IGB400 A1 Project Pitch:
Witcher Minecraft Mod
Hailey Graham n11263997
I want to create a Minecraft mod developed in Java, published on CurseForge. The mod will change aspects of Minecraft’s gameplay, allowing players to use the steel/silver sword from the Witcher franchise and the unique potions. In this project, I will be working off an established code base, scripting in Java and publishing a complete Minecraft mod over the course of 7 weeks.
Reflections on the Industry (as someone looking for Gameplay Programming work)
I was inspired to take on this next project based on my reflections of the current state of the global video game industry. Between 2022 and 2025 there have been numerous layoffs throughout the video game industry that has affect over 35,000 people [Source: https://publish.obsidian.md/vg-layoffs/Archive/2025]. As such, the number of jobs available to graduates has greatly reduced and there is significant competition to obtain the entry-level positions available. Hence, there is a great emphasis on published portfolio pieces, experience in game development and potentially even going through hobbiest routes.
After having undertaken my own job search, I noted that while the number of purely game development jobs are limited, more generalist Software Engineering or game-related programming jobs are more abundant. Many of the job listings for Gameplay Programmers and Software Engineers require applicants to have the following skills: the ability to dive into complex systems and existing code bases, a strong problem-solving skills; knowledge in C#, C++, C and Java (particularly for backend work); optimisation mathematics; object-oriented design and coding skills; ML/AI knowledge; and the ability to translate design into functional game code. Evidently, having a wide knowledge of different programming languages and being able to code collaboratively is very important for these roles.
I investigated skills that would be required for the following job listing: Java Mod Developer. This role interested me as videogame modding has always interested me as a way to work off an existing code base and publish programming work. The job requires experience building backend systems using Java with IntelliJ in a production environment. In order to be eligible for this position I would have to make my own mod. Platforms such as CurseForge provide a place for creators to publish their mods. With 52B Mod downloads, 1.2B monthly downloads and the authors of mods getting a significant portion of the revenue, CurseForge is a well-established platform for modders to publish work and receive income.
CurseForge Annual Author Payout Analytics
So as a programmer, there are roles that are both corporate and for a hobbiest.
Skills I Need To Work On
As such, I’ve identified that I need to work on expanding the number of programming languages I know; increase the amount of content I have published; working off existing code bases; software engineering specific skills that are not limited to games and mod development. More specifically, I believe Java will be a useful language to learn as it is the primary language used for backend web development, mobile app development and Minecraft modding. Many of the software engineering job listings that I found required applicants to be familiar with coding in Java. Furthermore, Java has some distinct differences from C#. While C# is platform dependent to Windows and Linux, Java is platform independent, meaning that it's source code can be used in a variety of cases without using third-party software including mobile development, aerospace, game development and website development. Java and C# also have key differences in class structures. Java supports multiple inheritances whereas C# does not. Java does not support delegates but has an equivalent that uses recursion. Finally, Java supports both checked and unchecked exceptions while C# only supports unchecked exceptions. Checked exceptions are executed on compile time and unchecked exceptions are executed on runtime. This means that Java is safer as Java's IDE can catch errors when the code is compiled and before it is run. Hence, by learning Java, I will understand a significantly different style of coding and Java has many benefits/use cases as a platform independent language. [Source: https://www.bluecoding.com/post/c-vs-java-an-in-depth-comparison-for-modern-developers]
I already have experience in Unreal 5 Blueprint/C++ development and Unity C# development, I have worked with both NLPs, generative AI and AI structures commonly used in video games (Finite State Machines and Behaviour Trees) and with my dual degree I have a solid basis in Applied and Computational Mathematics. On the other hand, I have yet to publish content that is done entirely using scripting and although I have published content on itch.io and Steam and I have not used platforms such as CurseForge.
Project Proposal
As one of the most modded video games of all times, Minecraft presents itself as a great platform to create my own mod. Minecraft on average has more than 23 million monthly active users. Also, over 85% of public Minecraft servers are modded and many Minecraft YouTubers used modded versions of Minecraft. So, mods as a product are very lucrative.
Hence, this project will align with the skills that are required for gameplay programming and software development. The Minecraft mode that I will develop will be a Java project developed using IntelliJ. When the project is launched, Minecraft will be launched with my mod added to it. This mod will be published on CurseForge where I can access analytics pertaining to number of interactions and downloads. This project requires me to learn Java and modding, work off an established code base, solely use scripting and will be published. Hence, making this mod will be extremely valuable to my portfolio and expand my knowledge base significantly.
Project Outline:
Minecraft Mod: A functional mod that is integrated with Minecraft v1.21
Additional Weapons: A silver and steel sword. The silver sword gives a damage buff when fighting mobs. The steel sword gives a damage buff when fighting other players.
Witcher Potions: three new potions will be added to the game. These potions replenish after the player sleeps.
Publication: The mod will be published on CurseForge
This project is to be completed in 7 weeks. Since the timeline is constrained, throughout development, what can be done within the time frame will be reassessed. The core aspects of the mod will be identified and those features will be prioritised.
In summary, creating this Minecraft mod will innovate my current portfolio. By using Java, I will learn a new programming language that is industry standard for web and mobile development at companies such as Canva and AWS. By developing a mod, I will be working off an existing code base. There are various job opportunities as a mod developing including conventional corporate work such as at Spawnpoint Media and as a independent creator. This project will be published and available to the public. The analytics from CurseForge can be tracked overtime. Hence, this project thoroughly fills gaps in my existing portfolio.