This document provides an overview of different game platforms, including arcade, console, and PC platforms. It discusses the history and key aspects of arcade platforms such as their exterior casing, coin operation, and use of ROM chips to store games. It then covers the transition to home console platforms which allowed gaming without coins and used cartridges or optical discs. The document notes limitations of consoles and advantages of PC platforms, such as graphics capabilities and ability to modify games. It questions some limitations of PC platforms.

1. Computer Game Platforms & Technologies Week 2 Introduction to Game Platforms

2. So Far We Have.. Took a look at the History of the Games Console Observed the development of Gaming through the various generations and different platforms

3. Arcade Platforms The Arcade Exterior Casing (Wood/Plastic) Joystick & Command Buttons Coin Operated Small Resolution

4. Arcade Platforms Prominent in the 1970’s until late 90’s Hardware allowed for “cutting edge” graphics Expensive to produce Japanese Amusement Machine Manufacturer’s Association (JAMMA)

5. Arcade Platforms Games commonly written in assembly code, stored within the arcade PCB Specifically within Read Only Memory (ROM) Developments Removable Boards More functionality

6. Arcade Platforms Emulation popular Allows old games to be updated and played on current hardware Xbox 360, PS3, Wii all provide services for emulation vs.

7. Arcade Platforms Of course flaws did occur within the software.... Kill screens

8. Console Platforms Brought the fun of the arcade to your home, without the need for a bag of coins Considerably smaller than arcade towers and cases Cartridges allowed for change of game by individual rather than a predefined choice such as in arcades

9. Console Platforms SNES

10. Console Gaming Nintendo 64 (N64) was the last console to use a cartridge for game content Improved sound channels Improved graphics capabilities (gouraud shading)

11. Console Gaming With optical media being available, more information and detail could be used in conjunction with more powerful computing components (GameCube – Wii)

12. Console Gaming Consoles however are limited Components Networking Downloads Multiplayer Availability

13. PC Platforms Use of Dedicated Engines which could be reused for different games Not limited Graphics became imperative Dependant on H/W Lighting also key

14. PC Platforms Game Modifications Counter-Strike Editors Controversy

15. PC Platforms Capabilities Distribution Types Online vs. Offline Peripherals Limitations ?????

16. So?