Game Basics
What is an avatar in a game?
Avatar: A character or digital representation of the player in the game world.
What is a joystick?
Joystick: An input device that controls movement by tilting a stick.
What is a prototype in game development?
Prototype: An early model used to test game ideas before full development.
Define simulation.
Simulation: A digital model that mimics real-world processes or systems.
What is an NPC?
NPC: A character controlled by the computer, not the player.
Define the term mechanics in gaming.
Mechanics: The rules and systems that control how the game works (e.g., movement, scoring, health).
Define console in relation to gaming.
Console: A specialised electronic system designed for playing video games (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox).
Define level design.
Prototype: An early model used to test game ideas before full development.
What is an agent-based model?
Agent-based model: A simulation where individual agents follow rules and interact, producing complex behaviour.
Define MMOG
MMOG: Massively Multiplayer Online Game; allows thousands of players to interact in a shared world.
Explain the difference between real-time and turn-based simulations.
Real-time simulation: Runs continuously in sync with real time. Turn-based simulation: Runs in steps, with players taking turns.
Explain the role of a physics engine in a game.
Physics engine: Simulates physical behaviours like gravity, collisions, and momentum.
Explain what playtesting is and why it is important.
Playtesting: Testing a game with users to identify bugs, balance issues, and areas for improvement.
Explain what simulation fidelity means and give an example.
Simulation fidelity: How accurately a simulation reflects reality; e.g., flight simulators with real physics have high fidelity.
Explain how a feedback loop works in games.
Feedback loop: Player actions change the game state, which provides feedback that influences further decisions.
Describe how immersion can influence a player’s experience.
Immersion: The feeling of being absorbed in a game; strong immersion increases enjoyment and engagement.
Describe how multisensory feedback (e.g., vibration, sound) enhances realism.
Multisensory feedback: Adds realism by engaging multiple senses, e.g., controller vibrations, sound, or haptics.
Describe how SCAMPER can be used in designing a new game.
SCAMPER: A creative tool (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) used to generate new design ideas.
Describe how a digital twin can be used in industries like health or transport.
Digital twin: A virtual version of a real object or system, e.g., a model of a train system used to test safety.
Describe the difference between first-person and third-person perspectives.
First-person perspective: Player sees through the character’s eyes. Third-person perspective: Player sees the character from behind or above.
Explain how core mechanics and dynamics work together to create gameplay experiences.
Core mechanics are the fundamental player actions. Dynamics are the behaviours and experiences that emerge from those mechanics working together.
Compare how VR and AR use technology differently to create immersive experiences.
VR immerses players in a fully virtual environment using headsets, while AR overlays digital elements onto the real world using devices like phones or glasses.
Discuss how functional and non-functional requirements both impact the success of a game.
Functional requirements are features the game must do (e.g., saving progress, character movement). Non-functional requirements are qualities like aesthetics, responsiveness, useability etc.
Evaluate the benefits and limitations of using serious games for training and education.
Serious games: Pros – can train skills in safe environments (e.g., surgery, driving). Cons – can be costly to develop and may not fully replicate real-life stress.
Assess the role of ethical considerations in the development of violent or addictive games.
Ethical considerations: Developers must consider impacts like violence, addiction, stereotypes, and data privacy to avoid harm to players and society.