1. Platforms & Hardware Computer Games: Digital Games Design F1R2 11 © 2012 West Lothian CollegeAugust 2012/Review date August 2015Platforms & hardware

2. Platforms Hardware environment for games Different platforms  Plusses & minuses  No overall best – depends on user

3. Platforms XBox360 Nintendo Wii PC Mobile gaming

4. X Box 360 CPU: 3.2 GHz PPC Tri-Core Xenon GPU: 500 MHz ATI Xenos Media: DVD, DVD-DL, CD Storage: 20 or 120 GB hard drive; 64, 256 or 512 MB memory cards Controller input: 4 maximum (wired, wireless or combo) Connectivity: 3 × USB 2.0, IR port, 100 Mbit Ethernet Online service: Xbox Live Backward compatibility: 465 original Xbox games (needs HD)

5. + Xbox 360 High power CPU High power GPU Fast, detailed images Good audio Plays DVDs Online multiplayer Gets latest games Seen as “hardcore” - Chunky controller Multiple configs Some technical problems Games expensive

6. Wii CPU: IBM PowerPC-based “Broadway” GPU: ATI "Hollywood" Media: 12cm Wii Optical Disc, 8cm GameCube Game Disc Storage: 512 MB Internal flash memory, SD card, GameCube Memory Card Controller input: Wii Remote, Wii Balance Board, GameCube controller Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 × USB 2.0, LAN Adapter (via USB) Online service: Nintendo Wi-Fi, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console, Wii Menu Backward compatibility: Nintendo GameCube

7. Wii + - Adequate graphics Innovative controllers One set system Good audio Attracting non-gamers “Fun” Graphics not “state of the art” Seen as “for kids” Games expensive

8. Mobile Gaming - handheld PSP/DS etc. CPU & graphics better than phones Wide range of software Connectivity Superseded by phones & tablets?

9. Mobile gaming - phone CPU: varied (low-med) GPU: varied (low-med) Media: downloaded only Storage: SD ram, SD card, internal Controller: integrated joypad/accelerometer/touchscr een Connectivity: Infrared, Bluetooth, GPRS, 3or4G, WiFi, MMS, Wireless LAN Multiple Oss: main=Android, iOS (Apple) Java – cross-platform

10. Mobile gaming - tablets iPad / Android / Windows Specs similar to phones  Slightly faster cpu  Slightly more storage  Bigger screen  Less battery time

11. Mobile gaming + - Inexpensive Relatively Simple Not limited to location Wide range of games Innovative game types (e.g. Geocaching) Large user base – but seen as “non-gamers” Hardware evolving quickly Graphics & audio less detailed Control systems sometimes limited Networked games more rare Hardware evolving quickly

12. PC CPU: varied (med - v.high power) GPU: varied (med-v.high power) Media: DVD, DVD-DL, CD, SD card, USB stick Storage: large capacity hard drive; DVD/CD writer, Controller input: any USB controller, keyboard, mouse Connectivity: 4 × USB 2.0, IR port, 100 Mbit Ethernet, wireless ethernet Online service: Internet Backward compatibility: via windows and emulators

13. + - PC Med – v. high quality graphics Excellent sound Ubiquitous, but seen as “older person’s choice” Huge storage DirectX API useful Easily upgradeable software Excellent connectivity Range of games unmatched Expensive hardware upgrade cycle Viruses Extra hardware may be needed Tablets catching up

14. Summary Systems offer different capabilities  Processor  Graphics  Storage  Connectivity Graphics important for hardcore games Playability more important than graphics for new types of gamers Depends on users’ needs

15. Q: What system best suits you? Why?