P1
A1 Explain social and technological trends of computer games.
Introduction
I have been given the assignment to write an article for the company website as a junior
programmer for a software firm that creates a range of computer games, describing and
evaluating the influence that current and emerging technologies have on the design and
development of computer games today and in the near future.
Popular genres:
Definition of different gaming genres
Role playing games (RPG) - Originally started out as video games based on pen and pencil
games like Dungeons and Dragons. Fantasy themes are often retained.
First person shooter (FPS) - In fighting games the player typically fights other players or the
computer in some form of one-on-one combat.
Adventure - Typically the player is the protagonist of a story and in order to progress must
solve puzzles. The puzzles can often involve manipulating and interacting with in-game objects,
characters, etc.
Platformer - This genre often requires the protagonist to run and jump between surfaces (i.e.
platforms) whilst avoiding game objects and the detrimental effects of gravity
Fighting - In fighting games the player typically fights other players or the computer in some
form of one-on-one combat.
Survival horror - Often an action-adventure or first-person shooter with a focus on fear and
survival and adopting many of the elements of traditional horror fiction.
, Simulation - Many simulation games aim to simulate physical activities such as flying an aircraft
(Microsoft Flight Simulator), playing golf or football etc. (sometimes with as much realism as
possible).
Real Time Strategy games - RTS games typically define several goals around resource collection,
base and unit construction and engagement in combat with other players or computer
opponents who also share similar goals.
Action - Typically the player is the protagonist of a story and in order to progress must solve
puzzles. The puzzles can often involve manipulating and interacting with in-game objects,
characters, etc.
Stealth - Games which can be defined by a focus on subterfuge and/ or precision play.
There are many popular genres in the game business, which is one of the key reasons why it is
useful to creators. First, they would look at the data to discover which games are popular right
now and which may sell more than others. This data may also be used by developers to
determine what games to make. This information is extremely valuable to developers since it
may be used to improve games in the future.
Each one of these genres varies in certain factors. Some examples of these genres include
"MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online)", "FPS", "RPG" or "Sports". A good example of a "sports
game" is "FIFA" as it simulates football. A choice of the genre may influence the graphics, music,
or even the overall gameplay experience of the game. Such as if a genre of the game is "Horror"
the graphics may look darker, and the music may be much louder than in an "Open World" type
of game such as "Minecraft". The genre may also restrict the overall mechanics of the game,
such as where the player can enter, and the possibilities player can have throughout the game.
In "Minecraft", the possibilities can be endless meanwhile in games like "Dying Light" the routes
are limited to ensure the player navigates their way around the map so that they meet all the
scary creatures.
Graphics tend to be the focus in an "Open World" or "FPS" type of game where every detail
matters and the player must be fully concentrated to accomplish an objective. This means that
if the objective of the game is to avoid a creature the user may be dependent on a shadow to
see where the creature is and how to avoid it. Graphics would not matter as much in "Platform"
types of games as the user generally plays the game just for user experience. Some of the
popular gaming genres include "Puzzle Platform" such as "Tetris" which was sold outstanding
170+ Million copies. Which is 25+ Million ahead of its next competitors, an "Open World" game
"Minecraft".
The third all-time bestseller is an "Action Adventure Game", known as "GTA 5" with almost 90
million copies sold. These games are multiplatform meaning they can be played on any platform
such as "PC, XBOX OR PSP VITA.” "Minecraft” and "GTA" are both multi-player online types of
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