Game Design Concepts and Development

Questions and Answers

Matteo is the human resources manager at a major printing firm. He wants to use gaming to teach new employees printing skills. What is this an example of?

Task Training

What role does the game 'Words with Friends' have in today's society?

Social networking

What type of game are the designers testing if the feedback states that it is too easy to hit the jackpot?

Chance

What type of game are the designers building where users are astronauts who compete on a mission to find life on Mars?

Role-playing Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a type of game that simulates skills needed to perform a job?

Task training Signup and view all the answers

What type of game is Jason playing if he must maneuver around changing barriers inside a maze?

Skill Signup and view all the answers

What step of the design process involves creating spontaneous ideas for a new central character?

Brainstorming Signup and view all the answers

After receiving feedback on the level of difficulty in an action-based game prototype, what should the development team do next?

Create and execute revisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to help a co-worker solve issues in a game's storyline that has many bugs?

Review the game's storyboard Signup and view all the answers

What document are the developer and game designer referring to when discussing the addition of new characters?

Storyboard Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the game design process?

Brainstorm ideas Signup and view all the answers

What type of application is Ella comparing to help create her first computer game?

A graphical art design application Signup and view all the answers

What essential tools does Harry need if he wants to create his first mobile app game?

A computer hardware, game engine software, graphical art design application, and programming code Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the first functional example of a game that is being developed?

Prototype Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of planning how characters interact with their environment?

Storyboarding Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a technique used to generate ideas in a group setting?

Brainstorming Signup and view all the answers

What describes the process used to plan every step of a game's animation?

Storyboard Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step necessary to correct a score-keeping problem in a game?

Identify and understand the problem Signup and view all the answers

What step should Jackson complete to help develop his game ideas?

Create a storyboard Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the suggestions given to improve or refine a game design?

Feedback Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for a new game designer to understand how elements interact?

Analyze existing games by deconstructing them Signup and view all the answers

To understand game design, a new designer should ________________ an existing game that they like and play.

Deconstruct Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not part of the game deconstruction process?

Experimenting with the game by testing it first Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the game design team writes the dialog for the characters?

Game designer Signup and view all the answers

What are the actions and goals in your game called?

Criteria Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors that may limit your ability to meet game development goals?

Constraints Signup and view all the answers

What step is used to plan out every step of the game animation?

Storyboard Signup and view all the answers

What type of software is commonly used to create 3D animations for games?

Game design engines Signup and view all the answers

What group of testers should be used to test a game prototype?

Several people with various levels of gaming experience and no familiarity with your game Signup and view all the answers

What computer platform is best for creating a game for iPods, iPads, and iPhones?

Apple Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the game draft created for demonstration?

Prototype Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the syntax unique to each programming language?

syntax Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important qualification for game developers being hired for new projects?

Experience in writing programming code in a variety of languages Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the design team writes the code required to create games?

Programmer Signup and view all the answers

What programming structures are displayed in Patricia's game algorithm?

Iteration and selection Signup and view all the answers

Which algorithm could a robot perform accurately with the least amount of error?

Pour 4oz of milk and 4oz of water into a microwave safe cup, microwave the cup with the liquid for 1 minute to heat, sprinkle the cocoa powder to the milk and water mixture, stir until the powder is dissolved in the liquid, finally add the marshmallows to garnish your drink. Signup and view all the answers

What did Andres' uncle recommend to help him find a solution to his career path in game design?

He used an algorithm to help Andres find a solution Signup and view all the answers

How is Alexandra getting the program to solve mathematical problems in her game?

She is writing an algorithm for computers to follow a series of step-by-step instructions to solve equations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement defines 'iteration'?

A repetition of a process Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a selection structure?

if/else Signup and view all the answers

What task would Allison's algorithm need to perform in Step 3 to calculate the area of a rectangle?

Multiply length by width Signup and view all the answers

What describes the step-by-step instructions under 'Solution' in an example problem?

Algorithm Signup and view all the answers

In order to write a successful algorithm, what must you first be able to do?

Solve the problem manually Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a set of step-by-step instructions executed to solve a problem?

Algorithm Signup and view all the answers

What two types of programming structures are included in the following instructions: Move Forward, Repeat Move Forward 10 times?

Sequential and looping Signup and view all the answers

What type of programming structure is represented in the instruction: Move Forward, If not at end, move forward, Else stop?

