Hello [Code_Name: MEVYE] [Location: CLASSIFIED], welcome back!

Today we will see another workflow technique we apply in Noise Hunters, "Magic Rooms"!

As we mentioned in previous posts, we use Sourcetree as our version control in addition of Github as our repository. As a reminder, Sourcetree makes a clone of the repository on a local PC and when a file is modified locally it is uploaded to Github. If only one PC is making changes to certain files, then there is no problem with conflicts, but when two users try to upload the same file with modifications, we have conflict. Sourcetree only knows when a file has been modified but not how, so when this conflict happens, the users have to decide what file prioritize and make as permanent.

Typical view of Sourcetree in development

This conflicts occur normally with small files that have been modified indirectly, such as meta data or materials, for example. When this happens with this type of files then there is no problem, as the users hasn't invested time on those files, so the earliest files is made as the main change and the problem is left behind. However, the big problem occurs with big files, where two users have worked at the same time, here one of the two has to be discarded, so the best thing is to avoid the conflict.

Most of the time with communication and notifying the team will solve the problem most of the times. However sometimes the user may forget to say it and then it's too late to rectify. Here is where the "Magic Rooms" come in handy, each member of the team has their own level, in which they work or make tests that don't involve proper game levels. This way, each member makes modifications to different files and avoids possible conflicts and even if a conflict happens, as a last resort, make a package with Unity and try to re-import with the newer files.

Example of a Magic Room

This solution avoids a great deal of problems and long hours to fix 10 minutes of actual work. However, this is not a 100% free conflict method, there no such thing, as a developer you have to keep the team informed with your progress and current work.

Thanks for reading and don’t make any noise! 🤫

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Mail: noisehuntersgame@gmail.com