nodes across the globe that share and access data from each other.
  
• Unfortunately no experience with actual game development and related tools (only small personal side projects)
  

 

Interest area:

However I can help. Since I'm not super familiar with this realm of software development, I'm interested in helping and learning where I can.

[tsalaroth]

Discord: tsalaroth (id if you PM, I think the full tag counts as personal info)

 

Applicable Skills/Experience:

 

- 25 years experience in software development from entry level developer to microservice decomposition of existing services

- 25 years experience in network-based services (primarily web- and sockets-based)

- 20-ish years experience in operations support for Unix-like systems; 10-ish for Windows (LDAP / AD incl.)

- Experience with C98, C++ (admittedly 15+ years ago for work)

- I grok a lot of programming languages. A lot. Yes, there's some grey in my beard.

- Experience with a handful of DSLs, mostly around build / deploy automation or system configuration

- Strong experience in systems and services development in the context of platform, operations and development (http; websockets; tcp; udp; pki)

- Experience automating SQL deployments, but this more of an offshoot from service development / devops than as a DBA

- I'm very comfortable with large codebases, and do so daily at work

- I've been a git advocate at various jobs for over a decade, and am often educating co-workers on usage

- Strong advocate for starting over and building from scratch if your wheel is busted beyond repair - just don't re-invent them

 

While you could say my current work is in gaming, none of my work experience is in video game development - all of my experience there dates back to high school when I wrote BBS door games. I might not be great at providing cool feature or content ideas, I think I could do OK in a wide range of SDLC cogs. :)

 

(I'd make a horrible scrum master, so don't go there)

 

Availability:  East coast, after 5pm most days, and available most weekend.

 

Languages: Go, Python, Ruby, Groovy, TypeScript, C# (ish)

Libraries: This is a very long list; I've done most of my network programming in python, with a little in Go; most of my systems programming has been in Go lately, but a lot in Python and TypeScript;

 

Interest: Making Backends Great Again (or any advice / design / decomposition / systems coding)

[goblinite]

Discord Tag: Jackson James

PM me for my email address, I don't discord much.  Too much drama for my tastes.

 

Applicable Skills & Education: 

• MSSQL, MySQL, C-Tree NSQL database administration/database development.
  
• A number of Public Safety, Health, and USAF records management systems
  
• Web-based database application with HTML/CSS/PHP
  
• Joomla content management system
  
• DNS, LDAP, AD, RADIUS, DHCP, etc.
  
• Worked in all levels of the OSI model.
  
• Experience using and administrating The Dude and PRTG network monitoring software.
  
• Experience with Manage Engine suites of tools
  
• Undergrad level work in C, C++, Java, Python.
  
• Experience administering Windows Server NT 4.0 through Server 2019.
  
• Experience as user/technician/admin Windows Desktop 3.0 through Windows 10 build 1903.
  
• Experience with common troubleshooting tools for networks including Wireshark, NMAP, and Metasploit as well as physical tools.
  
• Some education in penetration testing and outdate experience with Backtrack.
  
• Specialist in mobile computing.  I manage IT for a  fleet of 20 vehicles operating across a large geographical area (About 1/3 of Texas) that all act as extensions of the MAN with full access to all resources and appropriate monitoring for a CJIS/HIPAA complaint network.
  
• Hold a MCSE Server 2003 with Security.  A generalist in this covering all aspects of the Server and Windows based networking (Group Policy, Active Directory, Certificates, and so on).
  
• Hold a CompTia Security+ certification.
  
• AAS is CIS with a specialty in Networking.
  
• Completed course work for CCNA, A+, Network+, PMP.  Required as part of my degree, did not take the tests due to costs at the time.
  
• Back in school after 15 years off finishing my Bachelors in IT with Minor in Criminal Justice.  Projected graduation Dec 2019.  Will the pursue Master of IT-Cybersecurity followed by doctorate.
  
• Experience technical writer and APA style writer.
  
• Experience in education and instruction in both public school and private environments.
  
• Booker, producer, manager, and story line writer for professional wrestling shows.
  

 

Work History:

• 1998-2001 DoD/USAF PC Technician & Assistant Network Admin
  
• 2001-2003 Lead technician for contract tech support company.  Field work for Dell, HP, GTE, DHS, KMart, Multiple Police Departments other organizations and individuals.
  
• 2003-2004 Independent Contractor (Went back to school)
  
• 2004-2007 Internet Customer service then Intercarrier Relations/Support Manager for large Cellullar/Internet/Wireline phone company
  
• 2007-Present Technology Manager/Network Administrator specializing in Public Safety, Fire, Dispatch, and Police systems for municipality.  Responsible for CJIS, HIPAA, PCI compliance.  Work wired and wireless with LAN/MAN.  Variety of OS, mobile devices, Server OS.
  

 

Willing to do:

• Light Database work
  
• Remote troubleshooting Server issues
  
• Answer questions inside my wheelhouse and experience
  
• Maybe GM in game
  

 

Availability:

Between my teaching, school, and day job I'll take light projects, usually by email.  I have access to browser based remote troubleshooting software.

I play CoH for 1-2 hours most evenings and I would be willing to do some GM work in the game.

 

Personal:

• Digitally Published Author.  I actually get the occasional royalty check and have sold literally dozens of books.
  
• Massive comic book collector.
  
• Started playing D&D in 1985.  Wrote a Gundam model based tabletop wargame that is well received and I give away for free.
  
• Played CoH from Issue 4 until AE, quit because the game seemed to become about grinding to 50 instead of enjoying the ride.
  
• My wife and I's favorite date sight is Paragon City.
  
