More Than Just Games: Kanos’ Life-Changing Path with Rosebud AI

“It was like a light from above shined on my PC when I discovered that Rosebud could turn the thoughts trapped in my head directly into code”.

Before Rosebud, Kanos struggled to find a user-friendly game engine. He tried Unity, Unreal, and Blender, but the process was so overwhelming that he never got past making assets and basic logic from YouTube tutorials.

“I always found it interesting and had enthusiasm but couldn't get far without experience”, he reveals.

“I would start learning, only to realize it was just one tiny part of a long list that would take a lot of time before I could even think about making a working game”.

When he heard AI was on the rise, and after a long journey of failed indie dev, Kanos searched for “AI Game development programs”, and Rosebud AI was the best option to arise.

With Rosebud, he found a way to turn his ideas into reality, crafting both the ambitious RPG he always dreamed of, and simple, accessible games that could support his daughter’s recovery.

Keep reading this article to know his story!

From Trades to Game Dev

“My dream as a kid was to develop games, but life had other plans since being a game dev wasn’t taken seriously back then”.

He has worked in a lot of fields since he was 16: carpentry, team leader for various jobs, hospitality, metal fabricator, etc.

“These trades require a great understanding of measurement systems, geometry, problem-solving, and logic, so much of those mental processes have transferred well into using AI development”, he says.

His hobbies have also been a major influence on his game creation process.

Take Lanista’s Legacy, an ambitious and really detailed turn-based RPG adventure where he applied all his knowledge of medieval combat and craftsmanship.

“I used to compete in various medieval contact sports, which inspired me to build a game engine that accurately reflects the stages of melee combat using basic physics methods”, he explains, referring to the combat system used by fighters in Lanista’s Legacy.

“The combat engine and weapon creator is something I have wanted to share for all this time, but game dev gatekeeping has prevented me from freely sharing my ideas for others to enjoy”, he reflects on the challenges within the game development world.

However, the real challenge for Kanos wasn’t just about coding—it was something far more meaningful.

Games of Healing: Designing Accessible Experiences

Kanos’ daughter, Valkyrie, had a tragic accident that caused her severe brain damage when she was 22 months old. She became trapped in her own body, losing her senses and ability to express herself.

Kanos hasn’t done his trades since that day. He sold all his tools, invested in a PC, and dove into learning a whole new area he had never explored before.

“Having my PC allowed me to quietly sit by her bedside as she fought to recover. That pulled me into game modding and development, eventually leading me to Rosebud with a head full of ideas and a lot of spare time,” he shares.

He found that he could quickly create accessible games that other platforms often overlook. “Rosebud’s understanding and empathy for the disabled community are remarkable. It considers factors that many would miss and has created accessible games with minimal assistance,” Kanos says, referring to Kyrie’s Game.

Kyrie’s Game is a collection of mini-games designed to improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and cognitive skills. Its focus is on simplicity, accessibility, and positive reinforcement, making it suitable for individuals with various mental challenges.

“Valkyrie’s reaction to the games is priceless. The simple games, tailored not to overwhelm her, are truly special”.

“Even her teachers have noticed a significant improvement in her coordination and motor control, so mission accomplished,” he adds with relief.

Partnering with AI: How Rosie Became Kanos’ Sidekick

After gaining access to Rosebud, Kanos jumped straight in and gave Rosie, our AI assistant,  the idea that had been on his mind for years.

“That was it. From there, I was hooked. I even started making other little games just for fun and to further learn the platform”.

Rosie was able to easily interpret his ideas and created exactly what he needed. “It was a process of telling Rosie what I wanted, asking how we’d do it, and then having her implement it step by step, explaining everything for a novice like me”, he recounts.

Some of the prompts he would often ask were: “Rosie, how do we optimize this idea?”, “What are some ideas you have to improve the player experience?”, “Analyze the code and identify potential problems and suggest optimal changes”. These all worked great for cleaning up the code and refining the idea in stages.

“I couldn't have learned anywhere near as fast or effectively if I didn't use Rosie”, he concludes.

Not Just a Tool: Embracing AI as an Ally

As Kanos reflects on his journey with Rosebud, he emphasizes the importance of viewing AI not just as a tool but as a partner in creation: “AI is your assistant. Talk to them as if they are your mentor and friend. Tell them your ideas, ask how if you don't know, ask again for more clarity if you didn't understand”.

And he adds: “Let the AI guide you as much as you guide it. Teamwork makes the dreamwork”.

Join our Discord community to dive deeper into Kanos’ journey and discover the incredible work he’s doing with AI.

Connect with other game developers who are also exploring the power of Rosebud AI, share your own ideas, and get inspired by like-minded creators.