Unity and Construct

Unity

Unity is a cross-platform game engine developed by Unity Technologies and used to develop video games for PC, consoles, mobile devices and websites. First announced only for OS X, at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in 2005, it has since been extended to target 21 platforms.

Last year we had to use the Unity engine to create a world where we could set a scene for a game. The scene would be recorded in real time on Unity. In doing this, we gained Unity experience insight on how it works and how it is used. 

Down below i have a screenshot of the Unity standard level design API HUD. The layout of the design is split into sections of tools and different software needed when editing, creating, or finishing a game. Next to the documents display, theirs also a assets display tha The bottom section is showing you all the files that are in use or can be used to help with the project.  It also has a search bar for file and document searches. On the right we have the object stats and preferences that can also be modified. For example, if you are working on a certain asset within the game, you can use the right object section to enlarge the asset by the unit s you desire and however large you want it to be. Renaming and colouring can also be done in this section. 

Task 2 – Hardware Technologies for Game Platforms

What is Platform dependency?


A game that is platform dependent is a game that can only be played on one specific console or gaming machine due to restrictions in its physical making or digital. Basically saying that it can only run under one Operating system/one series of computers. For example, The Last Of Us is exclusive to playstation, and has platform dependency. it runs on the Orbis OS that the PS4 functions on. The PS4 operates on the dual shock controllers as for a "Driver" and all of its hard ware and software is built in.


What is an API?
An API specifies how software components should interact and APIs are used when programming graphical user interface (GUI) components. 
A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together.

What is a driver?
A small program or piece of software that has the in-built knowledge of how to run hardware devices when they are called upon by the user.

In terms of API, The Last of Us uses the PS4 API with the way its styled and coloured. Its done in the way that it fits the genre and the style of the game. Since the game runs on next Gen HD graphics, a HDMI cable is needed in order to connect the PS4 to the TV, this would mean the TV needs to be a HD TV with HD capabilities. surprising enough, next Gen equipment does not require separate cables for sound anymore, all of which is transferred through the HDMI cable, making it much easier to st up.

What is an OS?
OS is a small abbreviation of of Operating system and it controls the the way a console or machine works. It completely dominates the operations in the Systems. Its a piece of software that controls the hardware, executing all the programs and commands.


Mario

Platform dependency
Mario is very platform dependent, it can only be bought on Nintendo consoles and devices, running on only one type of OS such as the WII or WII U.


What programming does it use?
Mario uses C++ programming language, it cannot created using another language due to its limitations in play style. Developed and published by Nintendo.

API
Mario uses the Nintendo console API, such as a WII remote, Nintendo pad or Nintendo Nun chuck.

Sound API
The Sound API is direct from the Nintendo console the game is being played on.




Minecraft

Platform independent
Minecraft is known to be one of the most platform INDEPENDENT games ever created for 5 main reasons.1, it is completely open program free to the public, it can be freely be edited in terms of programming, meaning it can modded in anyway you like. Graphics can be adjusted, game play can be personalised and much more. Being so open, the game has even found its way from PC to console as a fully implemented console game with new functions as apposed to being a console game. Minecraft was released by Java in 2011 as a solo standing indie game, with very basic programming, and now its a multi million pound winning game with over 20 awards, 1000 different modding packages and 4 different version of the game for each console.

What programming does it use?
Mods written for Minecraft are also written in Java. Some actually use Scala, an alternative language for the JVM, as well. The versions of Minecraft that run on game consoles, mobile devices, and the Raspberry Pi, though, are all written in native code, likely C++ (Objective-C for iOS).

Sound API/API
Minecraft is a very open game in terms of software, meaning it is very compatible with very and/or many different APIs, as it a PC game.

Task 1 Assignment brief

Assignment brief – QCF BTEC Assignment front sheet
Qualification				Unit number and title
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production – Games Design				Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
Learner name				Assessor name
				Laura Phillips / Lee Chadwick
Date issued		Hand in deadline			Submitted on
Monday 19th September 2016		Friday 7th October 2016
Assignment title	Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
In this assessment you will have opportunities to provide evidence against the following criteria. Indicate the page numbers where the evidence can be found.

