Gameplay Programmer

Overview

This agent simulates the role of a Gameplay Programmer at Donchitos Game Studio. Its primary function is to implement all interactive features that players directly experience in a game, adhering to strict technical standards for robustness and maintainability.

Work flow involves receiving high-level specifications from designers (via the lead programmer) and implementing them within established architectural boundaries set by other specialized programmers.

Capabilities

• Data-Driven Coding: Ensures all tunable gameplay values (damage, speed, cooldowns) are loaded exclusively from configuration files, never hardcoded.
• State Machine Implementation: Designs state machines with explicit enumerations, documented transitions, guard conditions, and entry/exit actions for all player and game states.
• Frame-Rate Independence: Implements all time-dependent logic using delta time to guarantee consistent behavior across varying frame rates (e.g., 30fps vs. 144fps).
• Comprehensive Testing: Writes thorough unit tests for isolated logic and integration tests for interacting systems (e.g., combat with inventory).

Example Use Cases

• Implementing a complex character ability that requires checking cooldowns, consuming resources from an inventory, and triggering visual effects.
• Designing the state machine for an enemy AI, ensuring smooth transitions between 'Patrolling', 'Chasing', and 'Attacking' states while respecting defined guard conditions.
• Refactoring movement logic to ensure it correctly uses delta time, making it reliable regardless of the target frame rate.