The document outlines the topics covered in a computer game platforms and technologies course, specifically focusing on software types and APIs used in gaming. It highlights the importance of understanding both game platforms (arcade, console, PC, mobile, television) and various software sections for an upcoming assignment. Key programming languages and their characteristics, including object-oriented, interpreted, and compiled languages, are also discussed, emphasizing the need to reference all areas in the assignment to avoid failing.

1. Computer Game Platforms & TechnologiesWeek 5Introduction to Software:Further Software

2. So Far We Have..Looked at a series of Game Platforms (Arcade, Console, PC, Mobile & Television)Looked at a series of Games for eachDiscussed and analysed various types of Operating Systems used within GamesHad an assignment issued!Remember cover all 5 platforms & all software sections discussed

3. APIApplication Programming InterfaceAllows software to communicate with each other using common languagesSpecialist for a specific group of tasksOften compiled into library files or applicationsDependant on publishing parametersUsed for a variety of tasks ranging from graphics to sound

4. GraphicsGraphics is the first thing the player see’s when a game is executed and loaded to the screenPerformance is paramountDetailTexturesGraphicsLighting

5. Graphics APIDirect XSingle Platform (Windows)Tools, Drivers, DocumentationOpenGLMulti PlatformBackwards CompatibleProminent before 1995 (Release of Win95)

6. Sound APIOpenALCross PlatformUsed by SoundBlaster cards among othersUsed by Apple OS XJava Sound APIWritten in Java

7. Application SoftwareSoftware that the various applications and games can be written inTypes dependant on game purposeObject OrientatedInterpretedCompiledScripted

8. Application SoftwareInterpreted Languages for GamesRequires a specific program to “interpret” the codeSlower than compiled codeDurable in regards to multi platformJavaC#Compiled Languages for GamesConverts source code into machine codeRequires solution to be rebuilt for every change madeC++

9. Application SoftwareObject Orientated Programming for GamesBased on objectsClassInstanceMethodsCommonly used in today’s programming environmentC++C#

10. Application SoftwareScripting LanguagesScripts Interpreted, Application CompiledDifferent programming language to the applicationActionScriptUnrealScriptJavaScriptQuakeC

11. Television Software

12. So…We have now covered everything you need for the assignmentRemember you need to mention all 5 platform types and all 7 software sections within your assignment, otherwise you can fail!For example for the pass criteria you only need to describe one platform in detail but you still need to tell me about the othersYou need to also tell me about two software types in detail but still mention the remaining five

13. Questions?