Personal project · Solo
Shardfall
- Type
- Personal, solo
- Focus
- AI systems, State Tree, Claude/Codex as a force multiplier
- Stack
- C++, Unreal Engine 5.8, Gameplay Ability System, State Tree, Utility AI, Claude/Codex
Project scope
- Game
- Narrative-focused action RPG in Unreal Engine 5.8, leaning on Armenian mythology
- Team
- Solo
- Started
- 2026
- Status
- Ongoing
Armenian mythology
I think it's important that we lend our talents to bringing our own culture's beliefs into current media. Armenia has an ancient history that is largely unknown in media, so I wanted to bring to life a story that weaves together the old Armenian gods and a personal tragedy.
I lost my sister a few years ago, and I've been trying to reconnect with my culture. I'm using the game to honor what I've lost while returning to a spiritual home. I know how to make games, so making one for this felt natural.
What I owned
Solo project exploring the use of Claude/Codex as a force multiplier in development. I'm covering AI systems and State Tree.
Game AI: State Tree and Utility AI
- Built a utility AI that picks the action and target, while the State Tree executes it.
- It's a shared system, with per-enemy specifics built on top of an engagement system that helps coordinate groups.
- Created debugging tools early to support the systems as complexity grows. On top of a gameplay debugger category, two editor windows: one to watch AI decisions with a scrubbable history of action scores, and an AI Action view for a holistic look at an AI's available actions.
Claude/Codex as a force multiplier
- Created strict guidelines for consistent code generation, so agents don't rebuild functionality or helpers that already exist in the codebase.
- Drilled down on skill creation, so repeated tasks are distilled to what's absolutely necessary and the output stays consistent. Examples include code reviews, project bible updates and testing specs.
- Made sure every diff is read and understood before moving forward.
- Wrote documentation and how-tos when creating systems.
Media
