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Computer/Video Game Development
Karen PetersenLead Gameplay Programmer
Telltale Games
Background
• BA Mathematics
• BS Computer Science
• Game Credits:– Escape From Monkey Island (Scripter)– Star Wars Bounty Hunter (Programmer – UI,
porting)– CSI: 3 Dimensions of Murder (Lead Gameplay
Programmer)
Game Development Team
QA
Art
EngineeringProduction
Design
Phases
• Concept
• Game Design
• Technical Specifications
• Preproduction
• Production
• QA
• Release
Concept Phase
• Game Type• Game Perspective• Target Audience• Platform (PC, Console, Handheld)• Timeframe• Cost/Budget• General Features• Treatment
Game Design
• Concept Art
• Gameplay Mechanics
• Documentation
Technical Specifications
• Art Path
• “Level Editor” Design
• Engine Design
Preproduction
• Core engine implementation
• Development tool implementation
• Core asset creation (meshes, textures, skeletons, animations)
• Game object creation (levels/sets/scenes, objects, characters, UI)
• Basic game logic wiring
• Goal: First playable/proof of concept
Production
• Milestones
• Alpha Milestone
• Beta Milestone
QA
• Critical Path Play Testing
• Bug Identification
• Bug Resolution
• Playability
• User Feedback
Release
• Gold master
• Ship it!
• Manufacturing
• Post mortem
• Maintenance
Areas of Game Programming http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_programmer
• General• Physics• AI• Graphics• Sound• Gameplay• UI• Network• Tools• Scripting• Porting• Lead
Engineering Layers
Game Logic
Scripting
Core Engine and Tools
Engineering Practices
• Code Re-use
• Speed
• Efficiency
• Memory Management
• Debugging
• Data Driven
• Localization
What qualities does a programmer require? http://www.devmaster.net/wiki/An_Introduction_to_Game_Programming
• To make it in the field, a programmer must be part engineer and part Sherlock Holmes. They have a thirst for knowledge and technology and most importantly, the power of insight. He or she usually has a strong interest in the Maths (the interesting stuff after beginner algebra), and has a very inquisitive and problem-solving nature. They are the sort of person who got in trouble for taking the VCR apart to see what was inside it.
• Programmers, despite the stereotype are highly creative people - to be good in the field it requires creativity to push machines, try things differently and to dream up new ways of solving problems.
• … To make games, you will have to do a lot of work and independently teach yourself about a great range of topics.
Often Overlooked Engineering Practices
• Client Relationship
• Useable Tech
• Communication
• Iterative Process
Resources
• Effective C++, Scott Meyers• More Effective C++, Scott Meyers• Game Programming Gems (series)• Gamasutra• Game Developer magazine• Game Developer’s Conference (GDC)• www.devmaster.net• www.gamemaker.nl