Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Produce a glossary of terms specific to the methods and principles of Video Game Design and Video Game Terms. Using a provided template, you must research and gather definitions specific to provided glossary terms. Any definitions must be referenced with the URL link of the website you have obtained the definition.

You must also, where possible, provide specific details of how researched definitions relate to your own production practice.

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

`1VIDEO GAMES / VIDEO GAME TESTING

Demo A game demo is a free (usually shortened) version of a game. This demo is not the full game however lets the people accessing it look at what the in-game content is like and for the developer, allows him to get reviews of the game or public opinion.

A game demo can be used in order to give the public opinion of the game and make any last minute touches on the game; a game demo is usually to give the public a quick portion of game play. This allows a user to make a final judgement of whether they would like to purchase the game. The reason demos are free is so it is not only more convenient for the users but also because it is a small proportion of the game.

This picture shows the game watch dogs in two forms of demo’s. For PC on the left and PS4 on the right.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Beta The beta stage of a video game is usually the third stage of development in any video game besides alpha and pre-alpha. This stage can sometimes be given access to by a developer for testing purposes.https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081019143302AAIBseY

A beta stage is usually the third or fourth development of any game. Developers will usually release a “beta-test” of perhaps a multiplayer or single player section of a game. This is so the public can find bugs or glitches in a game that may cause game play disturbance. This is a beta stage so usually all progress is reset however some game companies such as EA (Battlefield) allowed you to keep progress after beta.

I wanna be the boshy: The beta

version of the final boss fight which has since been improved and re-tested.Alpha The alpha stage of a video game or

piece of software is where developers test their product themselves to ensure the software runs as efficiently and as smoothly as they wanted it too.https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110119184650AAfwy7x

The alpha stage of development is the 2nd stage of development, I know this because there are 4 stages in total (pre-alpha, alpha, beta, gold) The alpha stage is for developers to play test their product in order to test for bugs, play for general enjoyment and see how long the content they have created will last in terms of duration. The game “Minecraft” in it’s alpha development stages. With the creator and sound producer

in-game testing.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Pre-Alpha Pre-alpha is before the alpha stage, it is where the core of the game/mechanics are developed such as the engine, textures, sounds etc. After these basic systems are put into place, the game development stage progresses to alpha.http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/440511.page

The pre-alpha stage of development is the primary stage of developing a game. The pre-alpha stage is where the entire main features such as physics, graphics etc. are implemented, and this is introduced because these are the main building blocks for any game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgrrcJb_BaE

The link shows a video of a standalone game known as Day Z, at which point was being played in pre-alpha stages, showing generic functions of the game’s engine.

GoldWhen a game has gone gold, it means that they have finished the final release build and it can now be sent for production.http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/85622-what-does-gone-gold-means/

Gold is referenced to be a finalized version of the game. When a game is announced “gold”. It should be released and ready to purchase fairly close to that time. Gold is really the final product that is produced from all stages of development.

The game “GTA V” announced to be in “gold” by the creators: Rockstar.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Debug In computers, debugging is the process of locating and fixing or bypassing bugs (errors) in computer program code or the engineering of a hardware device.

http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/debugging

Debugging is generally for developers. This “mode” of the game is created in order to seek out bugs that may occur during gameplay, why they occur, how they occur and what can be done to fix said bug when developing the game further. It can be used however in games such as Minecraft with open source code to modify or “mod” the game to their liking.

The debug interface for Minecraft for PC, showing variables and block regions that otherwise could not be seen, the crosshair also shows the game’s dimensions.

Automation The process of making an apparatus or object operates automatically.

Automation is the process of making objects move automatically. This gives the game a real feeling that most objects could not naturally do, it can also be used in horror games to show doors opening by themselvesAre any similar concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-AafWkwtao

The video shows how to implement moving platforms with coding. The automation in this video it the platform itself.

White-Box Testing

White Box Testing is known as Code-Based Testing. White box testing is the software testing method in which internal structure is being known to tester who is going to test the software.http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/White_Box_Testing.html

White box testing can be used in order to allow developers the testing they need along with code so they can alter any issues they may have, it is convenient because it’s a vital role in a games development and also saves the developers a lot of time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CHRUAMIrVE

This FPS game is being white box tested for the first time the entire length of the video for lighting and geometry purposes.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Bug A bug is a technical failure in a game that causes an unpredicted result. In games they can crop up with each feature that is added which is why bug fixing is crucial. - me

A bug is an error with code and can cause in most cases minor or even major issues with a games performance. The performance of a game is vital, if bugs continue to occur it can be a real issue for the developers as they need to contribute more time into making the game more smooth and fixing bugs.

http://hydramedia.cursecdn.com/minecraft.gamepedia.com/c/cc/12550821line.png

This shows a minecraft bug called the “farlands” where the game has a generation error and runs extremely slowly at 12.5million blocks in 1 direction.

