Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Loading screens are fun to make, but be careful not to use too much anima-
tion. The more animation you place in the game, the larger the file gets. For
games that must be downloaded, files that are too large are prohibitive.
main menu
The majority of games, after they launch, take the player to a main menu. This
screen usually has art associated with the look of the game and lets the player
change modes and adjust settings that affect the look or performance. This
menu typically contains all or some of the following:
Choose or create player name
Players enter their name or an alias they will
play under.
Continue or change player
If more than one player is saved to the game, the
player selects the appropriate player.
Log in
You may need to provide your login name along with a password.
Passwords are generally required for online gameplay in the larger MMOGs like
World of Warcraft
. Designers may choose to provide them with any game, so
that players who share a computer with others can protect any aspects of their
customized game from being deleted.
e x i t
Sometimes you launch a game and then decide not play, so the designer
may provide an Exit button with the launch screen.
splash art
In
splash art
, designers use art, assets, and the color palette, tex-
tures, and logos to brand the game. This art is often also used in marketing or
for the box or website related to the game.
esRB R
If a game has gone through the ESRB ratings process, you'll generally
see the rating here. (For more information on ESRB ratings, see Chapter 2.)
Other
The launch screen may also display other features such as the official
website address (often clickable), fansites, and links to reviews or other clickable
locations.
Figure 6.8 is an example of a main menu from the game
Frozen.
This menu offers the player the option of which type of gameplay they wish to
experience. After that selection is made, they have access to more menus they
can use to adjust the game's performance, look, and other elements. Because
each unique game option has specific attributes, one main menu for all would
be too complicated and cluttered. The menu shown in Figure 6.8 also lets the
player see the avatar for the game, Samantha Bloodworth, and her trusty side-
kick, a little robot named PEDRO.
