Computer Game Platforms & Technologies

Week 5Introduction to Software:

Further Software

So Far We Have..

• Looked at a series of Game Platforms (Arcade, Console, PC, Mobile & Television)

• Looked at a series of Games for each• Discussed and analysed various types of

Operating Systems used within Games– Had an assignment issued!

• Remember cover all 5 platforms & all software sections discussed

API

• Application Programming Interface– Allows software to communicate with each other

using common languages– Specialist for a specific group of tasks– Often compiled into library files or applications• Dependant on publishing parameters

– Used for a variety of tasks ranging from graphics to sound

Graphics

• Graphics is the first thing the player see’s when a game is executed and loaded to the screen– Performance is paramount– Detail– Textures– Graphics– Lighting

Graphics API

• Direct X– Single Platform (Windows)– Tools, Drivers, Documentation

• OpenGL– Multi Platform– Backwards Compatible– Prominent before 1995 (Release of Win95)

Sound API

• OpenAL– Cross Platform– Used by SoundBlaster cards among others– Used by Apple OS X

• Java Sound API– Written in Java

Application Software

• Software that the various applications and games can be written in

• Types dependant on game purpose– Object Orientated– Interpreted– Compiled– Scripted

Application Software

• Interpreted Languages for Games– Requires a specific program to “interpret” the code– Slower than compiled code– Durable in regards to multi platform

• Java• C#

• Compiled Languages for Games– Converts source code into machine code– Requires solution to be rebuilt for every change made

• C++

Application Software

• Object Orientated Programming for Games– Based on objects• Class• Instance• Methods

– Commonly used in today’s programming environment• C++• C#

Application Software

• Scripting Languages– Scripts Interpreted, Application Compiled– Different programming language to the application• ActionScript• UnrealScript• JavaScript• QuakeC

Television Software

So…

• We have now covered everything you need for the assignment

• Remember you need to mention all 5 platform types and all 7 software sections within your assignment, otherwise you can fail!– For example for the pass criteria you only need to

describe one platform in detail but you still need to tell me about the others

– You need to also tell me about two software types in detail but still mention the remaining five

Questions

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