1. Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms & Technology

2. Unit Introduction Understand game platform types
Understand hardware technologies for game platforms
Understand software technologies for game platforms
Be able to connect and configure platforms and devices to enable gameplay

3. What’s your first gaming machine?
Mine was the NES(Nintendo Entertainment System)
With Super Mario Bros

4. What’s your main gaming machine now?
Mine’s an Xbox One

5. NES vs Xbox One NES Xbox One Resolution 256x250 1080p (1920x1080)
Game Format
Cartridge(0.5mb)
Optical disc(Blu Ray), Downloadable
Video Outputs
Antenna / RF, RCA / composite
HDMI
Controller Type
Wired
Wireless
Internet/Wifi No
Yes(WIFI & Ethernet)
CPU Speed
1.79Mhz
1.75GHz AMD 8-core
GPU Speed
5.32Mhz
853 MHz
System Ram
2KB
8GB(Shared with GPU)
GPU Ram
8GB(Shared with System)
Sound
Mono
7.1 surround sound
GHz & Mhz
1GHz = 1000MHz or
1MHz = 0.001GHz
GB & MB & KB
1 MB = 1000 KB  1 GB = 1000 MB 

6. Blog about your games machines
Title: My gaming machines – Then & Now
Compare your first machine to your current. What can you do now that you couldn't then?
List release dates.
Why did you like them? List some positive & negatives
What are/where some of your favourite games?
Console hardware specs(think about my example)
List any websites you use for help. Include pictures etc.
Top 10 Nes games:

7. What’s the difference between these gaming platforms?
Arcade
Console PC
Mobile

8. Arcade Machines Features Coin Operated Controls are not universal
One game per machine
Co-op Support
Wide range of machines with a variety of games
Hard ware built for playing the one game
Standalone
Not Upgradable
A self contained gaming machin

9. Console Features One off purchase charge One controller for all games
Supports multiple games
Supports multiple controllers/players
Lot’s of different systems available
Hardware built for playing multiple games
Online Gaming
Needs a TV to output video
Not Upgradable

10. PC’s
Features
One off purchase charge(Or lots of small ones if building your own)
Can be upgraded/Parts changed
Keyboard & Mouse but can add extra peripherals/controllers
Supports multiple games & applications
Supports multiple controllers/players
Lot’s of different systems/parts available
Online Gaming
Hardware built for general computing/windows & Gaming
Needs a TV/Monitor to output video

11. Mobile Features Includes standalone gaming devices/Phones/tablets
One off purchase charge
Device includes screen, controller/touch screen and GPU,CPU etc
Small & light, can be moved around
Supports multiple games/apps
Lot’s of different devices available
4G and Wifi in built. Online Gaming.
Less CPU/GPU power then Arcade/Console & PC’s
Not Upgradable

12. youtu.be/DdxH5rRFRbg Assignment: bit.ly/2g9rJQO
Unit 20 Computer Game Platform Technology Assignment 1 – Interactive Game Platforms
Assignment: bit.ly/2g9rJQO
History of Video Game Consoles:
youtu.be/DdxH5rRFRbg

13. NES vs Xbox One NES Xbox One Resolution 256x250 1080p (1920x1080)
Game Format
Cartridge(0.5mb)
Optical disc(Blu Ray), Downloadable
Video Outputs
Antenna / RF, RCA / composite
HDMI
Controller Type
Wired
Wireless
Internet/Wifi No
Yes(WIFI & Ethernet)
CPU Speed
1.79Mhz
1.75GHz AMD 8-core
GPU Speed
5.32Mhz
853 MHz
System Ram
2KB
8GB(Shared with GPU)
GPU Ram
8GB(Shared with System)
Sound
Mono
7.1 surround sound
GHz & Mhz
1GHz = 1000MHz or
1MHz = 0.001GHz
GB & MB & KB
1 MB = 1000 KB  1 GB = 1000 MB 

14. Create a presentation/other media about the history of games platforms
Key Hardware
Pre-gen: Brown Box
Gen 1: Magnavox Odyssey
Gen 2: Atari 2600
Gen 3: NES/Master System
Gen 4: SNES/Mega Drive
Gen 5: PlayStation/N64
Gen 6: PS2/XBOX/DC
Gen 7: X360/PS3
Gen 8: XBOX ONE/PS4
Create a presentation/other media about the history of games platforms
your work:
Title: History of gaming platforms
The first home console is the Magnavox Odyssey. Start here(Gen 1) and work your way up to the present generation(Gen 8).
Discuss changes in the hardware for playing games. We went from devices with minimal computing power, memory, and graphics to the consoles of today with special 3D graphics cards, blu-ray disks to store game data, and Internet connectivity. Also consider the way players interact with their consoles.
This is part of your assignment available at: jamestedder.net

15. Create documentation discussing the different gaming machines available
Title: Gaming Platforms
Research and explain what arcade, console, pc and mobile gaming machines are. Use examples, pictures, videos etc. List your references.
Discuss the features of each platform
What can you do with them? What can you play? Are they standalone? Do they need any other to equipment to work? What do the look like? Don’t forget sound, image quality/size of screen, controllers, saving and additional features for non gaming.
What’s the difference?
Compare the different formats. Advantages & Limitations
Help available at: jamestedder.net

16. Assignment 1 – Merit & Distinction criteria
Merit: Explain game platform types with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology.
Link technology improvements to game advancements.
Make sure you're using the correct technical terms whenever possible
Distinction: Comprehensively explain game platform types with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly

17. History of Video Games Series
Part
Part 2 -
Part 3 -

18. Evolution of… series Xbox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0jQot4PEtM
PlayStation PC