Brian LinkBrian Linkblink2@umbc.edublink2@umbc.edu

Currently enrolled at the University of Maryland Baltimore County pursing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

Actively searching for summer internship opportunities and possible jobs for the fall and beyond.

Interests:◦Computer Graphics◦Artificial Intelligence◦Real-Time Simulations◦Game Play code (Video Games)◦Computer Networks

3D Background3D Background

First began to start learning graphics and game programming in February of 2007 using Microsoft’s XNA.

Researched different aspects of video game programming using XNA for 6 months.

Currently taking UMBC’s Computer Graphics course.

Completed Linear Algebra.

XNA WorkXNA WorkCarefully studied Riemer’s tutorials on

DirectX/Graphics.Experimented with skinned models and

animations exported using Maya.Added on to a XNA sample giving asteroids

gravity which pulls the user towards it.Learned about the importance of spatial

partitioning (using quad-trees or oct-trees)Recently completed a project for Computer

Graphics class which involved implementing a L-system to generate a tree fractal.

Screen shot of my L-System Computer Graphics Project-Coding Samples\Tree Fractal\LTreeProject.cs-Coding Samples\Tree Fractal\LTree.cs

Side ProjectSide Project

Background InformationBackground InformationThe goal of SWGEmu is to create a server application

that will allow people to play a game that no longer exists, which is Pre-CU SWG.

First took interest in SWGEmu project in January 2007 Joined the dev team in January of 2008.Currently there is 10 members on the team.

However, other people can contribute.SWGEmu started as a closed source project in June of

2005. In December 2007 they decided to go open source.SWGEmu has a coding standard which all developers

follow.

Problem SolvingProblem SolvingBeing a developer for the SWGEmu is a

terrific chance to tackle very complex problems.

I love learning how to solve complex problems because it gives me insights and confidence when trying to solve problems relatively easier.

Also, reverse engineering packets coupled with writing good code (that even Sony Online Entertainment developers struggled at) is indeed a good way for me to learn.

First MissionFirst MissionTrying to start small

and to not be overwhelmed with the size of the project (the picture doesn’t do it justice), I decided to investigate why waypoint information was not showing in the player’s data pad correctly.

SuccessSuccessAfter searching

through a live log of where I suspected the packet for data pad information to be, I figured out what packet needed to be sent.

With new found confidence …With new found confidence …Next I decided to try and help another developer with

draft schematics (a mechanic involved in SWG’s crafting process).

We steadily made progress over the next two weeks in reversing the draft schematic packets. However, the last packet to be reversed gave us some trouble.

I spent three days straight trying to figure out the packet (the other developer lost motivation after two days) and I finally figured out something.

I didn’t exactly know the significance of it, but that’s all that was needed. I told the other developer what I had found and a few minutes later, he had figured out the rest of the packet.

• What the other developer and I accomplished:- Draft Schematics- Draft Schematic’s attributes

• Draft Schematics are a critical part of SWG’s crafting process.

On to coding …On to coding … After the packets had been figured out, the only thing

left was to code them up. I took the initiative and implemented a system for draft

schematics. Unfortunately, the current implementation is not final

because the entire crafting process is still not fully understood.

The current system works great but there are areas where I will improve upon when we learn more about the crafting process.

These are just a few of the core classes (supplying all the classes that I had to add to would be huge):

- Coding Samples\SWGEmu\DraftSchematicImplementation.h- Coding Samples\SWGEmu\DraftSchematicIngredientImplementation.h- Coding Samples\SWGEmu\DraftSchematicExpPropGroupImplementation.h

Currently …Currently …

I am currently working with another developer on reversing other crafting packets.

There is seven stages to the crafting process and we have successfully reversed the packets required for the first and second stage.

ReferencesReferencesRiemer’s DirectX/XNA tutorials

http://www.riemers.net/Sony Online Entertainment’s Star Wars

Galaxies Pre-CU (Pre Combat Upgrade)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Galaxies

Resume:Resume And References Brian Link.pdf