Design Techniques Used By Video Game Developers

A game is essentially a structured, repeatable form of playing, usually for fun or entertainment, and occasionally used as an educational instrument. Games are different from work, which is generally done for monetary remuneration, and from literature, which is usually more of an expression of philosophical or aesthetic elements. In all three cases, the participants are involved in a highly interactive activity that requires concentration, attention, imagination, and a high degree of skill on each individual level. Most games take a clear, linear approach in presenting the events and characters. For games in school, the development of skills is generally the point of the activity.

Bushnell’s World Rangefinder, designed by NASA, is one of the earliest model-quality computer games. Bushnell’s designers were concerned with creating a device that would be friendly to the environment, while still providing challenges to the player. They succeeded with their first model, the Bushnell Spazemaker, in 1970. Since then, advancements in technology and design have allowed for even greater quality and realism in electronic games.

Another type of game is the abstract board game, also called a virtual card game, which requires no physical cards, but rather only a set of rules. These rules define the rules for each game, and players use these rules to create their own game world. When these rules are changed during a game, players immediately experience a new game result, or “victim” if you will. This type of game has no common experience or fixed outcomes, so each player will be playing a unique game from start to finish. This type of game is also called a “permanent” or “immovable object” game because it has a well-defined beginning, end, and environment.

Video game designers have taken this concept of designing a game world and applied it to video games. Today, computer programs are being used to create game worlds that are dynamic, realistic, and constantly changing. The most popular computer application of this concept is the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). MMORPGs are games in which players take on the persona of a character and interact with other players through a network system.

Unlike traditional board games, video game developers have the ability to use a great variety of animation, graphics, and sound to make their games look great. Some of the most advanced game development technologies are utilized by game developers to create detailed worlds in which to play. The world may be flat, 3D, polygon based, or even animated. Graphics and animation are used to enhance the user interface, increase game play, provide interaction, or to add a particular element to the game. In order to achieve all of these goals, game developers must employ an extensive array of design techniques.

One important aspect of the design process is the creation of in-game objects. In-game objects are any component of the game that is not considered a game object, such as in-game enemies or items. Game developers can use any number of different types of in-game objects to enhance the overall game experience. Game developers also employ a variety of different techniques to allow players to create their own game objects, as well.