Keeping the Fire Alive - Building Games for Fun with arcadezombie.uk

Why I Build for Fun: Feeding My Developer Passion

There’s a special kind of energy that comes from making something purely for enjoyment. In my playground project, arcadezombie.uk, I’ve given myself permission to create simple web games in Angular—no pressure, no deadlines, just the thrill of building.

Recently, I’ve added two new games to the collection:

New Additions

• Blocks: A puzzle game where the goal is to fit pieces together with a satisfying click. It’s all about experimenting with spatial logic—no two rounds are ever the same!

• Crack the Code: Inspired by classic code-breaking games, this one tickles the logical side of your brain. Can you figure out the secret sequence?

Both games were a joy to create and reminded me how side projects sharpen skills that can dull in the routine of day jobs. The process often leads to learning new tricks or dusting off old ones—and occasionally, to solving problems that would stump me otherwise!

Why Personal Projects Matter

Allowing yourself creative freedom is vital. It feeds the inner fire that got you into software engineering in the first place. Making time for these playful experiments nurtures excitement, curiosity, and the passion that is so easy to lose sight of amongst work schedules and project briefs. Every time I sit down to tinker, I’m reminded why I love this craft.

Whether you’re building games or writing tools, make sure to leave space for what brings you joy as a developer. You’ll not only keep your skills sharp but keep the spark alive—for yourself, and perhaps for those who play or use what you create.

If you’d like to try out Blocks or Crack the Code, they’re live now on arcadezombie.uk. Let me know what you think—or better yet, build something of your own!