1. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
1
Produce a glossary of terms specific to the methods and principles of Video Game Design and Video Game Terms. Using a
provided template, you must research and gather definitions specific to provided glossary terms. Any definitions must be
referenced with the URL link of the website you have obtained the definition.
You must also, where possible, provide specific details of how researched definitions relate to your own production practice.
Name:
Stuart
Preston
RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide short internet researched
definition and URL link)
DESCRIBE THE
RELEVANCE OF THE
RESEARCHED TERM TO
YOUR OWN
PRODUCTION
PRACTICE?
IMAGE SUPPORT (Provide an image and/or
video link of said term being used in a
game)
VIDEO
GAMES
/ VIDEO
GAME
TESTING
Demo A game demo is a freelydistributedpiece ofanupcomingor recently
released videogame. Demos are typicallyreleasedbythe game's publisher
to helpconsumers get a feel of the game before deciding whether to buy
the full version.
This allows our customers
to playthe game so that
it proves the worth ofthe
game proves their money
as a consumer this is very
important because ifthis
is not here most would
not mindbut quite a few
people would not
consider buying this
product if it didnot have
a demo

2. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
2
Beta Computers. A quality-control technique in which hardware or software is
subjected to trial in the environment for whichit wasdesigned, usually
after debuggingbythe manufacturer and immediatelyprior to marketing.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/beta+test
It is a label given to
games which are not
finished but ina playable
development phase so
you can catalogue your
different versions under
even more category’s so
you find your latest
version more easily
Alpha An earlytest of new or updated software or hardware conductedbythe
developers or manufacturers prior to beta-testing bypotential users.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alpha%20test
It is alsoa label givingto
games whichdescribes a
functionalgame first
stage because pre alpha
is normallythe
dysfunctional stage
where it is just being
created andthen alpha
becomes the first stage
where theycantest a
stable versionof the
actual gameplay
Pre-Alpha A development status given to a program or applicationthat is usuallynot
feature complete, and is not usually releasedto the public. Developers are
usuallystill deciding onwhat features the programshould have at this
status. This status comesbefore the alpha version, and is the first status
given to a program.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pre-alpha_version
Its normallythe stage
where the game has
come of out of the design
stage andis actually
being made andthis is
where all the first
creations of the game are
made and how all the
features plannedbalance
out and actuallywork out
and inenvisioned inthe
game

3. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
3
Gold It means that the development cycle is complete. As well as the Bug Fixing
cycle (doesn't meanthat bugs can't be discoveredlater). Andthe Master
Disc (gold) is offto the factory for replication and distribution
http://www.gamespot.com/forums/playstation-discussion-1000002/what-
does-it-mean-when-a-game-goes-gold-26614050/
Going goldis the fact that
the game is nowin
master productionandno
more to be added to the
game in the development
area
Debug Debugging is the routine process oflocating andremoving computer
program bugs, errors or abnormalities, which is methodicallyhandledby
software programmers via debugging tools. Debuggingchecks, detects and
corrects errors or bugs to allow proper programoperationaccordingto set
specifications. Also knownas debug.
http://www.techopedia.com/definition/16373/debugging
Debugging allows youto
refine your game into the
smoothest experience
you want it to be and
possiblyfindgame
breakingbugs which will
seriouslyhinder sellingof
the product
Automation automaticallycontrolledoperation ofanapparatus, process, or systemby
mechanicalor electronic devices that take the place of human labour
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/automation
This allows the
productionto be
streamlinedalways and
its goodif you need
something to be running
always

4. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
4
White-Box
Testing
Also knownas glass box, structural, clear box and openbox testing. A
software testingtechnique wherebyexplicit knowledge of the internal
workings of the item beingtestedare used to select the test data. Unlike
blackbox testing, white box testing usesspecific knowledge of
programmingcode to examine outputs. The test is accurate onlyif the
tester knows what the program is supposedto do. He or she canthen see
if the programdiverges fromits intendedgoal. White box testing does not
account for errors causedbyomission, and all visible code must alsobe
readable.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/White_Box_Testing.html
This allows you to break
the game to see howit
responds so if certain
problems onlyhappenif
you mess around withthe
internal game insteadof
inside the game
simulationand then you
fix the game soit canrun
more smoothlyor fix
certainobjects and
entities inthe game
Bug A software bug is an error, flaw, mistake, failure, or fault ina computer
program that prevents it frombehaving as intended(e.g., producingan
incorrect or unexpectedresult). Most bugs arise from mistakes and errors
made bypeople ineither a program's source code or its design, anda few
are caused bycompilers producing incorrect code Almost the same... It is
generallyused like this is a bug that is something that a player canabuse
to improve his in-game resources, or make a game easier and simpler to
him
http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_bug_and_
glitch
A bug is anunwanted
error createdin the game
due a mistake or failure
within the system or a
fault withthe coding
itself andthese bugs
need to be ironedout so
that you can create a
pleasant game
experience in your game
and make it run as
smoothas possible and
most enjoyment for the
consumer
GAME
ENGINES
Vertex
Shader
A programmable function indisplayadapters that offers graphics
applicationprogrammer flexibilityinrendering an image. The vertex
Shader is usedto transform the attributesof vertices (points of a triangle)
such as colour, texture, positionanddirectionfrom the original colour
space to the displayspace. It allows the original objects to be distortedor
reshaped inanymanner.
http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/53754/vertex-shader
This allows for us to be
flexible inthe waythat
we render our images
and howit done
afterwards andadd
effects to the image that
just wouldcause the
game unneeded
performances hits if it
was hardcodedintothe
game

5. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
5
GAME
ENGINES
Pixel
Shader
Pixel shaders are tinyprograms that cando operations on a single pixel on
the screen, as opposedto geometryshaders andvertex shaders which
work on the geometrical primitives (triangles) that make up everything
you see on the screen. The most commonuse for pixel shaders is
'shading', approximationto real world lighting. Commonlyusedshading
model is Phong.
Pixel shaders are executed onyour video card, soyour video card needs to
support them. Each newversionprovides more capabilities, soanolder
video card willnot runnewer shaders. A new version of the pixel Shader
specification(e.g. Pixel Shader 3.0) is usuallyreleased for eachnew version
of DirectX(more accurately, Direct3D).
http://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/22286/what-is-a-pixel-
shader
When you needto create
shading to make a game
look upto standard with
the industrythese days
and games these days
have tons ofshading
went it comes to the
outdoor part of games
when you got to make it
look natural outdoors in
their games and that is
what shaders are mainly
usedfor
Post
Processing
The term post-processing(or post processfor short) is usedinthe
video/filmbusiness for quality-improvement image processing (specifically
digital image processing) methods used invideoplayback devices, (suchas
stand-alone DVD-Videoplayers), and videoplayers software and
transcodingsoftware. It is also commonlyused inreal-time 3D rendering
(such as invideogames)to add additionaleffects
This allows us to process
the image intoa higher
image qualityandadjust
the image to addmaynot
have been in the original
image when it was taken
and post processing
allows you to add this

6. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
6
Rendering Rendering is the process of generating animage from a model bymeans of
computer software. Renderingis used inarchitecture, simulators, video
games, movies andtelevisionvisualeffects anddesign visualization.
Rendering, the last step inananimationprocess, gives the final
appearance to the models andanimationwith visual effects such as
shading, texture-mapping, shadows, reflections andmotionblurs.
Autodeskdevelops industry-specific software with rendering capabilities.
Manyrendering programs byAutodesk can be processedandoutput to a
digital image or raster graphics image file.
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?id=17940930&siteID=123112
Rendering Is generating
the image that has been
createdbythe design
team andis now being
put into thisgame and
rendering allows you to
do this with such
customisabilityfor the
final product
Normal
Map
In 3D computer graphics, normal mapping, or "Dot3 bumpmapping", is a
technique usedfor fakingthe lightingof bumps anddents – an
implementationof bumpmapping. It is used to adddetails without using
more polygons. A commonuse of this technique is to greatlyenhance the
appearance anddetailsof a low polygonmodel bygeneratinga normal
map from a highpolygonmodel or height map.
Normal maps are commonlystoredas regular RGBimages where the RGB
components correspondto the X, Y, and Z coordinates, respectively, of the
surface normal.
This is wayto create
more realistic impacts of
bumps and dents by
using lighting and
enhancement and greatly
enhancesthe detailsof
the game objects by
creating as it called a map
Entity An entityis something that exists in itself, actuallyor hypothetically. It
need not be of material existence. Inparticular, abstractions andlegal
fictions are usuallyregardedas entities. Ingeneral, there is alsono
presumption that anentityis animate.
Sometimes, the word entityis usedin a general sense of a being, whether
or not the referent hasmaterial existence, e.g., is oftenreferredto as an
entitywithnocorporeal form(non-physicalentity), suchas a language. It
is also often used to refer to ghosts andother spirits.
The word entitative is the adjective form ofthe nounentity. Something
that is entitative is "considered as pure entity;abstractedfrom all
circumstances", that is, regardedas entityalone, apart from attendant
circumstances
An entityis what goingto
make upmost of the
games content because
sayyou pick upa gun
which is anentityifentity
was not there everything
wouldnot be interactive
it would set movie set in
a game

7. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
7
UV Map This process projects a texture maponto a 3D object. The letters "U" and
"V" denote the axesof the 2D texture [note 1] because "X", "Y" and"Z" are
alreadyusedto denote the axes of the 3D object inmodel space.
UV texturing permits polygons that make upa 3D object to be painted
with colour from an image. The image is calleda UV texture map, [1] but
it's just an ordinaryimage. The UV mappingprocessinvolves assigning
pixels inthe image to surface mappings on the polygon, usuallydone by
"programmatically" copying a triangle shaped piece ofthe image mapand
pastingit onto a triangle on the object. [2] UV is the alternative to XY, it
onlymaps intoa texture space rather than into the geometric space ofthe
object. But the rendering computationusesthe UV texture coordinates to
determine how to paint the three-dimensionalsurface.
The uvmap is
programmingcolours or
textures ontoa 3d object
and usedto take certain
colour made byother
people their images and
then assignthat to your
texture
Procedural
Texture
Procedural texture is a computer-generatedimage createdusingan
algorithmintendedto create a realistic representationof natural elements
such as wood, marble, granite, metal, stone, andothers. Usually, the
natural look ofthe renderedresult is achievedbythe usage of fractal noise
and turbulence functions. These functions are usedas a numerical
representation of the “randomness” foundinnature
This is a computer
generated image which
creates realistic
Representationof natural
elements even inthe
smaller parts of the
model since it is
computer generated
environment andit saves
the time of the actual
workforce to work on
something else

8. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
8
Physics Computer animationphysics or game physics involves the introductionof
the laws of physics into a simulationor game engine, particularlyin3D
computer graphics, for the purpose of making the effects appear more
real to the observer. Typically, simulationphysics is onlya close
approximation to real physics, andcomputation is performedusing
discrete values.
There are severalelements that form components of simulationphysics
includingthe physics engine, program code that is usedto simulate
Newtonian physics withinthe environment, andcollision detection, used
to solve the problemof determining when anytwo or more physical
objects inthe environment cross eachother's path.
A wayto introduce real
life physics in games
mainlyused insimulators
because theyneedto be
very realistic inhowyou
go about doingthe games
physics andhowyou deal
with what will happen
with the entitythe player
is controlling
Collision Collisiondetection typicallyrefers to the computational problemof
detecting the intersectionof two or more objects. While the topic is most
often associatedwith its use invideogamesandother physical
simulations, it also has applications inrobotics. Inadditionto determining
whether two objects have collided, collision detectionsystems mayalso
calculate time ofimpact (TOI), andreport a contact manifold(the set of
intersecting points).[1] Collision response deals with simulating what
happens when a collisionis detected(see physics engine, ragdoll physics).
Solving collisiondetection problems requires extensive use of concepts
from linear algebra andcomputationalgeometry.
Collisonalso referred to
as hit boxesI usedmainly
for fps games to entity
the bullet andthe players
connect inthe right wayif
theyconnect off bodyor
after theyhit especially
are game breaking
Lighting Introducinglightingintoyour game is potentiallya steptowards realism. In
OpenGL you can introduce multiple light sources that are either static or
dynamic. Youhave a large amount of control over the characteristics of
the light sourcesat the expense of speed. It is important to realise that a
scene canstill have the effects oflightingwithout a light source. More
about thisat a later stage.
http://relativity.net.au/gaming/java/Lighting.html
LightingI usedinalmost
all games theycanbe
usedto create more
realistic environments
and more graphically
intense gamesthat want
to create the next
benchmark

9. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
9
AA – Anti-
Aliasing
Antialiasingis a wayof smoothing edges. Computer monitors display
pixels, but realobjects have curves andlines. Inorder to displaytheseon a
computer monitor, the edge is oftenjagged. Antialiasing helps reduce the
problembyslightlyblurringedgesto the point where jagged lines don't
show easilyor at all.
http://compreviews.about.com/od/PC-Gaming/a/What-is-antialiasing-in-
PC-games.htm
Anti-aliasing is wayto
smoothedges and
blurringedges so that
certainparts ofobjects so
that it tricks the
consumer into believing
it’s a more detailedthen
it is
LoD – Level
of Detail
Level of detail is a general design term for videogame landscapesinwhich
closer objects are rendered withmore polygons thanobjects that are
farther away. Generallyspeaking, the level of detail is dictatedbythe
game's systemrequirements. Giventhe power of modernprocessors, very
little degradationinthe level ofdetail is noticeable anymore.
http://www.techopedia.com/definition/11791/level-of-detail-lod
Level of detail is usedin
to determine the fact
what graphic qualityit is
in the game andthe
higher level ofdetail is
usedthe higher
performance Is used by
the computer playingit
Animation Computer animation, or CGI animation, is the process used for generating
animatedimages byusingcomputer graphics. The more generalterm
computer-generated imageryencompasses bothstatic scenes and
dynamic imageswhile computer animationonlyrefers to moving images.
Modern computer animationusuallyuses3D computer graphics, although
2D computer graphics are still used for stylistic, low bandwidth, andfaster
real-time renderings. Sometimes, the target of the animationis the
computer itself, but sometimes the target is another medium, suchas film.
Computer animationis essentiallya digital successor to the stopmotion
techniques used in traditional animationwith 3D modelsandframe-by-
frame animationof 2D illustrations. Computer-generatedanimations are
more controllable thanother more physicallybased processes, suchas
constructing miniatures for effects shots or hiring extras for crowd scenes,
and because it allows the creationof imagesthat wouldnot be feasible
using anyother technology. It canalsoallowa single graphic artist to
Animation is a wayto
move still objects created
in a computer design
software it always usedin
game to move the
character whichhas been
createdbya design team
and it always put in
games and is neededfor
a successful creationof a
game

10. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
10
produce such content without the use of actors, expensive set pieces, or
props.
Sprite A computer graphics, a sprite (alsoknown byother names;see Synonyms
below) is a two-dimensional image or animationthat is integrated into a
larger scene. Initiallyincludingjust graphicalobjects handled separately
from the memorybitmapof a video display, this now includes various
manners of graphical overlays. Originally, spriteswere a method of
integratingunrelated bitmaps so that theyappearedto be part of the
normal bitmapon a screen, suchas creating an animated character that
can be movedon a screenwithout alteringthe data definingthe overall
screen. Suchsprites canbe createdbyeither electronic circuitryor
software. Incircuitry, a hardware sprite is a hardware construct that
employs custom DMA channels to integrate visual elements withthe main
screeninthat it super-imposes twodiscrete videosources. Software can
simulate thisthroughspecializedrenderingmethods.
More recently, CSS sprites are usedin web designas a wayto improve
performance bycombining numerous smallimagesor icons into a larger
image calleda sprite sheet or tile set, and selecting whichicon to showon
the renderedpage using CascadingStyle Sheets. As three-dimensional
graphics became more prevalent, sprites came to include flat images
seamlesslyintegratedintocomplicated three-dimensional scenes.
A sprite is a 2d object
which is anoldschool
characters onto games
but it is still usedin
games todaymainlyto
create indiesgame and
wait to create a small
budget game where the
graphics andbe easily
done bysmall number of
people insteadof 3d
animating entire
characters
Scene A cut scene is a short cinematic clipina videogame to describe a
circumstance the character is involvedin, alsousedfor entertainment
purposes or noreal purpose at all. Girls enjoycut scenes because theyare
visuallystimulatingandhelpto explainthe plot of the game. Guys usually
prefer to skipcut scenes eventhoughtheycancontainuseful hints and
tips towards completing levels andearning special achievements
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cut%20scene
A scene is a more of cut
scene is normallyusedto
create plot points within
a game and create
tensionandexcitement
with plot twist and
realisations of certain
characters in the game

11. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
11
Library A game engine is made upof class libraries. Theydo not stop beingclass
librariessimplybecause they are withina game engine. A libraryis a useful
framework to tackle a specific needwithin a game engine. A framework
that entails the needs for a complete game is a game engine.
http://gamedev.stackexchange.com/questions/10770/whats-the-
difference-between-a-library-and-an-engine
Libraries are what game
engines are made upof
theyhelp specify
something withinthe
game engine and they
construct the framework
neededto complete the
engine itself
UI The user interface, inthe industrial designfieldof human–machine
interaction, is the space where interactions between humans and
machinesoccur. The goal of thisinteraction is effective operation and
control of the machine on the user's end, andfeedbackfrom the machine,
which aids the operator inmaking operationaldecisions. Examples ofthis
broad concept ofuser interfacesinclude the interactive aspects of
computer operating systems, handtools, heavymachineryoperator
controls, and process controls. The designconsiderations applicable when
creating user interfaces are relatedto or involve suchdisciplinesas
ergonomics andpsychology. Generally, the goal ofhuman-machine
interactionengineering is to produce a user interface whichmakes it easy
self-exploratoryefficient andenjoyable user friendlyto operate a machine
in the waywhichproduces the desired result. This generallymeans that
the operator needs to provide minimalinput to achieve the desired
output, andalso that the machine minimizes undesiredoutputs to the
human.
A user interface is what
you needto have to make
the user understandwhat
the game mechanics in
the game andhow to
understandthe situation
in the game and
effectivelybeat the
situationyou have
handedthem inyour
game

12. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
12
Frames A graphic panel ina displaywindow, especiallyina webbrowser, which
encloses a self-contained sectionof data and permits multiple
independent document viewing.
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#safe=off&q=define+Frames
Frames are what
designedbythe studio
one byone mostly
repeatedbecause there is
normallyhours’ worth of
content ina game
Concept A generalidea derivedor inferred fromspecific instances or occurrences.
Somethingformedinthe mind;a thought or notion. See Synonyms at
idea.
A scheme; a plan
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/concept
An idea a companyhas
thought upandnowneed
to push it up the chainto
see if management will
accept this idea andthen
start work onthe title
Event Somethingthat happens or is regardedas happening;an occurrence,
especiallyone of some importance. the outcome, issue, or result of
anything
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/event
Event is normallya quick
time event I normally
usedto create interactive
cut scenes so youcanbe
part of everypart of the
game
Path finding Path finding or pathing is the plotting, bya computer application, of the
shortest route between twopoints. It is a more practical variant onsolving
mazes. This fieldof research is based heavilyon Dijkstra's algorithmfor
finding the shortest path ona weightedgraph.
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#safe=off&q=Define+Path+finding
Path finding is for the ai
usedinthe game since it
is not player controlled
there movement need to
be an ai controllingthe
movement too sopath
finding allows you to
create paths the ai
teammateswill use in
different situations