Selection Signup and view all the answers

What does the example in the formatted instruction represent?

An algorithm Signup and view all the answers

What type of error is present in the algorithm: Set student to 0, For each pair of students in class, add two to student?

Logic error Signup and view all the answers

What sequence correctly orders steps in problem-solving?

2, 4, 1, 3 Signup and view all the answers

What should your team complete next after identifying issues from feedback on a game prototype?

Create and execute the solution Signup and view all the answers

What should a game programmer do to ensure that a game executes as quickly as possible?

Create the most efficient algorithms Signup and view all the answers

What problem does the following algorithm solve: Count the numbers in the list, Add the numbers in the list, Divide the sum by the amount of numbers listed?

Determine the average of the listed numbers Signup and view all the answers

What line of pseudocode should be added if the path included a space for 'lose a turn'?

Else If the player token lands on 'lose a turn' then player skips next turn Signup and view all the answers

Why should Zachary bother with fixing the pseudocode when he can simply fix the bug in the game?

Outlining and correcting in pseudocode allows Zachary to focus on the logic of the algorithm and make the necessary changes needed before physically coding it. Signup and view all the answers

Which change should you make to the example to correctly calculate the number of students in class?

Before Line 3, add: 'If one student remains, then add one to student' Signup and view all the answers

What type of programming error is the multiplication problem with Michelle's code?

Logic error Signup and view all the answers

Which type of error can be difficult to identify, because the program still runs but does not do what you expect?

Logic error Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a graphical diagram of the steps or decision process contained in an algorithm?

Flow chart Signup and view all the answers

Which line of code is executed when the number of players reaches 1?

Line 8 Signup and view all the answers

What type of error is most likely causing the problem in calculating the total cost after discount and tax?

Logic error Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is used to store data in the computer's memory that can be used by a program later?

Variable Signup and view all the answers

In programming languages, character, string, integer, floating-point, and Boolean are all examples of:

Variable data types Signup and view all the answers

What is the programming element used by a game program to track and display score information?

Variables Signup and view all the answers

Which variable data type is used to store a number that contains a decimal?

Floating point Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process of assigning an initial value to a variable?

Initializing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of operators includes the && (AND), || (OR) and !(NOT) symbols?

Logical (Boolean) operators Signup and view all the answers

According to the mathematical order of precedence used in programming, which portion of an expression should be evaluated first?

Parentheses Signup and view all the answers

Which expression contains the NOT operator?

! 25 < 10 Signup and view all the answers

What must a programmer write to instruct an object to move up when the up-arrow key is pressed?

An event-handler Signup and view all the answers

What component must Wayne use to tell the program what to do when the mouse is clicked?

An event handler Signup and view all the answers

What describes the value passed to a method when called, so that the method knows what to do?

An argument Signup and view all the answers

What must be accessed by a method controlling the speed of the monsters attacking the player?

The parameter that stores the time remaining argument Signup and view all the answers

In the code below, identify the parameter and the argument: If number = 5 Then change speed by 5; If number = 2 Then change speed by 2.

Parameter is speed, argument is 5 or 2 Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the code segment represents the argument in 'When spacebar is pressed, turn left 10 degrees'?

Left 10 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What variable holds the data needed by the method?

A parameter Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the code segment 'When spacebar is pressed, turn left 10 degrees' represents the argument?

Left 10 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What programming element provides a detailed description of an object's characteristics?

Class Signup and view all the answers

Which programming term describes the objects built using the wizard class?

Instances Signup and view all the answers

What explains the error in the Chair class definition?

Objects created using the same class must have the same properties. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the actions that zombie objects should be able to perform according to Stefan's design?

Methods Signup and view all the answers

What describes the characteristics needed for each tree object in Amy's park scene?

Properties Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding methods is true?

Methods are functions used within an object class. Signup and view all the answers

What component is needed to tell the program to do something when a specific key is pressed?

An event for each key stroke Signup and view all the answers

Which expression correctly calculates the amount of spending money remaining for the current allowance of $10.00?

currentAllowance + currentAllowance * increase - savings Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a combination of variables, values, functions, and operators that produce another value?

Expression Signup and view all the answers

What type of programming component is an event handler?

A function Signup and view all the answers

What other information must Raul provide the computer to make the object perform jump or rotate actions?

An argument (value) and a parameter (variable) Signup and view all the answers

Which information must Gino change to create the desired wizard objects?

