Programming for Computer Games

Unit 16

Scenario

You are employed by a new game company looking to break into the casual games market

A massive new market for development in the last few years

Scenario

We are going to create a handbook for introducing people to game programming fundamentals as well as a game to support this work to.

AO1

Analyse programming principles using game-specific examples!

Pass

Candidates demonstrate a basic understanding of programming principles. They use limited game-specific examples.

Merit

Candidates demonstrate a detailed understanding of programming principles. They analyse a simple game sequence and describe the underlying programming processes which make it work. They use a range of game specific examples

Distinction

Candidates demonstrate a in-depth understanding of programming principles and practice. They analyse events and processes from existing games with comprehensive clarity. They use a wide range of game-specific examples

Generalised Programming

There are numerous programming languages available which differ in

• Syntax• Style • PurposeHowever they share some principles

which means when you learn one you can easily pick up more

Process Analysis

All programs are written to do something– Perform a calculation– Run a game

INPUT OUTPUTPROCESS

Data Structures

Stores informationPlayername = LwillisVariable “Playername” is now filled in

with the syntax “Lwillis”

Different names for different variablesCan’t be same as codewords

Algorithms

Programs are made of Algorithms.These are chunks of code that carry

out an individual process. Game Loops are prime examples of

this, it will allow a cloud to move in the background, a waterfall to carry on flowing etc

A player twitching happens to remind players

Control Structures

Where a game as many outcomes it needs to jump to Game Loops quickly

What if you turned your car left, and then onto train tracks on GTA

Good Programming Practice

Must be wrote in an easy to understand manner

Good variable namesSizeable IF loops, intendet. Adding coding into comments so

people can understand what they are doing

Portfolio Activity

For your handbook explain the fundamental principles of programming.

• Process Analysis (inputs and outputs)• Data Structures• Algorithms• Control Structures• Good Programming Practice

E-Portfolio Activity

For each area give a range of examples from existing games

Obtaining the code for a simple and annotate it to explain these processes whilst they are occurring

Submission – EPortfolio

Set up a Dreamweaver Website6 buttons for each assessment

objectiveA dedicated folder for this website

within the unit