Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Arcade games are akin to robotics development because of the heavy use of motors and sensors to measure and
move game play along. Both arcade and video arcade games rely heavily on the game play being balanced, requiring
them to be simple to understand and play but difficult to master. Users must be able to easily identify the game
mechanics of an arcade game before choosing to play. The game whack-a-mole, for example, has a mechanism that
is easily identifiable by both the game's descriptive name and watching others play—but it has a challenge that pits
hand-eye coordination to speed. The game play in home consoles and on personal computers can spend more time
teaching a user the unique mechanics of the game in the early stages. An example of a game that teaches a complex
game mechanism in the early stages is Valve Corporation's first Portal game; the game uses each level to teach only
one part of the mechanism at a time, until all the basic components can be used to solve more difficult puzzles.
The development of arcade games employs a different skill set than that of computer or console games. The
skills of problem development, storytelling, programming, and graphic design are common among most digital game
development fields. Arcade games make use of carpentry, hardware integration, and electrical engineering. Carpentry
is used to make the cabinets that house the actual arcade games. The Behemoth game company, makers of
Castle Crashers, posted a video that demonstrates an arcade cabinet being constructed in time lapse
(see
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ6Lp2GqHoU
)
, to give you an example of how much is involved. Carpentry is a skill
that can be acquired with a little practice and a trip to the local book store for a plethora of information on the subject.
Arcade game cabinets are usually the flashiest part of the entire game, designed to entice people to play. They usually
make sounds, blink lights, and are covered in graphics or eye-popping colors.
The distinctly average power of a microcontroller's capabilities for complex video graphics is why other methods
of attracting the player are used such as intense cabinet design flashing lights and sounds to make games attractive
for play instead of relying on the game graphics the way computer games do. Arcade game cabinets also integrate the
game surface and playing area into the cabinet; pinball and alley roll are great examples of the game surface being
included in the cabinet. Video arcade games use cabinets for reasons similar to arcade games, but the game play is
performed on a screen mounted in the cabinet.
The skill of hardware to software integration will be familiar to any Arduino developer that uses sensors, motors,
and lights in other developments. Arcade games can perform many types of hardware integration—for example, using
sensors to determine if an object has reached a goal. Game play can use motors and solenoids to manipulate and
move physical objects. LED displays can be used to keep score. Each arcade game has different requirements on the
type of hardware needed and how it connects.
Another type of game that is well-suited to the Arduino is the board game. Using electronics in a board game is
great for adding game depth that may not be available via any other method. Milton Bradley's Omega Virus and Dark
Tower are both classic games that demonstrate how electronics can be integrated into a board game, adding a unique
game play experience.
Electronics can also be used in pen-and-paper role-playing games (RPGs)—for example, you could use the
simulated RFID reader from Chapter 6 in a cyber-style RPG to have players “hack” and intercept access codes for
certain game elements. Vintage video games have seen a comeback in the form of stand-alone controllers that
integrate one or more games into the controller to provide an easy connection to a display.
This chapter shows you how to build two proof-of-concept games: one that uses 11 LEDs, 11 resistors, and
a button; and one that uses the Gameduino and a button.
The games are designed to be simple while demonstrating concepts of game development. This chapter's
hardware requirements are an Arduino Uno or compatible device with a standard pin interface, some LEDs and
buttons, and a Gameduino. The Gameduino is graphic coprocessor shield that enables the Arduino to control sprite
based games. The Gameduino shield can be acquired at many online retailers, such as Adafruit Industries, Seeed
Studio, and SparkFun electronics.