Values Signup and view all the answers

What describes the barrel objects' ability to roll?

Method Signup and view all the answers

Which programming component tells the program the number of moves to make when a specific key is pressed?

An event handler for each key Signup and view all the answers

Which expression correctly decreases the number of moves when a key is pressed?

movesRemaining -- Signup and view all the answers

What is wrong with Natalie's expression 'if movesRemaining = 0 then'?

She needs to change it to movesRemaining == 0. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Game Design Concepts

Task Training: Games can be effective in simulating job-related skills, such as printing, to train employees.
Social Networking in Gaming: Games like "Words with Friends" promote social interaction and competitive skill development among players.
Chance-Based Games: Testing involves assessing the fairness of game mechanics, like slot machines where feedback may suggest adjusting jackpot probabilities.

Game Types and Development Process

Role-Playing Games (RPGs): In a game where astronauts find life on Mars, players take on roles within a narrative.
Game Design Steps: Brainstorming introduces new ideas, while storyboarding organizes gameplay elements and sequences.

Prototype and Feedback Loop

Prototyping: It represents a first functional game version that undergoes testing for improvements based on user feedback.
Feedback Collection: Gathering suggestions post-testing helps refine game design through identified issues.

Importance of Algorithms

Understanding Algorithms: A structured sequence of instructions is essential for solving problems, such as computing area or game programming.
Iteration and Selection Structures: Programming structures include repeated actions (iteration) and decision-making processes (selection).

Programming Skills and Tools

Programming Fundamentals: Knowledge in multiple coding languages and their syntax is crucial for game developers.
Game Development Software: Familiarity with graphical design applications and game engines is needed to construct game models.

Problem Solving in Game Design

Problem Solving Steps: Identifying and understanding issues precedes planning and executing solutions, which is vital in refining game prototypes.
Logic and Syntax Errors: Errors in algorithms can lead to unintended outcomes; careful debugging in pseudocode helps isolate and fix these issues before final coding.

Design Constraints

Constraints: These include limitations like time, budget, and available resources, impacting game development processes and outcomes.

Importance of Testing

Game Tester Selection: A diverse group of testers with varying experience ensures thorough feedback for game iterations.
Addressing Bugs: Continuous testing and revisions are essential to rectify issues and enhance game flow and logic before final release.### Errors in Programming
Logic errors occur when a program runs but produces incorrect results, making them difficult to identify.
Logic errors can frequently lead to unexpected outputs, such as a program returning $16.50 instead of the correct $5.50 after calculations.

Programming Diagrams

Flow charts visually represent algorithms, illustrating the sequence of steps or decisions.

Pseudo-Code Execution

In pseudo-code, executing the line of code occurs when a specified condition is met, such as reaching the end of a loop.

Data Storage

Variables are used to store data in a program's memory for later use, including various data types like integers, strings, and booleans.

Variable Types

Floating point is the data type utilized for numbers with decimals.

Object Initialization

Initializing refers to assigning initial values to variables in a program.

Operators

Logical (Boolean) operators include && (AND), || (OR), and !(NOT), and are fundamental in making decisions within code.
Parentheses are prioritized in mathematical expressions according to the order of precedence.

Event Handling

Event handlers are crucial for responding to user interactions, such as key presses that trigger specific actions in a program.

Arguments and Parameters

Arguments are values passed to methods, while parameters are the variables defined in methods that hold these values.

Class and Objects

A class serves as a blueprint that defines the properties and functionalities of objects.
Instances are specific objects created from a class, each with defined characteristics.

Properties and Methods

Properties are characteristics that describe an object (e.g., color, size), while methods are the actions an object can perform.

Game Design Elements

Programming components like event handlers determine actions taken based on user inputs, such as moving characters in a game.
Variables tracking game state, like the remaining moves, must be updated correctly according to user actions.

Expressions in Programming

An expression is formed by combining variables, values, functions, and operators to compute a new value.

Common Programming Errors

Conditional expressions must be formed correctly, as in the case where Natalie needed to use '==' instead of '=' for comparisons.

These notes encapsulate critical programming concepts relevant to logic errors, algorithm visualizations, data management, and object-oriented programming, aiding in a better understanding of these foundational aspects.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the key concepts and processes involved in game design, from task training and social networking in games to role-playing experiences and prototypes. Test your knowledge of how games are structured and how feedback shapes the development process.