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Video Game Design Foundations
Designers of digital scenes need to make the images clear enough to
look like the item being shown. However, making images too fine will
take more computer memory to generate items due to the greater number
of pixels. The designer will also have to know on what type of computer
system the game will be played. That determines the total background
frame size in pixels. For example, if the computer monitor setting is set to
1280 × 780 resolution, a designer must create a frame that is 1280 pixels
wide and 780 pixels high to fill the screen. If a game frame is set larger than
the screen size, some images may not show. If that happens, a designer
might need to modify the screen settings to fit or allow the game frame
to scroll. If the frame scrolls, it moves with respect to the character, as
illustrated in Figure 4-13.
After determining the screen dimensions, the designer needs to
determine the gameplay dimensions. The gameplay can be designed as 2D,
2.5D, or 3D.
A computer adds pixels through
interpolation when enlarging an object.
What processes do you think occur when
the computer reduces the size of an
object?
UP!
4.2
Figure 4-13.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
This is how a scrolling map is shown on screen. All sections of the map are active and will
continue to have active objects in motion even when not displayed. As the player moves,
the camera centers the player on the map. Large maps with continuing action off screen
take a lot of computing power to keep the game running smoothly.