Harry Johnson y1 gd engine_terminology

Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
1
Produce a glossary of terms specific to the methods and principles of Video Game Design and Video Game Terms. Using a provided template,
you must research and gather definitions specific to provided glossary terms. Any definitions must be referenced with the URL link of the
website you have obtained the definition.
You must also, where possible, provide specific details of how researched definitions relate to your own production practice.
Name:
Harry
Johnson
RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet
researched definition and URL link)
DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE
OF THE RESEARCHED
TERM TO YOUR OWN
PRODUCTION PRACTICE?
IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or video link
of said term being used in a game)
VIDEO
GAMES
/
VIDEO
GAME
TESTIN
G
Demo A game demo is a freely distributed demonstration or
preview of an upcoming or recently released video game.
Demos are typically released by the game's publisher to help
consumers get a feel of the game before deciding whether
to buy the full version.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_demo
A demo is relevant to my
research because it allow me
to see how a game is running
to al low me to find any
problems with it if there is
any at all wrong with i t also
enables me to make a game
better than before in its
earlier s tages.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t11klyI91g
Thi s is an image of the titan fall demo on the Xbox one.
http://assets1.ignimgs.com/vid/thumbnails/user/2013/08/21/
Ti tanfall_Interview-copy.jpg
Beta Beta is usually a trial version of a game for a company. betas
are usually experimental and often have problems w/ them
that i s why they are known as a beta because that allow
player to test a game to find any problems so they can fix i t
and prevent people from having problems.
https ://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=200810
19143302AAIBseY
A beta is relevant to my
production practise because
i t i s used to test a game and
s e e people’s reactions when
playing it they are usually use
to find problems with games.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXTXPe7JIUk
Thi s is an image of the destiny Beta on Playstation4 this is the
early access image of the beta.

IG2 Task 1
2
http://www.vgblogger.com/wp-content/
uploads/2013/07/05/Destiny.jpg
Alpha A very early version of a software product that may not
conta in all of the features that are planned for the final
vers ion. Typically, software goes through two s tages of
tes ting before it is considered finished. The first s tage, called
alpha testing, is often performed only by users within the
organization developing the software. The second stage,
cal led beta testing, generally involves a limited number of
external users.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/alpha_version.html
An Alpa is used to see how a
game runs and to see how it
could possibly run better by
al lowing people to play their
game and to allow them to
see it at its first stages.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSnqsPHat_M
Here you can see footage of the Day-Z s tandalone Alpha.
http://assets.vg247.com/current//2013/08/tumblr_mqxpuoeF
rJ1rd90z0o6_1280.jpg
Pre-Alpha A development status given to a program or application that
i s usually not feature complete, and is not usually released
to the public. Developers are usually s till deciding on what
features the program should have at this status. This s tatus
comes before the alpha version, and is the first s tatus given
A pre Alpa is used to see how
the Alpa will run and play i t is
used by the developers to see
thei r game ideas in use and
practi se this allows them to
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDxajINxIyQ
Here you can see footage of H1Z1 Gameplay and an image to
support i t.

IG2 Task 1
3
to a program
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pre-alpha_version
make changes i f needed and
i t al lows them to begin to add
new things to their game.
http://cdn0.vox-cdn.
com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31868117/h1z1c.0_cin
ema_720.0.jpg
Gold A "Gold Sink" is a term used in MMORPGs for any game
mechanic that is designed to remove money from the
game's economy. This can be things like vendor purchased
items, equipment repair, sales taxes & fees or even mailbox
cos ts .
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gold%2
0s ink
Gold is a term used to finalise
a game i t is basically the final
finished copy of a game i t is
the final product which will
go on to be sold to gamers.
Here you can see the Gta 5 game going gold.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sX1_lrHEMmo/UkNKVIE-YgI/
AAAAAAAAA9g/w_RKGmmUy8E/s1600/photo.JPG