GAME ENGINES

GAME ENGINES

Vertex Shader In computer graphics, shades are commonly used in game engines. They are a computer program that calculates what to shade defending upon the co-ordinates it gives to 3D objects. Vertex shades run once along a vertex and can manipulate properties like position, lighting and colour.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shader#Vertex_shaders

Vertex shaders are put into place to make objects look slightly more realistic. It also gives 3D models 2D co-ordinates in a virtual world. For instance, if developers need to change the models of an object when level designing a developer could make a mountain terrain by stretching some of these vertices.

The images here show a tea cup but vertex shaders have been put into place it makes the object look much more realistic.

http://web.media.mit.edu/~gordonw/OpenGL/images/teapot_vertexShader.jpg

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Pixel Shader Pixel shades can be used for detail. The more complex pixel shades can use mathematical functions to calculate what is needed to be blurred amongst the terrain.

Pixel shaders are most commonly put into place to primarily bring objects forward in a game (basically giving them more detail). This allows for the terrain and objects within a game to appear more suited to their surroundings. For instance, the statue on the right appears to have detail in the face and hair, including a couple of cracks within the torso, whereas without the pixel shader, the detail has been removed from the statue and the statue looks quite bland and simple, therefore showing how detail can be affected by the pixel shaders.

This pixel shader shows detail to one side where the pixel shaders have been used, however without the pixel shader, the model is limited to detail and scarce of colour.

http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/4/4e/4e776cf7_vbattach2843.jpeg

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Post Processing“Additionally, post-processing is commonly used in 3D rendering, especially for video games. Instead of rendering 3D objects directly to the display, the scene is first rendered to a buffer in the memory of the video card. Pixel shadersare then used to apply post-processing filters to the image buffer before displaying it to the screen. Post-processing allows effects to be used that require awareness of the entire image (since normally each 3D object is rendered in isolation). Such effects include: High dynamic range rendering, Bloom ,Motion blur ,Screen Space Ambient ,Occlusion, Cel shading, Crepuscular rays, Film grain simulation, Depth of field, Shadow mapping”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_post-processing

Post processing is used when a game needs such effects such as shadow mapping and depth of field. This is why a loading screen is put in place instead of seeing the map render with post processing, it appears more pleasant to a player. The reason why developers put post processing in is because usually each object is isolated and would not have shadows depending on other objects, making it appear with different shadows than normal making the game feel more realistic because of correct lighting and shadows that depend on the terrain around it.

This image shows the middleware games development engine and it’s post processing when enabled and disabled.

http://gamingdead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/vlcsnap.jpg

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Rendering Rendering is a process which generates 2D and 3D models and designs. In the gaming industry, the rendering process gives actions, models and animations their final touch.

Rendering is used in games to generate the game itself. For example: levels in games are made through this technique and are fluently made both with rendering, post processing and spawning to create the game’s level or world. This ensures the world works as it should and all the entities and RNG related data is created as realistically as possible.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02681/Minecraft-Poole-Ha_2681157b.jpgRendering in minecraft is constantly happnening when a player visits an unexplored region of the loaded world, it will generate new terrain upon arrival.

Normal Map A normal map is a 2D image replicating a 3D map model used to determine surface normal. (Surface direction) etc.https://forums.epicgames.com/threads/677015-What-exactly-is-a-normal-map-a-specular-map-etc

Normal mapping is used when designing an object that is not adapting well o the environment surrounding it, or to give an object a better look or feel in a game. For instance; the ‘fake’ lighting and bumps that can be included can make an object stand out or generally have more detail.

http://media.indiedb.com/images/games/1/14/13050/NormalAddition.jpgThis shows normal mapping to a game character.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Entity An entity is anything that exists within the game’s development that appears to be alive. Usually NPC’s or moving objects can be portrayed as entities.

Entities are very important to a game, they make up the world around the landscape and make any NPC’s, objects, and a few more useful features in games such as vehicles or weapons. An entity has its own set of unique characteristics, for instance one NPC could walk around whilst another could stand in place.

The list of entities valve released for the environment of some of their games. Mainly to “modify” the game. (This image was uploaded to screenshot by myself).

UV Map UV mapping is the process of creating a 2D image, from a 3D map, it is the process in which can be seen the whole of the terrain through a single flat image and is used well for “maps” and guides of the game.

UV mapping is used when maybe showing a map of the landscape to a player, rather than having a globe that is scrolled around. If the map for a game is flat it makes the terrain easier to navigate and find particular places. It can also be used by developers to see which part of the game they need to add or take away from.

The gorilla character has been UV mapped to show a flat face.http://www.uvmapper.com/uvmp035a_big.png

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Procedural Texture

Procedural textures are algorithms that are used in order to generate real life like nature texture such as wood, plants and water; they use languages in programming that grasp colour well enough to do so.

