Game development essentials : an introduction

GAME DEVELOPMENT ESSENTIALS: AN INTRODUCTION, 3E is an authoritative, industry-driven introduction to the world of game development, with updates that keep readers current and well-prepared for a successful career in the field. This book not only examines content creation and the concepts behind development, but it also give readers a background on the evolution of game development and how it has become what it is today. GAME DEVELOPMENT ESSENTIALS also includes chapters on project management, development team roles and responsibilities, development cycle, marketing, maintenance, and the future of game development. With the same engaging writing style and examples that made the first two editions so popular, this new edition features all the latest games and game technology. Coverage of new game-related technology, development techniques, and the latest research in the field make this an invaluable resource for anyone entering the exciting, competitive, ever-changing world of game development. Cover Title Page Copyright Contents Introduction About the Game Development Essentials Series About Game Development Essentials: An Introduction Who Should Read This Book? How Is This Book Organized? How to Use This Text Key Chapter Questions Sidebars Tips Quotes Notes Case Studies Profiles Chapter Review About the Companion DVD About the Instructor Resources About the Author Acknowledgements Questions and Feedback Dedication Part I: Setup building the foundation Chapter 1 Historical Elements: how did we get here? Key Chapter Questions Before the Arcades The Arcade Phenomenon The Birth of Console Games The Video Game Slump & a New Golden Age The Personal Computer Revolution Multiplayer Meets the Online Elite Mobile & Handheld Games: Nomadic Culture Convergence: Industry Segments Come Together Into the Future Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 2 Platforms & Player Modes: what is the framework? Key Chapter Questions Platform Time Interval Player Mode Game Elements: The Significance of Platforms, Intervals & Modes Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 3 Goals & Genres: what are the possibilities? Key Chapter Questions Goals Genres Game Elements: The Significance of Goals & Genres Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 4 Player Elements: who plays and why? Key Chapter Questions Game Market Player Motivation Geographics Psychographics Demographics Applying Player Markets to Platforms, Genres & Goals Chapter Review Exercises Part II: Scenarios: creating compelling content Chapter 5 Story & Character Development: creating the narrative Key Chapter Questions Storytelling Traditions Generating Ideas Classic Character Archetypes Traditional Story Structure Story Elements Plot Game Story Devices Game Characters Character Development Elements Point-of-View Visual Character Development Verbal Character Development Movement Background, History & Advancement Character Description Game Storytelling & Documentation Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 6 Gameplay: creating the experience Key Chapter Questions Rules of Play Interactivity Modes Game Theory Challenges Balance Economies Gameplay & Documentation Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 7 Levels: creating the world Key Chapter Questions Level Design Structure Time Space Space & Time: Levels, Gameplay & Story Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 8 Interface: creating the connection Key Chapter Questions Player-Centered Design Interface & Game Features Interface Types Usability The Player Experience: Interface & Gameplay Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 9 Audio: creating the atmosphere Key Chapter Questions The Importance of Game Audio Sound Effects Voiceovers Music Audio: A New Dimension Chapter Review Exercises Part III: Strategy: team, Process, and community Chapter 10 Roles & Responsibilities: Developing the team Key Chapter Questions Company Roles Team Roles Tools The Business Side of Game Development Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 11 Production & Management: developing the process Key Chapter Questions Development Phases Management Game Documentation Making It Happen Chapter Review Exercises Chapter 12 Marketing & Maintenance: developing the community Key Chapter Questions Marketing Community Management & Customer Support Prosumerism: Player as Developer Community is King Chapter Review Exercises Conclusion: The Future where are we Going? What Types of Games Will Be Played in the Future? . Who Will Develop the Games of the Future? How Will Games Be Developed in the Future? How Will Games Be Played in the Future? Who Will Play the Games of the Future & How Will We Reach Them? The Future of Entertainment? Resources Index Covering all essential gaming topics, this text examines the concepts and the creative process that goes into computer game development. The author also looks to the future of the industry, and in particular what possibilities new technology might provide