Welcome to hockenworks! I’m Brian Hockenmaier and this site is full of things I work and write on. That includes game development, AI, VR, DIY, Home Automation, 3D printing, Money, Happiness, the Singularity, and more. I hope you find something interesting here.
I use AI to code, but never to write: there will never be AI written content on this site.
This site is also a video game. Play around and discover it yourself or learn how to play here
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Land War is an 8-player strategy game I developed as a solo project and released to Steam in March of 2019.
This game was intended to have low art requirements and simple interaction rules that result in deep strategic gameplay.
The core concept is that of an ultra-simplified real-time-strategy game. Each player is represented by a color and can grow their territory by moving in any direction. The strategic elements occur when players encounter other players and have to make choices about which side of their land to defend or give up. Players can use the structure of the map and the coordinated action of other players to gain defensible footholds in order to take more area and eventually be the last player on the board.
March 1, 2019 · 3 minutes · Read more →
Editor’s note from 2025:
First Ten is no longer available after Google discontinued custom voice apps in 2023, but I’m leaving this article here as a record. Now, similar apps can be built in hours or minutes using modern AI models. First Ten used a now outdated intent routing system to fetch information from a serverless architecture about the Bill of Rights. Interestingly, my infrastructure for this app is still up and running behind the scenes because it’s truly serverless and costs nothing to host.
First Ten is an educational app containing information about the U.S. Bill of Rights, accessible on Google devices and smart speakers.
May 19, 2018 · 1 minute · Read more →
Raspberry Pi Control Panel is a hardware project I designed in 2016 to manage home automation systems. The project involved designing a custom 3D-printed case for a Raspberry Pi microcomputer with a touchscreen interface.
Links:
January 1, 2016 · 3 minutes · Read more →
This game is based off of a similar card game called “No Thanks!” but expands the number of players to 8.
January 19, 2015 · 2 minutes · Read more →
This is a working 3D-printed egg slicer! Why buy it when you can print it?
Both parts are printable without support and minimal bridging.
You can download the model for free on Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:440150
August 24, 2014 · 2 minutes · Read more →
This switch closes a circuit when a strong magnetic field is nearby. The magnet used in the video is a rare earth magnet which is stronger than your typical refrigerator magnet.
Thingiverse Download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:190218
November 25, 2013 · 1 minute · Read more →
Editor’s note from 2025:
This was my most-downloaded original 3D print, and my first design to be featured on the homepage. I’ve redesigned and re-released these coasters! Check out the 10 year anniversary edition.
If you like retro video games and also drinking things, you’re in luck! This full set of 8 unique video game coasters comes with themed coaster holders for sets of either 4 or 8! Print them for your living room! Print them for your friends! I hope these characters remind you of some of your favorite series.
Also find an awesome customizable version by ahtly here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:139754
July 9, 2013 · 1 minute · Read more →
I 3D Modeled and printed my apartment building’s key with the Makergear M2. I won’t be posting the model because it IS in fact a key to my apartment. Thanks for watching!
May 13, 2013 · 1 minute · Read more →
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