What makes computer games good? | Year 3 Computing PDF Download

Understanding Gaming

• Gaming, a popular activity, offers entertainment and enjoyment to individuals globally.
• It involves playing interactive games on digital devices or computers.
• There is a wide variety of games catering to diverse interests and age groups, including adults, youth, and children.

Where do we play computer games?

• We engage in playing computer games on various digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and game consoles.
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Smart TVs
  • Game consoles
• Many individuals either purchase and download games from the internet or opt to play them online for a fee. While there are free online games available, they often contain advertisements or prompt users to make in-game purchases.
• Some games are distributed as physical cartridges or Blu-ray discs that can be inserted into a game console and played without an internet connection.
  • Cartridge
  • Blu-ray disc

Different types of games

Computer games can be categorized into various types or genres that exhibit similarities in elements like setting, gameplay, and controls.

Types of Games

• Simulation Games: Simulations replicate real-world scenarios such as football matches or driving experiences. Players often take control and make decisions within these simulations.
• Traditional Games: Traditional games are inspired by real-life favorites like chess, snakes and ladders, as well as word and card games.
• Platform Games: Platform games involve characters moving from left to right on a screen, jumping between platforms, collecting items, and dodging obstacles.
• Maze Games: Maze games are centered around navigating through mazes, gathering objects, and avoiding obstacles along the way.
• Puzzle Games: Puzzle games often present challenges that require problem-solving skills, like decoding codes or matching colored objects to progress through levels.

What were the first computer games like?

• One of the pioneering computer games in history was Pong, a simplistic simulation of table tennis. 
• Players controlled two lines as bats, moving them up and down using a joystick.
• Despite its basic design by today's standards, Pong was considered a groundbreaking and thrilling innovation during its time.

Are computer games easy to make?

• The process of developing computer games is intricate and involves various components.
• Game designers must conceptualize every aspect of the game before assembling it into a playable form.
• Several key elements need to be considered during the development phase:
  • The Storyline, Plot, or Puzzle: Define the tasks and challenges characters face within the game.
  • The Setting: Determine the environment and era where the game unfolds.
  • The Characters: Create the protagonists, antagonists, and supporting cast.
  • Graphic Artwork and Design: Develop visual elements that breathe life into characters and settings. 

Playing Games

• Games should provide entertainment and enjoyment to keep players engaged.
• The player experience, encompassing both gameplay and visuals, significantly impacts enjoyment.
• A game may feature appealing visuals and characters, but if it's excessively challenging, players might feel frustrated and discontinue playing.
• Conversely, if a game is too easy, it risks becoming monotonous, necessitating an appropriate level of challenge.
• During gameplay, players require clear feedback on their progress, scores, and what steps to take next for an engaging experience.

Designing Your Own Game

• Designing your own computer game can be an enjoyable experience with the help of various apps and tools.
• Start by brainstorming ideas for your game. You could begin with a character and develop a storyline around them, or imagine a unique setting and consider who might inhabit it.
• For example, you might want to create a platform game featuring dinosaurs and doughnuts!
• Whatever your idea, it's essential to consider elements like genre, characters, setting, game objectives, obstacles, rules, difficulty levels, game controls, scoring, and player feedback.
• Making notes and creating a detailed plan based on these elements will help you bring your game idea to life effectively.

Understanding the Computer Program for a Computer Game

• Essence of a Computer Game: The central component of a computer game is the computer program, which comprises a set of instructions that the computer comprehends. This program establishes the regulations and manages how the game unfolds.
• Significance of the Computer Program:
  • A computer program is essentially a series of instructions that a computer can interpret.
  • It dictates the actions of characters within the game based on the player's input.
• Implementing Rules and Controls:
  • The rules and controls embedded within the computer program dictate the behavior of characters in response to player interactions.