Y1 gd engine_terminology

Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
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:
Alex Kirby
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)
VIDEO
GAMES
/ VIDEO
GAME
TESTING
Demo “A game demo is a freely distributed piece of an upcoming or recently released
videogame. Demos are typically released by the game's publisher to help consumers get a feel
of the game before deciding whether to buy the full version.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_demo
You wouldcreate one of
these to give people a
glimpse ofa finishedor
nearlyfinishedgame
and helpthem to decide
whether or not they
want to buythe game.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.T._(video_game)
Beta ‘”The beta versionof a game is as close to perfect as the company can make it, but any bugs,
glitches or other issues discovered in beta testing will usually be addressed before
the game's official release.”
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/27136/beta-test-gaming
The beta versionis
almost a complete
version ofa game that
mayor maynot be
released to the public
for testingandalso as a
demo.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2014/07/27/video-
game-hype-train-better-watch-your-speed/#5f4cfa173d06

IG2 Task 1
2
Alpha “Alpha is the stage when key gameplay functionality is implemented, and assets are partially
finished. A game in alpha is feature complete, that is, game is playable and contains all the
major features. These features may be further revised based on testing and
feedback. Additional small, new features may be added, similarly planned, but unimplemented
features may be dropped. Programmers focus mainly on finishing the codebase, rather than
implementing additions. Alpha occurs eight to ten months before code release, but this can vary
significantly based on the scope of content and assets any given game has.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_development#Alpha
The basic versionof a
game where the
fundamentalsexist.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/distance-alpha-racing-game-
refract,news-45360.html
Pre-Alpha “A prototype, does not resemble the final version in visual aesthetic or feature set.Probably
demonstrates a core-mechanic that makes the game unique. Could be an experiment you
wanted to try and show a few people (friends, forums, gamejam crowd).”
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/33mp7g/can_we_discuss_the_term_prealpha/
The even more basic
version ofa game where
the earliest versions of
the basic exist.
http://www.moddb.com/games/battlecryoffreedom/images/
bcof-pre-alpha-screenshot4
Gold “In software and application development, a gold version is the final stage of software
development and follows the alpha and beta testing cycles of software development. The gold
version is the final version of the software as it will be released to the public. Most or all
known bugs prior to release are fixed, and all intended functions for final release are
implemented. Media and developers will often use the phrase "gone gold" to announce a
software product's impending release.”
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/G/gold_version.html
Makingyour game ‘go
gold’ wouldmean
lockingina final release
date for a game. Thisis
usuallyafter a lot of
delays.
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-
goes-gold-dev-says-its-a-w/1100-6431310/

IG2 Task 1
3
Debug “In computers, debugging is the process of locating and fixingor bypassing bugs (errors) in
computer program code or the engineering of a hardware device.”
http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/debugging
I had to fix a couple of
bugs that appearedin
my code as a result of
conflicting or incorrect
code.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debug_menu
Automation “The definition of automation is the use of machines and technology to make processes run on
their own without manpower.”
http://www.yourdictionary.com/automation
This would be used to
test the game andcheck
for anyproblems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blender_(software)

IG2 Task 1
4
White-Box
Testing
“Also known as glass box, structural, clear box and open box testing. A software testing
technique whereby explicit knowledge of the internal workings of the item being tested are
used to select the test data.”
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/White_Box_Testing.html
This is used to test the
software andreport
back withwhat is wrong
if anything.
http://www.slideshare.net/JamieShepherd/y1-js-
engineterminology
Bug “A software bug is an error, flaw, failure or fault in a computer program or system that causes it
to produce an incorrect or unexpected result, or to behave in unintended ways. Most bugs arise
from mistakes and errors made by people in either a program's source code or its design, or in
frameworks and operating systems usedby such programs, and a few are caused
by compilers producing incorrect code.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_bug
A couple of bugs
appeared as a result of
conflicting or incorrect
code.
http://nintendonews.com/news/3ds/missingno-glitch-works-
3ds-pokemon-virtual-console-games/
GAME
ENGINES
Vertex
Shader
“The vertex shader is used to transform the attributes of vertices (points of a triangle) such as
color, texture, position and direction from the original color space to the display space. It allows
the original objects to be distorted or reshaped in any manner.”
http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/53754/vertex-shader
I usedthis to manipulate
objects I createdin a 3D
space.