IG2 Task 1
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Debug In computers, debugging is the process of locating and fixing
or bypassing bugs (errors) in computer program code or the
engineering of a hardware device.
http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/deb
ugging
Thi s is a process of finding
and eliminating bug which
may occur in a game it is used
to prevent any problems
occurring in a game.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_Gonsk_qGA
Here you can see a video of a game being debugged.
http://golancourses.net/2010spring/wp-content/
uploads/2010/02/spud_evolutionsteps.png
Automation Automation or automatic control is the use of various
control systems for operating equipment such as machinery,
processes in factories, boilers and heat treating ovens,
swi tching in telephone networks, steering and s tabilization
of ships, aircraft and other applications with minimal or
reduced human intervention. Some processes have been
compl etely automated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automation
Thi s is basically a pre-built
code for a game engine i t is a
pre-s et entity that enables a
game to work on its own
without further support or
what not and i t is to make
s ure you don’t have to
manually install the game.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsoEeFTVL5g
Here you can see a video about game automation.

IG2 Task 1
5
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-
1SjODQiqlOk/Uecski7Pt1I/AAAAAAAAAaw/o-wCIb4ieOI/
s1600/2013-07-05.jpg
White-Box
Testing
White-box testing (also known as clear box testing, glass box
tes ting, transparent box testing, and s tructural testing) is a
method of testing software that tests internal structures or
workings of an application, as opposed to i ts functionality
(i .e. black-box testing). In white-box testing an internal
perspective of the system, as well as programming skills, are
used to design test cases. The tester chooses inputs to
exerci se paths through the code and determine the
appropriate outputs. This is analogous to testing nodes in a
ci rcui t, e.g. in-circuit testing (ICT).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-box_testing
Thi s is a programme which
makes sure all codes work
correctly and i t makes sure
that a game is working to a
good enough s tandard.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bJcvBLJViQ
Here you can see a video about white box testing.
http://www.softwaretestinggenius.com/photos/wbt1.JPG
Bug A software bug is an error, flaw, failure, or fault in a
computer program or system that causes it to produce an
incorrect or unexpected result, or to behave in unintended
ways . Most bugs arise from mistakes and errors made by
people in either a program's source code or its design, or in
frameworks and operating systems used by such programs,
and a few are caused by compilers producing incorrect code.
A program that contains a large number of bugs, and/or
bugs that seriously interfere with its functionality, is said to
be buggy.
A bug i s when a problem or
something goes wrong with a
game engine it can cause a
sys tem to freeze or reset this
can be a problem if it keeps
on occurring.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMO9W0081Cw
Here you can see a video about the top 5 game bugs.

IG2 Task 1
6
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_bug
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/5888/pesglitch.jpg
GAME
ENGINE
S
GAME
ENGINE
S
Vertex
Shader
A shader or shader model is a software program that
includes instructions on how the GPU should render certain
images on the screen. Game system requirements may
sometimes list a shader model version that is required such
as Shader Model 3.0. This is simply the shader program that
i s required to play the game. Each version of Microsoft's
Di rectX API supports a shader version. Shader version 3.0 i s
supported in DirectX 9.0c, shader v4.0 i s supported in
Di rectX 10, and so on, so i f a graphics card spec mentions
support for DirectX 10 you can rest assured that it will meet
the shader requirements of a game that may l ist shader
vers ion 4.0 in i t's system requirements.
http://compactiongames.about.com/od/glossary/g/Shader.
htm
Thi s is what makes the
shadows in games it is what is
used to judge the lighting of a
game and i t is used to make a
game much more realistic or
even better for the eye it can
make things look real.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnmAA4VUIhM
Here you can see a video about vertex shaders.
http://web.media.mit.edu/~gordonw/OpenGL/images/teapot_
vertexShader.jpg

IG2 Task 1
7
Pixel Shader From Vertex Shader to Pixel Shader
The output of a vertex shader along with texture maps goes
to an interpolation stage and then to the pixel shader. The
pixel shader is another programmable function that allows
flexibility in shading an individual pixel. Whereas vertex
shaders can be used to completely transform the shape of
an object, pixel shaders are used to change the appearance
of the pixels.
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/pixel+shader
Thi s is what makes everything
in a game more graphically
advanced which means a
game will be clean and clear
so most things will look more
real and just overall better.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFG9Gp3tbMo
Here i s an image and video about pixel shaders.
http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/4/4e/4e776cf7
_vbattach2843.jpeg
Post
Processing
The term post-processing (or postproc for short) is used in
the video/film business for quality-improvement image
processing (specifically digital image processing) methods
used in video playback devices, (such as stand-alone DVD-Video
players), and video players software and transcoding
software. It is also commonly used in real-time 3D rendering
(such as in video games) to add additional effects.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_post-processing
Thi s is where a game collects
data so it can then render
things in real time such as
enti ties and world terrains
fas ter.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKtJ-IxUA0Y
Here i s a video about post processing and an image to support
i t.
http://www.worldoftanksguide.com/images/post-processing.
jpg