Prodcedural textures are used in a game too generate a more realistic type of graphics in specific objects, including things made from wood, metal and stone.

The wood in this image has procedural texture showing differentTypes of wood in the design.http://www.inear.se/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wood1.jpg

Physics The Physics engine is a computer program that detects life like physical attributes in a game such as gravity, body dynamics etc. it is useful when creating first person shooters and RTS games.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics_engine

Physics are used in videogames in order to generate far more realistic properties and attributes to a video game. Personally I believe that physics are important to any aspect of a game as it really does make the game come to life and act certainly life like. A game I liked with a strong access of physics was “Portal 2” as shown on the right. In this game it really does make a difference because of the puzzling aspect of the game and trying to figure out how to solve it using the physics applied in the game.

Physics are shown here from the blue gel being fire from the opening and the gel falling down to the ground (gravity) and through the orange portal below it then falls from the blue portal to the top.http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/199581-header.jpg

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Collision Collisions or “colliding” is when two objects in a game touch and have a reaction after colliding, this is used in order to make certain functions such as triggers work.

Collisions are used in games to mainly make two different singularities or objects interact with each other in such a way that they would have some form of outcome when colliding. For instance; the ball in the video reacts with each block of the wall. This showing the colliding objects and how important it is for objects to interact with each other. Take into account that this collision is too apply the laws of physics to the game too and to make the objects react as they would in real life. I think this is important to any game as all games (even small and simple games such as pong) require this interaction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue_zs0CY9fkThe video shows a test for the collision of triangle mesh with ball and cubes in blender 2.5 engine.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Lighting Lighting Is used in order to make dark places in the game appear brighter, it gives dark places such as houses and other large buildings within a game visibility when entering, if the lighting was not Implemented into the engine, then the room would appear black.

Light is a very important factor in games. This includes any form of darkness that should be lit. Lighting is given to an object to make it appear brighter, correct to the terrain and shadowing. Lighting is (in my opinion) one of the most important attributes of a game, it is used in dark places in order to make them appear more realistic to weather or just to make the player actually visibly see what they are looking at during game play.

This image shows runescape’s “high detail” setting with the torches that show light being emitted from them within the terrain.http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121014193750/runescape/images/1/1a/Taverley_Dungeon_lava.png

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

AA – Anti-Aliasing

“Antialiasing is a way of smoothing edges. Computer monitors display pixels, but real objects have curves and lines. In order to display these on a computer monitor, the edge is often jagged. Antialiasing helps reduce the problem by slightly blurring edges to the point where jagged lines don't show easily or at all.”

http://compreviews.about.com/od/PC-Gaming/a/What-is-antialiasing-in-PC-games.htm

Anti-aliasing is the process of smoothing edges in a computer game. But because edges are displayed in pixels, it blurs the edges to reduce the problem of jagged lines. This is attention to detail when creating a game. In my opinion, Anti-aliasing isn’t as important as some other features, especially when making a cell shaded game.

This image shows anti-aliasing because on the enabled AA (right side) the wooden beams appear smoother around the edges than the left image (without AA).http://solidlystated.com/content/2011/06/divinity2-anti-aliasing.jpg

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Level of Detail The LOD (level of detail) is the amount of detail that has been put into terrain of a game. This includes objects and sprites, as well as animations. The level of detail in a game can be important most of the time as most game developers want to capture real life scenarios.

The level of detail in a game is the amount of detail in a game. Based on graphics, lighting and a few other settings. However level of detail in games (sometimes) isn’t an important issue. For example, “mine craft” is a very pixelated game although it is popular, showing that level of detail isn’t everything. But, level of detail can be very important when developers want there games to be far more realistic. For instance, the game “destiny” really tries to emerge a player in a futuristic setting with its vast level of detail.

http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/152/1525982/2371525-9614057941-longi.jpgThese weapons for a game in progress are showing the amount of detail between a similar shape with some more details added each time it has been modelled.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Animation Animation is the process in which something moves, the steps it takes to walk, or the arms it moves when throwing an object, these animations are important to give a character movement and actions.

Animation in games is an extremely important aspect. This is because a vast vast majority of games will require animation (especially modern day games). The reason animations are used so much is because it brings forward life like game play due to entities, objects and NPC’s moving instead of being fixed in place the way they are designed. Too me, this is probably the most important factor when creating games.

http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130701134137/2007scape/images/3/37/TzTok-Jad_Animations.gifThis .gif shows animations of an NPC within Rune-Scape that has different animations for the specific attacks, showing its relevance in the game.

Sprite A sprite is the design of a character and is used on a 2D basis.

