Blog Entry Part 1: The Problem
This week, I faced a significant issue while setting up the main menu for our game. The main menu is designed to allow players to set the map size and the number of enemies. However, the numbers inputted by the player were not being sent to the grid manager at the appropriate time. This caused the grid manager to fail in creating the grid size specified by the player. This issue was critical as it directly affected the game's core functionality, leading to potential player frustration when their custom settings were not applied correctly.

Additionally, the way I set up the main menu and the grid manager created conflicts with the audio manager, resulting in the sound effects (SFX) not playing. This problem would detract from the overall gaming experience, as audio cues are essential for player immersion and feedback during gameplay.

Blog Entry Part 2: Problem Solution

After identifying the problem, I delved into debugging to understand the root cause. The primary issue was timing—the grid manager was not receiving the inputted values from the main menu at the correct moment. To solve this, I restructured the flow of data between the main menu and the grid manager. I implemented a more reliable method to ensure the grid manager received the player's input values before initializing the grid.

I am still investigating the audio manager issue, trying to pinpoint exactly how the setup of the main menu and grid manager is interfering with the audio manager's functionality. I am exploring various solutions, such as adjusting the initialization sequence and verifying the configuration settings, to restore the functionality of the SFX.

These solutions, once fully implemented, will greatly improve the end-user experience. Players will be able to customize their game settings accurately, enhancing their engagement and enjoyment. Additionally, resolving the audio manager issue will restore the immersive experience provided by sound effects, contributing to a more polished and enjoyable game.