Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
t h e e s s e n t I a l s a n d B e y o n d (Continued)
Methods for navigating through the space created in a game will continue to develop as
technology changes. We have seen this spatial aspect change dramatically from low-end
2D games to the more modern, high-end 3D games. As spatial design becomes more
complex, with overlapping elements in highly immersive environments, providing guid-
ance systems and maps for the player is opening up areas for designers of those types
of interfaces.
Along with controllers, a keyboard, and a mouse to help move around in these worlds,
companies are exploring the possibility of upping the experience by having the player
interact with the world as much as possible. Some companies are experimenting with
head-tracking systems, where the game can track what you're looking at and move the
avatar in that direction.
Game systems like the Wii provide such direction interaction that movement in the worlds
designed for that system let the player physically move and create actions and reactions
within games such as bowling, baseball, and fishing.
Technological changes will continue to affect the design and creation of games. Over the
past few decades, technology has dramatically changed the look and feel of games. The
logic behind interacting with them remains fairly consistent, so the challenge is to keep
refining these interfaces to match the ever-improving technology.
a d d I t I o n a l e x e r C I s e s
1.
Review at least five different games, and compare the splash art for each one.
What similarities do you find? What are the differences? Does the look and feel
imparted by these splash screens tell you what the game is going to be like?
Do any of them appear to be badly designed and confusing? If yes, what poor
design elements do you see?
2.
Have you ever found a bug in a game? This happens quite a lot. If you do find a
bug, write up a report answering the following questions:
What were you doing when you found the bug?
Where in the game were you (physical location)?
Did you try to do the same thing to see if the bug would repeat (if yes,
note that)?
After you write up your report, contact the company that made the game and send it to
see what sort of response you get (reputable companies are usually grateful to have such
bugs reported and are often quick to fix the problem).
(Continues)
Search WWH ::




Custom Search