IG2 Task 1
5
GAME
ENGINES https://www.quora.com/What-is-Vertex-Shader-in-OpenGL
Pixel
Shader
“A shader that operates on the level of individual pixels, used to generate complex visual
effects.”
http://www.yourdictionary.com/pixel-shader
I usedthis to create my
particle effects inthe 3D
engine.
http://www.slideshare.net/terry96/terence-byrne-y1-gd-
engineterminology

IG2 Task 1
6
Post
Processing
“The process of changing the perceivedquality of a video on playback.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_post-processing
During the loadingof a
game, the qualityof the
game is changed
accordinglyto fit the set
qualitysettings.
http://www.pcgamer.com/pc-graphics-options-explained/
Rendering “Rendering is the process of generating an image from a 2D or 3D model (or models in what
collectively could be called a scene file) by means of computer programs.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendering_(computer_graphics)
This is used to create a
cleanandfinal version
of an object to be used
within a game.
http://adamjmattisunit66.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/constraints
-of-3d.html
Normal
Map
“A normal map is an image that stores a direction at each pixel. A normal map is commonly
used to fake high-resolution details on a low-resolution model. Each pixel of the map stores the
surface slope of the original high-res mesh at that point. This creates the illusion of more surface
detail or better curvature. However, the silhouette of the model doesn't change.”
http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Normal_map
This is adding a texture
to an object that creates
the illusion ofa high
resolution object.
http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Normal_map

IG2 Task 1
7
Entity “The entity is a general purpose object. Usually, it only consists of a unique id. They ‘tag every
coarse gameobject as a separate item’. Implementations typically use a plain integer for this.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entity_component_system
I have these in the forms
of 2D sprites and 3D
objects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FWULdNHqJE
UV Map “UV mapping is the 3D modeling process of projecting a 2D image to a 3D model's surface.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UV_mapping
I usedthis to texture my
3D objects inthe game
engine.
http://lowpolyproject.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/tommy-
tallian.html

IG2 Task 1
8
Procedural
Texture
“A procedural texture is a computer-generated image created using an algorithm intended to
create a realistic representation of natural elements such as wood, marble, granite, metal,
stone, and others.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procedural_texture
This is used in order to
easilygive an object the
look you intendit to
have bygivinga realistic
look to it.
https://environmentart.wordpress.com/
Physics “A physics engine is computer software that provides an approximate simulation of
certain physical systems, such as rigid body dynamics (including collision detection), soft body
dynamics, and fluid dynamics, of use in the domains of computer graphics, video
games and film. Their main uses are in video games (typically as middleware), in which case
the simulations are in real-time. The term is sometimes used more generally to describe
any software system for simulating physical phenomena, such as high-performance scientific
simulation.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics_engine
This would be used to
add gravityand
movement to objects in
order for themto move,
buildup momentumetc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Video_games/Picture

IG2 Task 1
9
Collision “Collision detection algorithmically calculates impact time by identifying two or more object
intersection points. Collision detection is also a virtual interface that determines user and object
distance for collision prevention. Collision detection is a key 3-D component associated with
robotics, video games and physical simulation.”
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4778/collision-detection
I usedthis for bothmy
2D and 3D game levels
so that the player
character wouldreact to
different objects
appropriately.
https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-explain-collision-
detection-to-a-non-programmer-How
Lighting “The deliberate use of light to achieve a practical or aesthetic effect.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting
I usedlighting in my3D
game to make the level
visible and to create
atmosphere.
http://talesofgaming.com/news/wind-waker-hd-sd-
comparison-video/
AA – Anti-
Aliasing
“It's a technique used to smooth otherwise jagged lines or textures by blending the color of an
edge with the color of pixels around it.”
http://www.tested.com/tech/pcs/1194-how-to-choose-the-right-anti-aliasing-mode-for-your-
gpu/
This is used to make
jaggyedges ona 3D
model look smoother
through a process that
easilyblends colours.
http://solidlystated.com/software/divinity-2-anti-aliasing/