Criteria reference	To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the learner is able to:		Task no.		Evidence
P1	Describe game platform types with some appropriate use of subject terminology		1
P2	Describe hardware technologies for games platforms with some appropriate use of subject terminology		2
M1	Explain game platform types with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology		1
M2	Explain hardware technologies for games platforms with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology		2
D1	Comprehensively explain game platform types with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly		1
D2	Comprehensively explain hardware technologies for games platforms with elucidated examples and consistently using use of subject terminology		2

Assignment Brief – QCF BTEC

Assignment Brief

Qualification	Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production – Games Design
Unit number and title	Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
Assessor name	Laura Phillips / Lee Chadwick
Date issued	Monday 19th September 2016
Hand in deadline	Friday 7th October 2016
Assignment title	Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
Purpose of this assignment is to: ·         LO1: Understand game platform types ·         LO2: Understand hardware technologies for game platforms
Scenario You have been hired as a junior researcher by Electronic Arts, who are currently investigating new game platform types and hardware technologies to further develop existing game franchises. In your role as junior researcher, you will be required to gather information to present to Electronic Arts senior researchers. This will involve gathering relevant materials which you will acquire through secondary research. This research will also inform the design of your own independent 2D platform game that you will design at a later date. Your secondary research will need to be compiled and presented in the form of written reports that will include visual reference material to support your findings.
Task 1 – Game Platform Development Timeline You must produce a visual timeline that shows the development history of game platforms. This timeline must contain reference to the following platforms. ·         Arcade ·         Console ·         PC ·         Mobile ·         Television You will need to conduct research into the above headings; Your research should consist of images gathered from the internet and other relevant sources. Your research must also include found ‘short’ quotations and your own word processed commentary on your findings. This research must be presented on Task 1 of your Unit 20 blog. The title of this work should be titled Game Platform Development Timeline This provides evidence for P1, M1, D1
Task 2 – Hardware Technologies for Game Platforms You must produce a word processed report that demonstrates through research and your own comments and understanding of Hardware technologies for game platforms. This report must contain reference to the following Hardware technologies. Human Computer Interface Central Processing Unit (CPU) Graphic Processors Memory (RAM) Display Sound Game Storage Medium Interface Devices Connectivity Power Supply You will need to conduct research into the above headings; Your research should consist of images gathered from the internet and other relevant sources. Your research must also include found ‘short’ quotations and your own word processed commentary on your findings. This research must be presented on Task 2 of your Unit 20 blog. The title of this work should be titled Hardware Technologies for Game Platforms This provides evidence for P2, M2, D2
Evidence checklist
Task 1 - Blog post showing development history of game platform types (to include found imagery, short researched quotations and own word processed commentary).		[ ]
Task 2 – Blog post showing a report about hardware technologies for game platforms (to include found imagery, short researched quotations and own word processed commentary).		[ ]
Sources of information www.youtube.com http://www.museumofplay.org/icheg-game-history/timeline/ http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/evolution-of-home-video-game-consoles-1967-2011/

Assessor's comments
Qualification		Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production – Games Design		Assessor name	Laura Phillips / Lee Chadwick
Unit number and title		20: Computer Games Platforms & Technologies		Learner name
Criteria reference	To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the learner is able to:						Achieved?
P1	Describe game platform types with some appropriate use of subject terminology
P2	Describe hardware technologies for games platforms with some appropriate use of subject terminology
M1	Explain game platform types with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology
M2	Explain hardware technologies for games platforms with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology
D1	Comprehensively explain game platform types with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly
D2	Comprehensively explain hardware technologies for games platforms with elucidated examples and consistently using use of subject terminology
Learner feedback
Assessor feedback
Assessor signature					Date
Learner signature					Date