IG2 Task 1
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Rendering Rendering is the process of generating an image from a 2D
or 3D model (or models in what collectively could be called a
s cene file), by means of computer programs. Also, the
results of such a model can be called a rendering. A s cene
fi l e contains objects in a s trictly defined language or data
s tructure; it would contain geometry, viewpoint, texture,
l ighting, and shading information as a description of the
vi rtual s cene.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendering_(computer_graphics
)
Thi s is when a game actually
renders so i t is when a game
i s being loaded as fast as you
can move in a world i t is used
to give a 360 view of a world.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLhUzuTSTAc
Here i s an image to show you how to render and what its
means by rendering.
http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/8741567/skyri
m-s cape_large_verge_medium_landscape.jpg
Normal Map In 3D computer graphics, normal mapping, or "Dot3 bump
mapping", i s a technique used for faking the lighting of
bumps and dents – an implementation of bump mapping. It
i s used to add details without using more polygons. A
common use of this technique is to greatly enhance the
appearance and details of a low polygon model by
generating a normal map from a high polygon model or
height map.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping
Thi s is when a world is made
to look better by adding
shaders and colour to it
which then makes it look
better and cleaner i t is also
the process of when you add
things in to a world so it is
bas ically the development of
a world which i s simple.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-6Yu-nTbUU
Here you can see a video about normal maps and image below
to support i t.

IG2 Task 1
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36
/Normal_map_example.png/800px-Normal_map_example.png
9
Entity In software engineering, an entity–relationship model (ER
model) is a data model for describing the data or
information aspects of a business domain or its process
requi rements, in an abstract way that lends i tself to
ul timately being implemented in a database such as a
relational database. The main components of ER models are
enti ties (things) and the relationships that can exist among
them, and databases.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entity%E2%80%93relationship
_model
Thi s is an object which exists
in a game i t a basically
something which exists on its
own without anything telling
i t what to do but just simple
does i ts own thing freely i t i s
al so a solid object.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fQ-bRllhXc
Here you can see a video about what a game entity i s and an
image to support i t.
http://www.richardlord.net/images/blog/entity2a.png
UV Map UV mapping is the 3D modeling process of making a 2D
image representation of a 3D model's surface.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UV_mapping
Thi s is where you make a 2D
image into a 3D object or
image threw a number of
processes.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIvTUDgaXik
Here you can see a video about map processing and an image
to support i t.

IG2 Task 1
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http://blog.duber.cz/wp-content/
gallery/screenshots/custom_uv_map_example.png
Procedural
Texture
An algorithmic way of describing a texture. Unlike a
bitmapped texture, in which the texture is represented as a
bitmap, a procedural texture describes the texture
mathematically. Although not widely used, this method is
resolution independent and can create more precise
textures, especially i f there is great and varying depth to the
objects being textured. Procedural textures may be 2D or
3D.
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/procedural+tex
ture
Thi s is a skin which is used to
go onto an object in map it
could simply be the player
clothes or a weapon of some
sort i t i s also used on terrains
of sorts which make them
look better.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikOCTrT8WSg
Here you can see a video about procedural textures and an
http://www.inear.se/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wood1.jpg
Physics a s cience that deals with matter and energy and the way
they act on each other in heat, light, electricity, and sound
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physics
Thi s can make a game more
real and it is what allows you
to move l ike you would in
real life it is what makes a
game real.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS9seZ_G6pU
Here you can see a video about game physics and an image to
support i t.