A sprite is a 2D image that moves on a flat screen, this is particularly popular in 2D platformers or side scrollers, it can also be used in very very basic imagery in 3D First person shooters or other genres’ of games, such as the moon or clouds that are very far away from the player. Often in this situation, sprites will be created to appear 3D from a specific angle.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

http://i.imgur.com/LT2w0.pngThis image shows a variety of sprites and there appearences in the game.

Scene A cut scene or “event scene” sometimes in-game cinematic or storyline movie, is a section of the game where a player has limited control and this is used to show other features.

Cut scenes are very important to a game, they break up game play in a way that gives the player time to take in a story line, perhaps just a break in game play to give the player a rest from the playing the game. Cut scenes are increasingly important with story line, often times portraying cinematic effects that in game play, is simply impossible, even if the cut scene is pressing buttons to animate the character to move or talk to an NPC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-Uin3mj4mk

Personally my favourite cutscenes from “Call of duty: World at war”

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Library A library is a collection of non-volatile resources on a computer that contributes to the development of a piece of software. For example all of the files of code in a java game (.java files) would all be located in the IDE program eclipse. This makes it a library of files that can be changed.

A library is a place where all files from a games’ development are stored. This shows everything that has been developed in the games and the places in which they can be edited. This is extremely important for developers as they require to keep things organised and in correlation with each other. From personal experience; libraries of files are one of the most important features in games purely due to the mass amount of content you can create and how hard it is too recover or find lost or corrupt files with errors or bugs.

Library of files in IDE eclipse showing structures to a game.http://kuikie.com/data/resources/images/eclipse-ide-working-with-java-classes_2.png

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

UI The user interface is the space where interactions between the human and machines and mechanics occur.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_interface

A user interface is very important, it produces a game frame for the player to work with and explore. This game frame is personally (from a gamers’ point of view) a somewhat important feature because functions and actions should be performed in this interface, although just because a UI is important, it doesn’t mean it necessarily needs to be detailed or high in graphics/animations. This is because it is simply a place for things to be executed such as loading a game, finding an online player or inviting friends to play.

The user interface for the race “Protoss” in starcraft 2. This shows one of three unique UI’s which depend on the race you play, as shown it is given a metallic look and finish as the protoss race is based around this.

http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2010/03/starcraft-2-beta-first-impressions/starcraft2_2010_42.jpg

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Frames Frames is the still image that a game produces, projecting the virtual world to reality.

Frames are used in “frames per second” in order to show how many still images are being produced p/secs. For instance; 60 FPS would equal 60 still images of a game p/secs. For modern day games, 60 FPS is good. Although Frames are important to games, FPS is a less important factor , games can be played with a low FPS although many fans do not like low FPS. More powerful units are bought to test a games potential.

In this image, we see a camera with 20 still images per second, or 20 FPS. Where as a projector has 10 FPS (10 still images).http://slowmotioncamera.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/OvercrankingTimelineForSlowMotion.png

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Concept“Something formed in the mind; a thought or notion. See Synonyms at idea.”http://www.thefreedictionary.com/concept

Concept in games, is the thought and imagination of art behind the game itself. For instance; games could not be created without a vision of designers knowing what they want their game to be about. A piece of “concept” art, is to produce a base or idea about an NPC, Playable character, object, entity, or even object within the game that can be designed and imagined, this image is then given to an artist who can modify (in certain and restricted ways) or produce that replica of the art as either a 2D or 3D model digitally.

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090821033631/starcraft/images/9/93/Viking_SC2_Cncpt1.jpgThis piece of concept art has been done for the Starcraft II unit: The Viking.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Event An event is something significant that happens or just generally happens for a reason.

In computer games, events are triggered, commonly on specific variables, settings or when a player progresses far enough into the game to acquire a new part of content. For instance, in a personal favourite game, “Halo 4” the player finishes a level when he reaches a bridge in the level. This is a good example, as the player has to fight his way through challenging enemies to eventually get to the cut scene of the game in which case is also an event because is has been triggered by the player setting foot in that location.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lga2EDmXi0

This video shows the final fight in halo 4 and cutscene that plays once the event has been triggered (by the player entering the final part of the level).

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Name: Michael Hughes

RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched definition and URL link)

DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?

IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link of said term being used in a game)

Path finding Path finding in the gaming industry is the motion of an NPC or Object navigating its way through solid objects that cannot be walked through, or a path that is safe to walk on.

Some games do not use path finding, such as both 2D and 3D plat-formers, this is to allow hazards to occur for the player to manipulate and navigate their way around. But besides these games, a lot of other games such as “Real time strategy’s” and RPG’s use this in order to simulate a player walking as fast as they can to a destination, without path finding, a player cannot find their way to a location if their initial process of moving is to send them to somewhere rather than the player controlling its movement.

https://forums.unrealengine.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8420&d=1407499458

This image shows a basic form of plat-forming to get around the blocks (solid objects) the fastest route the circle can take.

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