Game Design

function

A code segment used to tell the computer to perform a set of actions, such as "moveForward". An example is an event handler.

flow chart

A graphical diagram that shows the steps or decision process contained in an algorithm.

brainstorming

A group problem-solving technique that involves all members of the group contributing ideas spontaneously.

computer program

A precise set of instructions that tell a computer what to do.

logic error

A program you wrote calculates the wrong answer to the problem (it produces an unexpected result). What type of programming is this?

variables

A programming element used by a game program to track and display score information.

sequential

A programming structure in which the computer follows the instructions in order, one by one, from top to bottom.

repetition

A programming structure where the computer repeats a set of instructions, called a loop, until some condition is met. Includes statements such as "while, do/while" and "for".

iteration

A repetition of a process.

algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions executed in order to solve a problem or perform a task.

pseudocode

An algorithm planning technique that allows you to outline a program algorithm using plain English.

selection

An example of this programming structure includes "if/else".

!35 < 60

An expression that contains the NOT operator.

String

Data type that contains a sequence of characters, numbers or symbols.

Character

Data type that contains a single letter or symbol.

Boolean

Data type that contains only two values: true or false.

Integer

Data type that contains only whole numbers, no decimals.

Floating point

Data type used to store a number that contains a decimal.

writing a story

Designing a game is just like doing this.

skill

One example of this game genre is a game in which players must maneuver around changing barriers and moving objects.

class

Programming element that provides a detailed description of an object's characteristics and specify what can be done with the object.

expression

Programming term describing a combination of variables, values, functions, and operators, which are evaluated and produce another value.

game design engine

Software commonly used to create 3D animations and motion graphics used in games.

deconstructing

The first step to learn more about game design- learning the elements of the game, how they work together to create the game, and how the audience interacts with them game.

designer

The member of the game design team that develops the art and animation for the graphical elements.

programmer

The member of the game design team that writes the step-by-step computer instructions, or code, required to create the game.

initializing

The process of assigning an initial value to a variable.

declaring

The process of telling the computer that a variable exists.

syntax

The ways that words and symbols in a programming language are written, such as correct keywords, spelling, and punctuation.

change, skill, role-playing, video

These are examples of game genres.

constraints

These are the issues that limit your ability to meet your goals, such as lack of tools or time.

criteria

These include the actions you want your game to perform and the goal you want players to be able to achieve.

game testers

These should be people who have varying levels of gaming experience and no familiarity with your game.

feedback

This describes the suggestions and issues that are given to a design team to help improve or refine a game design.

syntax error

This error can be detected before your program begins to run. It is usually typing mistakes, but more generally it means that there is some problem with the structure of your program.

runtime error

This error causes the program to stop running.

X and Y coordinates

This indicates the sprite's current position on the stage.

efficiency

This is a key element to ensuring that a game is able to execute as quickly as possible.

task training

This is one use for gaming that allows businesses to use game technology to provide their employees with skills needed to perform a job.

prototype

This is the first functional example of a game that is developed.

Identify and understand the problem

This is the first step in troubleshooting a problem a user encounters when playing your game.

storyboard

This is the process used to plan every single step of a game's animation.

event handler

This is what a programmer would use to instruct an object in his program to move down 10 spaces when the down-arrow key is pressed.

event

This is what a programmer would use to tell the program to do something when a specific key is pressed.

execute

To run a program.

&& (AND), ll (OR) and !(NOT)

Types of logical (Boolean) operators

methods

Used to describe actions that objects in a class can perform, such as move, rotate, jump, roll. These are functions used within an object class.

parameter

Variable that holds the value needed by the method.

properties

Various attributes of an object in a class, such as size and color.

Solve the problem manually

You must be able to do this in order to write a successful algorithm.

argument

value- can be different within each instance in a class