BRB: Touching Grass

Logging off for a week of hikes, books, and family chaos in the Kerry wilds.

Hi, I'm David, and this is my place to talk about what I love most: making video games with my 14-year-old son, Luke. Last year, we released a roguelike called Brawlberry. Now, we’re working on an Irish-themed couch-coop 3D platformer called Druid’s Crown. This is where I share how it’s going and nerd out about all things games and game dev.

This week (and maybe next week), I have no game updates, no witty thoughts on nerd culture, and not even a bad meme. This week, I’m not on my computer (except to write this quickly before bed). We are in a caravan by the beach in the Kerry Mountains, recreating a childhood that I enjoyed, for my own kids.

We have a week of no technology, no distractions, just hiking, playing in the sand, swimming, board games, and a lot of book reading. So far, we’re three days in, and I’m exhausted. Keeping all three kids and my wife happy, combined with the sea air and extra exercise, is taking its toll. But I’m excited for this week as a punctuation to a great few weeks of writing on Substack and working on the game. It cannot be all go go go constantly, and going out and touching grass has all kinds of benefits.

I love my time making games with Luke, but I have been looking forward to this. At the end of this week we are hiking for three days with hiking bags, tents, sleeping bags, and lots of laughter. An annual occasion that helps remind me that although this pastime of gaming and game development has brought me and my family together, it is not the only way.

Until I return, Slán go fóill.