CSSE 391 Computer Games Design and Consequence

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CSSE 391 Computer GamesDesign and Consequence

• GAME GENRES
• Classification of Games
• Not Exhaustive
• Not Universally Accepted

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Types of Games

• Shoot-em-Ups (Shmups)
• Considered pivotal in birth/growth of computer
  games
• SPACEWAR (1962), SPACEINVADERS (1978)
• TPS (third-person shooter)
• Sports
• Arcade
• Car racing, bowling,
• FPS
• First Person Shooter
• Shooter through players eyes
• DOOM, QUAKE, HALF LIFE
• Can be networked (multiplayer death match)

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Types of Games

• Puzzle
• Brain Teasers
• TETRIS, MINESWEEPER, SPIDER SOLITAIRE
• Most widely played
• Platform
• Early genre
• Cartoon/character icon (branding)
• Emphasis on running, jumping, climbing
• MARIO, TOMB RAIDERS

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RPG Role Playing Game

• AVATAR (character advancement)
• Focus on statistics, combat, construction
• Refinements
• Tactical
• Strategy-derived
• FINAL FANTASY
• Action
• Emphasis on action/combat
• DIABLO
• DUNGEONS DRAGONS, BALDURs GATE

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ADVENTURE GAMES

• Preceded by text adventure games (interactive
  fiction)
• Entertainment based on
• Exploration, investigation
• Puzzle-solving (for advancement)
• Narrative focus
• Variety of literary genres
• Fantasy, sciFi, horror, mystery
• KINGS QUEST, MYST, INDIANA JONES LEGEND OF
  ZELDA,

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STRATEGY GAMES

• Resource Management Problem
• Player controls characters resources
• Manipulation of resources targeted to goal(s)
• AGE OF EMPIRES, STARCRAFT, RAILWAY TYCOON
• TBS (Turn-Based Strategy)
• Less common in computer games
• Like traditional board games (Chess, GO)
• RTS (Real-Time Strategy)
• Military, Fantasy war, Capitalism
• Tactical Wargames use only provided combat forces
• RTT (RealTime Tactical) --- CLOSE COMBAT
• TBT (Turn-Based Tactical) --- COMBAT MISSION
• 4X
• eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate
• CIVILIZATION

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Simulation Games

• Crossover with Sports, Strategy
• Imitate Life
• Skill-based
• Training
• FLIGHT SIMULATION
• Strategy Based
• Economic Simulation
• SIMCITY, ZOO TYCOON,

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MMORPGs

• Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
• Preceded by text-based MUDs (Multi User
  Domain/Dungeon/Dimension)
• RTS (Real-Time Strategy)
• Military, Fantasy war, Capitalism
• Commercial Interest
• Subscription fees
• Investment to play (real estate holdings)
• WORLD OF WAR CRAFT, SECOND LIFE