IG2 Task 1
10
LoD – Level
of Detail
“Level of detail is a general design term for video game landscapes in which closer objects are
rendered with more polygons than objects that are farther away.”
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11791/level-of-detail-lod
objects blurrier the
further awaytheyare.
This creates depth inside
of the game world.
https://ryandunne92.wordpress.com/abc-animation-2/01-3d-
modelling-for-animation/level-of-detail/
Animation “Computer animation encompasses a variety of techniques, the unifying factor being that the
animation is created digitally on a computer. 2D animation techniques tend to focus on image
manipulation while 3D techniques usually build virtual worlds in which characters and objects
move and interact. 3D animation can create images that seem real to the viewer.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animation#Computer_animation
I usedthis inorder to
make my2D sprites
appear to move and
interact to different
things.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-
projects/project_ideas/Games_p024.shtml
Sprite “A sprite is a bitmap graphic that is designed to be part of a larger scene. It can either be a
static image or an animated graphic.”
http://techterms.com/definition/sprite
I usedthese inmy2D
game as the characters
in it.
http://bulldogbugle.com/4756/entertainment/a-brief-history-

IG2 Task 1
11
of-graphics-part-2/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/362962051187902441/
Scene “A part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs.”
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scene
I usedscenesinmy2D
and 3D games as the
levels.
http://phys.org/news/2011-10-activision-kids-game-
skylanders.html

IG2 Task 1
12
Library “A library is a useful framework to tackle a specific need within a game engine.”
http://gamedev.stackexchange.com/questions/10770/whats-the-difference-between-a-library-
and-an-engine
A place where all of the
available assets ofyour
game are storedfor use.
https://www.quora.com/What-exactly-is-a-video-game-engine
UI “UI, or User Interface, refers to the methods (keyboard control, mouse control) and interfaces
(inventory screen, map screen) through which a user interacts with your game.”
http://gamedevelopment.tutsplus.com/tutorials/game-ui-by-example-a-crash-course-in-the-
good-and-the-bad--gamedev-3943
This is used in order to
create a wayfor the
player to actuallyplay
the game throughthe
use of on-screen
buttons.
https://linwangge.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/google-
glasses-ui-evolution-makes-life-feel-like-playing-a-game/

IG2 Task 1
13
Frames “Consecutive full-screen images that are displayed each second.”
http://techterms.com/definition/fps
These are howthe game
is run andshownto the
player. These are also
usedfor animation.
http://www.maacindia.com/blog/index.php/gaming-gets-real-
in-3d/
Concept “A concept is a thought or idea.”
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/concept
I had a concept when
creating my2D game
which determinedthe
characters featuredand
the environment.
http://kotaku.com/the-best-video-game-concept-art-of-2014-
1671465687

IG2 Task 1
14
Event “Discreet moments in the game loop where things are made to happen based on what you have
programmed for them.”
http://docs.yoyogames.com/source/dadiospice/000_using%20gamemaker/events/index.html
I usedevents inmy2D
game to make certain
things happenwhen
certainrequirements
are met.
https://www.scirra.com/construct2
Pathfinding “Pathfinding in the context of video games concerns the way in which a moving entity finds a
path around an obstacle.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathfinding#In_video_games
entities inside of a game
be able to make it ‘s
own andmost
appropriate wayto
another point.
http://www.indiedb.com/engines/tilemapkit/videos/tilemapki
t-pathfinding-demo

Y1 gd engine_terminology

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