• Invested heavily in plastic crack (Warhammer 40k, Gundam)
  
• First started online with electronic BBS in the '80's.  Went to Quantumlink in '85 (yes I am old enough to have been on AOL before it was AOL)
  
  • First MMO was with the original Neverwinter back on AOL
    
  • Started working with computers in 1982 with a TX Sinclair 1000.
    
  • Built multiple gaming PCs
    
  • Wrote first text based RPG game on a C64 in 1983
    
  • Did dissertation on Retro-Gaming and Emulation systems (20 years ago, I haven't worked with them since)
    
  • Black Belt in 2nd Dan Karate and 4th Dan Aikido.  Martial arts instructor for both (20 years Aikido, longer for  Karate)
    
  • Retired professional wrestler with hundreds of matches in multiple independent promotions.  I also refereed and did ring announcing.  I've worked with Charlie Haas (WWE), Pat Tanaka (Bad Company, NWA, WCW), Doink the Clown (WWE), Dusty Wolf (WWE), Baby James Tibedoux (NWA), Necrobutcher (RoH and the movie The Wrestler with Mickey Rourk), and hundreds of others with names most people won't recognize.  I have some really great stories.  Citing the organizations above is not a representation of myself working for them, it is simply stating where you may or may not have heard of them from.  I have not recieved a paycheck ever from WWE, WCW, NWA, or RoH.
    
  • Currently training in Kali
    
  • At home I have 4 computers, 2 kids and a wife.  We all play CoH simultaneously together.  I play more than the rest of them.
    

   

  I'm a troubleshooter and puzzle solver at heart.  I left management because I wanted to be getting my hands dirty and hate dealing with budgets.  I abhor drama but am not above gossip.  I look for solutions at the lowest level of the problem first before moving up.  My personal experience has been that most 'Network' related issues are actually on the local PC and can be rectified at that level.

   

  Sorry for the length.  I write like I like my Syslogs, Verbose.

[Williwaw]

Sure, I'll throw my hat into the ring.

 

• Discord tag is DS#7850 (though my nickname is Williwaw in the channel).  I don't actually use Discord much, so send me a PM on here first if I'm selected.
  
• I'm a long-time hobbyist game programmer with C and C++ experience (to answer both the "applicable skills" and "languages and libraries" questions). I've developed multiple games and even game series from scratch, including shooting, RPGs, and even wrestling games.
  
• Time Zone is GMT+1, but I'm currently between jobs, so if I'm not doing the dishes or scooping the cat's litter boxes, I'm available.  (This may change if I get the job at an Actual Professional Game company that I'm angling for, but we'll see how that goes)
  
• I'd like to try my hand at power development, since developing powers and skills have always been my favorite parts of developing my own games.  I'd like to start with new APPs (filling in the gaps) to get a handle on the powers system, before working my way up to finishing up existing but incomplete powersets (the Origin Pools, Wind Control, etc), to entirely new powersets, to maybe even new ATs.  But one step at a time, eh?
  

[drboston]

Your Discord tag: DrBoston#8497

Applicable skills: Coder, production support, code review, process stuff, documentation, testing. Support of Windows, Linux, Mac. Technical writing. Process management. Training. Explaining things patiently the umpteenth time. Started coding on a Commodore 64, currently employed as a Senior Developer.

Availability & time zone: GMT +5 (US/Eastern). Available weekends and after 6 PM local. Willing to work weird hours if required.

Languages and libraries you have experience with: C, C++, Java, Javascript, Jelly, Angular, PHP, SQL, MySQL, HTTP, CSS, some Python, some PERL. Some experience with Unreal.  HAHAHA: BASIC, PASCAL

What you would be interested in working on: Henchmen customization. Eventually new systems like recruitable Allies al-la GW1 Heroes; Vehicles; Superpets/Sidekicks. Lagomorph blast. Documenting how to get new assets (etc.) into a server/instance; tool train to get new art assets into the system without continual developer assistance; convert a bunch of professional artist stuff I have into useable assets. I'll do rotations on less glamorous stuff. I would be chuffed to be the knowledge librarian.

[Mithion]

Discord Tag:

Mithion#9844

 

Availability/Time Zone:

Couple days/week from 9PM-12PM EST  (UTC -05:00) (which days fluctuate but usually there is 1-2), and weekends for a few hours per week.

 

Languages and Libraries:

C++, C#/.NET, Java, Lua, Javascript, (My)SQL, PHP, anything in between.  As one of the other volunteers said so perfectly, "a loop is a loop".

Experience with Unity and Unreal engine.

 

Never used C98, but would be happy to learn as needed.

 

Work Interests:

Ultimately, I'd want to work on powersets.  Creating spells and balancing numbers, playing with animations and particle effects, implementing game mechanics.  That's my passion.  Things like the continuation of Wind control as a powerset for 'trollers and doms.  That's a huge one for me, and I'd love to be a part of it.

 

I have a small, simple recording studio (currently in pieces due to a move, but will be up and running again soon).  I could help with expanding the content in the game that is voiced over, including audio editing and coordinating with local VO actors who need a place to record.

 

Applicable Skills:

• Software Engineer for 13 years with experience in drivers and robotics, satellite communication, AI, and automation.
  
• Written, implemented, modified, and managed ERP systems.
  
• SQL database administrator - setup and managed.  I'm very comfortable in this environment.
  
• At another point in my life I created the Ars Magica and Ars Magica 2 mods for Minecraft.  Involved lots of netcode, render pipeline, new mechanics, balancing, community engagement, and collaboration with other devs to ensure (or attempt to ensure) compatibility.  I also made a few contributions to Forge, the main modding API underlaying many mods for the game.  This included collaboration through Git.
  
• Written a couple games, tinkering with one in VR.  One of the games contained a modding toolkit written custom from the ground up which allowed full changing of the game including custom scripting in Lua.
  

 

Happy to use Discord to communicate.