IG2 Task 1
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http://s tatic.guim.co.uk/sys-images/
Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/6/22/1245706291345/bf_
1943_may_09_5.gi f
Collision Col l ision detection typically refers to the computational
problem of detecting the intersection of two or more
objects. While the topic is most often associated with its use
in video games and other physical s imulations, i t also has
applications in robotics. In addition to determining whether
two objects have collided, collision detection systems may
al so calculate time of impact (TOI), and report a contact
manifold (the s et of intersecting points).[1] Collision
response deals with simulating what happens when a
col l ision is detected (see physics engine, ragdoll physics).
Solving collision detection problems requires extensive use
of concepts from linear algebra and computational
geometry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collision_detection
Thi s is what s tops objects
walking through things they
s houldn’t it i s basically a
s topper preventing players
from going where they
should not go to.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGh-Vh_NYO0
Here you can see an example video of game collisions.
http://i .stack.imgur.com/mUES0.png
Lighting Lighting or i llumination is the deliberate use of light to Thi s is basically the lights in a https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCSRSxET0FA

IG2 Task 1
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achieve a practical or aesthetic effect. Lighting includes the
use of both artificial light sources like lamps and l ight
fixtures, as well as natural illumination by capturing daylight.
Dayl ighting (using windows, skylights, or light shelves) is
sometimes used as the main source of light during daytime
in buildings. This can save energy in place of using artificial
l ighting, which represents a major component of energy
consumption in buildings. Proper l ighting can enhance ta sk
performance, improve the appearance of an area, or have
pos itive psychological effects on occupants.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting
game it can be adjusted by
plyers by the brightness
setting at the beginning of a
game it i s used to make a
game brighter and i t is used
to make a game look real
when playing it.
Here you can see a video about game lighting and an image to
support i t.
http://www.dsogaming.com/wp-content/
uploads/2012/02/winter01c.jpg
AA – Anti-
Aliasing
Anti -aliasing may refer to any of a number of techniques to
combat the problems of aliasing in a sampled signal such as
a digital image or digital audio recording.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aliasing
Thi s is what allows objects
look more real and i t is what
helps them move by slitting
up the parts of the objects in
to triangles of sorts it allows
an object to look and move
more freely in a world.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqi0114mwtY
Here you can see a video about AA – Anti -Aliasing and an
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/toddysspace/00003.png

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LoD – Level
of Detail
In computer graphics, accounting for level of detail involves
decreasing the complexity of a 3D object representation as it
moves away from the viewer or according to other metrics
such as object importance, viewpoint-relative speed or
pos ition. Level of detail techniques increases the efficiency
of rendering by decreasing the workload on graphics
pipeline s tages, usually vertex transformations. The reduced
vi sual quality of the model is often unnoticed because of the
small effect on object appearance when distant or moving
fas t.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level_of_detail
Thi s is when things look
better up-close but good at a
di s tance this i s basically
trying to say that it needs to
be almost perfect up-close
but not at a distance so the
players can get a better
experience from the level of
deta il.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp9mA1gK8sQ
Here you can see a video about the level of detail within a
game with an image to support i t.
http://glasnost.itcarlow.ie/~powerk/3DGraphics2/Theory/level
ofdetail.jpg
Animation Animation is the process of creating motion and shape
change illusion by means of the rapid display of a sequence
of s ta tic images that minimally differ from each other. The
i l lusion—as in motion pictures in general—is thought to rely
on the phi phenomenon. Animators are artists who
specialize in the creation of animation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animation
Thi s is what occurs when a
group of images is
manipulated to look l ike a
moving image.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UDSMVOtNl4
Here you can see a video about game animation and an image
to support i t.
http://www.sharecg.com/images/medium/57244.jpg

