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Glossary
syntax: How words are arranged into phrases
and sentences; also, programming words and
symbols and their arrangement. (2, 12)
synthesizer: Creates artificial sounds from
pure tones. (8)
system: Controls all of the parameters and
constraints to make a simulation work. (13)
system-shall command: Rule to guide the
design of the application framework. (13)
T
tactic: Method of achieving a strategy. (6)
tactile texture: Irregular surface that can be
physically felt, like sandpaper. (9)
tangible: Capable of being perceived. (10)
tangible feature: Quality of a character that
can be seen or demonstrated. (2)
target market: Who the game is intended to
appeal to most. (1)
technical bible: Binder filled with all of the
programming structure for a game. (1)
tell: Signal, gesture, movement, pattern, or
other effect that hints to what an opponent is
doing. (6)
tessellation: Breaking up the overall texture
image so a part of the image can be applied to
each individual polygon in the model. (10)
texture: Flat image that is wrapped around
the avatar model like skin. (2)
texture artist: Team member who creates
2D art using digital or traditional art media;
strong in creating artwork that embodies all of
the basic elements of art. (10)
texture fill: Image that is wrapped around an
object. (9)
texture map: Picture or pattern assigned to
an element of the material definition. (10)
theatrical timing: Slowing down, rewinding,
and speeding up sections of an animation for
an emotional effect. (11)
thematic element: Each object that
contributes to or conveys a theme. (3)
themes: Subcategories of gameplay within a
genre. (1)
third-person perspective: Positions the
camera as a spectator that is looking at the
player character. (5)
Three Laws of Robotics: A robot may not
injure a human being or, through inaction,
allow a human being to come to harm; a
robot must obey the orders given to it by
human beings, except where such orders
would conflict with the first law; and a robot
must protect its own existence as long as such
protection does not conflict with the first or
second law. (5)
three-dimensional modeling artist: Team
member who creates game objects in 3D;
strong in the use of 3D modeling software
such as 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, or
Rhinoceros. (10)
timeout: When a game resets after a period of
player inactivity. (4)
timing: How long a given action lasts. (11)
title: Each video game in a publisher’s
library. (1)
total-conversion mod: Mod that results in an
entirely new game. (5)
toy: Item that does not have all three
components of a game and is, therefore, not a
game. (1)
translation: Movement from one point to
another, especially when the camera moves
on the game map. (5, 11)
transport puzzle: Requires the player to
move pieces within the confined space of the
game board. (7)