Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
logy, such as that used in some electronic test equipment, medical monitors, radar
displays, laser shows, and early videogames. Plotters are printers that use vector
data rather than pixel data to draw graphics.
•
Computer Graphics Metafile
(
CGM
): This is a file format for 2D vector
graphics, raster graphics, and text and is defined by ISO/IEC8632. All graph-
ical elements can be specified in a textual source file that can be compiled in-
to a binary file or one of the two text representations. CGM provides a means
of graphics data interchange for computer representation of 2D graphical in-
formation independent from any particular application, system, platform, or
device. It has been adapted to some extent in the areas of technical illustra-
tion and professional design, but has largely been superseded by formats,
such as Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and Drawing Exchange Formats
(DXF).
•
Scalable Vector Graphics
(
SVG
): This is a 2D graphics format with proper-
ties similar to CGM that uses an XML-based text format. Like CGM, it sup-
ports vector and raster graphics as well as text. SVG is supported by many
popular graphics applications, such as Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator. All ma-
jor web browsers and most smartphones include SVG rendering support.
•
Drawing Exchange Formats
(
DXF
): This is a computer-aided design (CAD)
data file that provides a bridge from Autodesk's AutoCAD DWF format to oth-
er CAD programs. DXF supports both ASCII and binary versions. It shares
many of the properties of CGM, including interactivity, portability, and com-
pressibility. Due to inherent limitations in the file structure, DXF is being
phased out in favor of DWF and SVG.
Videos in videogames
The following are the techniques for creating videos in videogames:
•
Full motion video
(
FMV
): This is a videogame narration technique that relies
upon pre-recorded video files (rather than sprites, vectors, or 3D models)
to display action in the game. While many games feature FMVs as a way
to present information during cut scenes, games that are primarily presen-
ted through FMVs are referred to as full-motion videogames or interactive
movies.
•
QuickTime
: This is a complete cross-platform multimedia architecture that
supports creating, producing, and delivering a broad variety of media. Quick-
