Computer Game Platforms & Technologies

Week 2Introduction to Game Platforms

So Far We Have..

• Took a look at the History of the Games Console• Observed the development of Gaming through

the various generations and different platforms

Arcade Platforms

• The Arcade– Exterior Casing (Wood/Plastic)– Joystick & Command Buttons– Coin Operated– Small Resolution

Arcade Platforms

• Prominent in the 1970’s until late 90’s

• Hardware allowed for “cutting edge” graphics

• Expensive to produce– Japanese Amusement Machine

Manufacturer’s Association (JAMMA)

Arcade Platforms

• Games commonly written in assembly code, stored within the arcade PCB– Specifically within Read Only

Memory (ROM)• Developments– Removable Boards– More functionality

Arcade Platforms

• Emulation popular– Allows old games to be updated and played on

current hardware– Xbox 360, PS3, Wii all provide services for

emulation

vs.

Arcade Platforms

• Of course flaws did occur within the software....

• Kill screens

Console Platforms

• Brought the fun of the arcade to your home, without the need for a bag of coins

• Considerably smaller than arcade towers and cases

• Cartridges allowed for change of game by individual rather than a predefined choice such as in arcades

Console Platforms

SNES

Console Gaming

• Nintendo 64 (N64) was the last console to use a cartridge for game content

• Improved sound channels

• Improved graphics capabilities (gouraud shading)

Console Gaming

• With optical media being available, more information and detail could be used in conjunction with more powerful computing components (GameCube – Wii)

Console Gaming

• Consoles however are limited– Components

• Networking– Downloads– Multiplayer

• Availability

PC Platforms

• Use of Dedicated Engines which could be reused for different games– Not limited

• Graphics became imperative– Dependant on H/W

• Lighting also key

PC Platforms

• Game Modifications– Counter-Strike– Editors– Controversy

PC Platforms

• Capabilities– Distribution Types– Online vs. Offline

• Peripherals• Limitations– ?????

So?