Transcript Computer Games: Digital Games Design F1R2 11

Platforms &
Hardware
Computer Games: Digital Games
Design F1R2 11
© 2012 West Lothian College
August 2012/Review date August 2015
Platforms & hardware
Platforms
Hardware environment for games
 Different platforms

 Plusses
& minuses
 No overall best – depends on user
Platforms
XBox360
 Nintendo Wii
 PC
 Mobile gaming

X Box 360








CPU: 3.2 GHz PPC Tri-Core
Xenon
GPU: 500 MHz ATI Xenos
Media: DVD, DVD-DL, CD
Storage: 20 or 120 GB hard
drive; 64, 256 or 512 MB
memory cards
Controller input: 4 maximum
(wired, wireless or combo)
Connectivity: 3 × USB 2.0, IR
port, 100 Mbit Ethernet
Online service: Xbox Live
Backward compatibility: 465
original Xbox games (needs
HD)
Xbox 360








High power CPU
High power GPU
Fast, detailed images
Good audio
Plays DVDs
Online multiplayer
Gets latest games
Seen as “hardcore”




Chunky controller
Multiple configs
Some technical
problems
Games expensive
Wii








CPU: IBM PowerPC-based
“Broadway”
GPU: ATI "Hollywood"
Media: 12cm Wii Optical Disc, 8cm
GameCube Game Disc
Storage: 512 MB Internal flash
memory, SD card, GameCube
Memory Card
Controller input: Wii Remote, Wii
Balance Board, GameCube controller
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 ×
USB 2.0, LAN Adapter (via USB)
Online service: Nintendo Wi-Fi,
WiiConnect24, Virtual Console, Wii
Menu
Backward compatibility: Nintendo
GameCube
Wii






Adequate graphics
Innovative controllers
One set system
Good audio
Attracting non-gamers
“Fun”



Graphics not “state of
the art”
Seen as “for kids”
Games expensive
Mobile Gaming - handheld
PSP/DS etc.
 CPU & graphics
better than phones
 Wide range of
software
 Connectivity
 Superseded by
phones & tablets?

Mobile gaming - phone








CPU: varied (low-med)
GPU: varied (low-med)
Media: downloaded only
Storage: SD ram, SD card,
internal
Controller: integrated
joypad/accelerometer/touchscr
een
Connectivity: Infrared,
Bluetooth, GPRS, 3or4G, WiFi,
MMS, Wireless LAN
Multiple Oss: main=Android,
iOS (Apple)
Java – cross-platform
Mobile gaming - tablets


iPad / Android /
Windows
Specs similar to
phones
 Slightly
faster cpu
 Slightly more storage
 Bigger screen
 Less battery time
Mobile gaming








Inexpensive
Relatively Simple
Not limited to location
Wide range of games
Innovative game
types (e.g.
Geocaching)
Large user base – but
seen as “non-gamers”
Hardware evolving
quickly



Graphics & audio less
detailed
Control systems
sometimes limited
Networked games
more rare
Hardware evolving
quickly
PC








CPU: varied (med - v.high power)
GPU: varied (med-v.high power)
Media: DVD, DVD-DL, CD, SD
card, USB stick
Storage: large capacity hard
drive; DVD/CD writer,
Controller input: any USB
controller, keyboard, mouse
Connectivity: 4 × USB 2.0, IR
port, 100 Mbit Ethernet, wireless
ethernet
Online service: Internet
Backward compatibility: via
windows and emulators
PC








Med – v. high quality
graphics
Excellent sound
Ubiquitous, but seen as
“older person’s choice”
Huge storage
DirectX API useful
Easily upgradeable
software
Excellent connectivity
Range of games
unmatched




Expensive hardware
upgrade cycle
Viruses
Extra hardware may be
needed
Tablets catching up
Summary

Systems offer different capabilities
 Processor
 Graphics
 Storage
 Connectivity
Graphics important for hardcore games
 Playability more important than graphics
for new types of gamers
 Depends on users’ needs

Q:

What system best suits you?

Why?