Game Creation Terminology

Procedure A set of instructions that performs a specific routine when required at several different points in the game. EXAMPLE: when the player loses, it doesn’t matter on which level he loses, he is always sent to the “play again” procedure to decide whether to continue playing or not.

Decisions Decisions are options presented to the gamer that affects the sequence of the game. These may include choice of character, choice of scenario, choice of vehicle or travel options, choice of which direction to go … and many more!

Loops Loops are a way of repeating an action until something else happens Example: a bird might follow a specific path over and over again until caught or a character may continually follow a path when he is lost until he finds a compass which tells him which direction to travel.

Debugging Debugging is the process of identifying and removing errors from the game. This may sometimes involve asking gamers to play the game and report bugs (flaws) in the game. Often, you may need to repeat this process many times until all the flaws have been eliminated.

Publishing Publishing is making a game available for use. It is also known as deployment. Game Publishing may take place in many different formats. Perhaps you will create an online game and have to make the website “live” or available for use. Other games may be made available on DVD or in a specific format required by the game console.

Help Screens Help Screens contain information to help the gamer know how to play and what the objectives of the games are. Typically, help screens are available at the beginning of the game and whenever the player encounters a new kind of obstacle or a new objective.

Menus Menus are how options are displayed to the gamer. These options allow the gamer to customize the game playing experience. Menus may appear at the beginning of the game or depending on your game may be available at any time when a gamer chooses to open them and change game playing options.

Navigation Navigation is how the player finds his way in the game. Examples of navigational aides may include maps or other signposts or indications that the player is making progress toward the objective of the game. Some games give the user the option of multiple paths to achieve the objective with different hazards and rewards along the way.