IG2 Task 1
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Sprite In computer graphics, a sprite (also known by other names;
see Synonyms below) is a two-dimensional image or
animation that i s integrated into a larger scene. Initially
including just graphical objects handled separately from the
memory bitmap of a video display, this now includes various
manners of graphical overlays.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprite_(computer_graphics)
Thi s is basically an object or
animation to show an enemy
or a character within a world
i t i s a moving object.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u-5RJU4wK4
Here you can see a video on how to make game sprites.
http://www.wind-water.net/images/layout/sprites4.jpg
Scene A cut s cene or event s cene (sometimes in-game cinematic or
in-game movie) is a sequence in a video game over which
the player has no or only limited control, breaking up the
gameplay and used to advance the plot, strengthen the main
character's development, introduce characters, and provide
background information, atmosphere, dialogue, and clues.
Cut s cenes often feature "on the fly" rendering, using the
gameplay graphics to create s cripted events. Cut scenes can
al so be animated, live action, or pre-rendered computer
graphics streamed from a video file. Pre-made videos used
in video games (either during cut scenes or during the
gameplay i tself) are referred to as "full motion videos" or
"FMVs ". Other cut s cenes can simply just be text interludes
with speech bubbles over the characters' faces.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutscene
Thi s is a video which i s used
to break up games i t is a mini
fi lm where you can see
characters in a game talking
to each other like in a film or
programme of a sort.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCYzBmsPr9A
Here you can see a video about game cut sciences and an
http://i2.minus.com/iOUeBs8IqHJnO.jpg
Library A definitive software library (DSL) is a secure location,
cons isting of physical media or a software repository located
on a network file server, in which the definitive authorized
Thi s is a collection of games
which you can own and it is
al so the game market where
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMqG0Gziz_A
He re you ca n s ee a vi deo about games l ibrary ‘a nd someone’s

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vers ions of all software configuration items (CIs) are stored
and protected. The DSL is separate from development,
quality assurance or production software storage areas. It
conta ins master copies of all controlled software and
includes definitive copies of purchased software, as well as
l icensing information for software developed on-site or
purchased from an external vendor. All related
documentation, related to any software stored in the DSL, is
al so stored in the DSL.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definitive_software_library
you can purchase advertised
games from and sometimes
get earl access. This can also
be a collect of resources in a
game engine.
col lection with an image to support it.
http://www.dsvolition.com/wp-content/
uploads/2012/04/Tour_GameLibrary.jpg
UI The us er interface, in the industrial design field of human–
machine interaction, is the space where interactions
between humans and machines occur. The goal of this
interaction i s effective operation and control of the machine
on the user's end, and feedback from the machine, which
aids the operator in making operational decisions. Examples
of thi s broad concept of user interfaces include the
interactive aspects of computer operating systems, hand
tool s, heavy machinery operator controls, and process
control s. The design considerations applicable when creating
user interfaces are related to or involve such disciplines as
ergonomics and psychology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_interface
Thi s is the game menu and i t
i s the controls you use to
control a game and i t is what
you use to navigate and play
the game so it is the control
sys tem for a certain or
particular games.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCPWd7roTNw
Here you can see a video about a UI IN Games and images to
support i t.
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/287/7/5/the_universim
_game_ui_concept_by_koshelkov-d6qhvlv.jpg

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Frames A frame is a s tructural system that supports other
components of a physical construction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frame
Thi s is the speed a game
renders in the faster the
render the better and quicker
a game player better and
runs better.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT5__ultzc8
Here you can see a video about how to Jude or change your
FPS and an image to support i t.
http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/AXHK1ntbe54/0.jpg
Concept A general idea derived or inferred from specific instances or
occurrences.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/concept
The concept Art of a game or
part of i t which gives people
an inside of what its going to
look like or a piece of a map
to get them interested in a
game.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3g6OANZyxM
Here you can see an image and a video about game concept
Art.
http://hqwallpapers.org/video-games-concept-art-destiny-wal
lpaper-18272/

IG2 Task 1
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Event Something that takes place; an occurrence. Significant
occurrence or happening. See Synonyms at occurrence.
Social gathering or activity.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/event
Thi s is an even triggered by
the game engine for the
game it i s significant because
i t can occur randomly in
certa in stages of a game.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nM3pSaT5S0
Here you can see a video about the events in battlefield 4 and
an image to support i t.
http://oys ter.ignimgs.com/mediawiki/apis.ign.com/battlefield-
4/thumb/1/14/Shark.png/468px-Shark.png
Path finding Path finding or pathing is the plotting, by a computer
application, of the shortest route between two points. It is a
more practical variant on solving mazes. This field of
research is based heavily on Dijkstra's algorithm for finding
the shortest path on a weighted graph.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathfinding
Thi s is what is used for an AI
or enemy in a game to give a
set destination for a enemy
to patrol or even attack at
certa in stages of a game.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_AurmdOnw4
Here you can see a video about path Finding and an image to
support i t.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/PaulTozour/Halaa_
waypoints2.jpg

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Harry Johnson y1 gd engine_terminology

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