1. Designing and Describing a Computer Game
Step Ahead
Book 5 Unit 5
Designing and Describing a Computer Game
this PPT is a template for our style
follow all font, colour, pt sizes, etc
follow all language styles as near as possible without losing meaning
Ivy and Becky: apply animation in the styles set out; leave the hard slides to us 1

2. the factors affecting the writing of a description
In this lesson, you will learn about:
the factors affecting the writing of
a description
the organisation of a description
the features of a description
the writing process

3. What factors affect the writing of a description of a computer game?

4. Genre Audience Purpose
The style and structure of writing is affected by three factors:
Genre
i.e. What is the text type? e.g. a description of a computer game
Audience
Purpose
i.e. Who will read my writing?
e.g. members of the Computer Club
i.e. Why am I writing?
e.g. to introduce computer game

5. a description of a computer game
What is the genre of this writing task?
a description of a computer game
Who is the audience for this genre?
members of the Computer Club
people who like playing computer games

6. to introduce your own computer game design
What is the purpose of your article?
to introduce your own computer game design
to share your design concepts

7. Exercise 1
Tick the sentence below which most likely comes from a description of a computer game .
1. Dragon X is a half man and half winged dinosaur that has strong legs and sharp claws. It is the monster which Prince Kent is trying to kill in the maze.
1. Dragon X is a half man and half winged dinosaur that has strong legs and sharp claws. It is the monster which Prince Kent is trying to kill in the maze.  
2. A successful computer game has to be innovative and more importantly, unique. 
3. To draw the head of Dinodragon, you should start with the shape of its head and then add the facial features. 
4. Create an imaginary prehistoric sea creature and name it.

8. What does a description of a computer game include?

9. A description of a computer game includes:
Basic information:
name
genre
number of levels
number of players
Detailed information:
setting of the game
character(s)
tools/weapons
gameplay

10. Name: Dangerous Maze Genre: strategy Number of levels: five
Basic information:
Name: Dangerous Maze
Genre: strategy
Number of levels: five
Number of players: one

11. Detailed information:
Setting of the game
e.g.
In medieval times, dangerous creatures were kept in castles dungeons. Knights demonstrated their bravery and ambition through going to the dungeons to kill these hateful creatures.

12. Characters e.g. Dinodragons are ferocious creatures.
Princess Rosemary is a princess who gets lost and is caught by Dinodragons. Her father assigns Arthur to go save her.
Arthur is a handsome and talented knight who tries to kill Dinodragons in order to save Princess Rosemary.
e.g.
e.g.

13. Tools/Weapons arrows bows fireballs maces shields stone axes swords
e.g.
arrows
bows
fireballs
maces
shields
stone axes
swords
wooden spears

14. Gameplay
e.g.
The player’s mission is to defeat all five Dinodragons in five levels in order to save Princess Rosemary.
The player controls Arthur. As he moves in a dungeon, he needs to collect the jewellery and the weapons.
The player has to control Arthur to get out of the dungeon and kill Dinodragon of each stage with the weapons collected.
e.g.
e.g.

15. What are the main features of the description of a computer game?

16. modal verbs to talk about ability and possibility
In a description of a computer game, we use:
modal verbs to talk about ability and possibility
conditional sentences to talk about possible situations

17. We use modal verbs to talk about ability and possibility:
e.g.
You can defeat Dinodragons by using the following weapons.
e.g.
To defeat Dinodragon of each stage, you might try to reach it at the exit of the dungeon.
e.g.
You could play this game without using a keyboard because everything can be controlled by clicking your mouse.

18. We use conditional sentences to talk about possible situations:
e.g.
If the player kills Dinodragon in level five, Princess Rosemary will be saved.

19. Exercise 2
Choose the best word to complete the description.
weapons in
unlocked
powerful
released
faint
The player controls the knight to move (1) _______ a maze. He has to collect the (2) __________ to defeat the creatures.
If a spirit of a creature touches the knight, he will (3) _______ for three seconds and become less (4) __________ .
If the player is able to defeat the creature in level six, the Princess Mary’s dungeon will be (5) ___________ and she will be (6) ___________. in
weapons
faint
powerful
unlocked
released

20. How do I generate ideas?

21. name genre setting characters tools/weapons gameplay
Make a list of basic information about the computer game:
name
genre
setting
characters
tools/weapons
gameplay

22. Use note sheets to keep track of details:
Name:
Genre:
Number of levels:
Number of players:
Characters:
Tools:
How to play:

23. Genre Characters Computer Game Setting Weapons
Use mind maps to help you list out details to be included in the description:
Click the subgroup for more ideas.
fighting
action
strategy
Genre
ancient times
medieval times
modern times
monsters
fighters
princes
Characters
Computer Game
Setting
Weapons
spears
bows
arrows

24. Vocabulary
Common words used in a description of a computer game:
Genre
Setting
Weapons
action
adventure
fighting
role-playing
simulation
sports
ancient times
folklore
medieval times
modern times
myths
axes
fireballs
maces
shields
spears
swords

25. How do I write a description of computer game?

26. Pre-writing Drafting Editing Proofreading
-brainstorm ideas using mind maps, tables, etc.
-note down ideas, vocabulary 
Drafting
-use a flow chart to outline your writing plan
-draft your writing 
Editing
-re-read and examine your draft
-correct for ideas, organisation, style 
Proofreading
-proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation
-correct any mistakes 
Finished product

27. Three factors affect writing: genre
Summary:
Three factors affect writing:
genre
audience
purpose
Organisation of a description of a computer game:
basic information
detailed information

28. Features of a description of a computer game : modal verbs
Summary:
Features of a description of a computer game :
modal verbs
conditional sentences
Generate ideas using:
lists
note sheets
mind maps

29. The writing process: pre-writing drafting editing proofreading
Summary:
The writing process:
pre-writing
drafting
editing
proofreading

30. Step Ahead
Book 5 Unit 5
The End