Monday, 30 March 2015

LO1: Buisness report - Sumo Digital


When was Sumo Digital founded? 
Founded in 2003
How many employees does it have? 
220 Employees in Sheffield
40 Employees in India

 Platform Technology (The Platforms Sumo use for their games): 

·       Playstation 3
·       Playstation 2
·       Playsation Network
·       Playsation Vita
·       Playsation 4
·       Xbox
·       Xbox 360
·       Xbox one
·       Nintendo DS
·       Wii
·       Nintendo 3DS
·       Wii U
·       PSP
·       Windows
·       Arcade
·       iOS  
·       Mac OS
·       Android
·       BlackBerry




 

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

LO1: Genres of game development

Identify 6 genres you would think of devloping a game in 
- Adventure
- Role Play 
- Driving game
- Action
- Strategy
- Simulation

Find a definition of each along with an example from the industry

Adventure - In adventure games, the emphasis is placed on experiencing a story as seen by one or more user-controlled characters, often by manipulating said character(s) and the environment they exist in. Adventure games are characterized by general lack of reflex-based gameplay (action), though they may feature such segments sporadically.

Role Play - Role-playing video games are descendants of pen-and-paper RPGs. In those games character development is the main driving gameplay mechanic. Typically one or more characters are created and shaped by the player, then embark on a series of encounters that increase the inventory, wealth, or combat statistics of said character(s).

Driving game - This genre encompasses all games in which either driving a vehicle or participating in a race (often both) is a primary gameplay element. Many such games revolve around racing, i.e. trying to move faster than an opponent to reach a specified goal or beat a specified time. Usually racing games use cars and other vehicles (motorcycle, powerboat, etc.), but on-foot racing games also qualify.

Action - In action games players are required to have good reflexes and quick reaction in order to overcome challenges. Action games typically focus on combat, during which the player must press buttons or keys rapidly or in timed intervals in order to execute attacks and other moves. Non-combat challenges may include avoiding traps, jumping, running, completing tasks within a pressing time limit, etc.

Strategy - In its broad sense, the strategy genre encompasses games that emphasize problem-solving. Thinking and planning are necessary components of strategy; they can be used for such diverse purposes as preparing and positioning troops to gain advantage in a war, or figure out the principle of a puzzle. While adventure games may include puzzles, they focus on following a linear story while occasionally dealing with obstacles rather than being entirely dedicated to problem-solving. Puzzle, chess, and card games fall under the strategy category.

Simulation - Simulation games are created with the goal of putting the player in control of a certain activity while attempting to make it as realistic as possible.

identify the conventions of genres

Identify how each example fits or doesn't fit the conventions

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

LO1: Minecrast Review Practise

Things that stood out to me from the Minecraft game review;

- In the game review I noticed that it included humour, this is to make the audience laugh which makes the game review more interesting.

- The game review also included animation this is so we can watch something as well as listen so we can visualize what is being said.

- Another thing the game review included is a balanced review to the game Minecraft. (A game review should include a positive and negative side of the game)

- There was no real video of the game play of Minecraft



Theme Hospital
 
 Sims 3

 Flappy Bird



 Flappy Bird


The reviewers overall impression of the game
The reviewers overall impression of the game is a positive repose to the game, he mentions it may be  frustrating and extremely hard to reach a decent score but he mentions that it is worth a try.

The comparison drawn
The reviewer does slightly compare two games which are "Jet pack Joyride" and "flappy bird", the reviewer compares the two games by comparing the aims of the game and the money you spend during the game, the out come of this was that "Jet Pack Joyride" is better than "flappy bird", i know this because in the review he says "Flappy bird is no where near as good as Jet Pack Joy ride." Even though he says this he still balances the negative out with a positive for "Flappy Bird" because he mentions that even though that we cant go on new level on flappy bird unlike "Jet Pack Joy Ride" it is still completely free to play which the other game isnt.

The suggestions made for improvements
The suggests that are made to improve flappy Birds are that there should be levels in the game of which you can move up when you get to a certain score. Another improvement the reviewer gave is that the game is too simple however he does then go on to say that the game is not easy and it is a challenge.

The final score/rating 
The reviewer say that he doesn't think that it is a bad game and even though it extremely difficult it is still good to have a go on it as well as the fact its free as well.

The Sims 3



The reviewers overall impression of the game
The reviewers overall impression of the game is good as he enjoys the realistic weathers that are on the game such as puddles on the floor

The comparison drawn
The reviewer compares the Sims 3 seasons game with the original sims 3 and other expansion packs, however these comparisions are quite balanced as he says the good and bad points of each game mentioned.

The suggestions made for improvements
The suggests that are made to improve Sims 3 are that there should be a new town so that your sims can visit it for the different seasons for different activities as this is an expansion pack. Another suggested improvement is that there should be weather disruptions such as car crashes and realistic situations that happen with different weathers in day to day lives. Another improvement the reviewer gave is there should be more choices for outfits rather than just the simple old ones on the original sims 3. The reviewer also suggests that there should be waves in the sea so they can add the activity of "surfing or body boarding" which would make the sea a lot funner to be in. He also mentions that there should be holiday decorations for winter like Christmas stockings or trees.

The final score/rating 
The reviewers final rating of this game is that he recommends it to people who enjoy the sims because even though is $40 it is still worth buying. He also says it is his favourite expansion pack next to the expansion pack "late night." He also goes on to say that even though the creators of this game have missed out the obvious things to include with seasons it is not that annoying to dwell on it.

Theme Hospital

 
The reviewers overall impression of the game
The reviewers overall impression of the game is good as the reviewers says it is a fantastic game, a timeless classic, addictive game and humorous. He also says he recommends it which means that he is pleased with this game and thinks its worth buying.

The comparison drawn
The reviewer compares the game "Theme Hospital" with the game "Sim Health." the reviewer described the game sims health  as "fun as reading over a list of mathematical assumptions (this is a way of saying the game is really boring) Whereas he describes the game Theme hospital as candy coated laughter in a box, this means that he obviously prefers the theme hospital game.

The suggestions made for improvements
The suggests that are made to improve the game are things like allowing the player to put in a room in the hospital to what ever size they want as it is a waste of space when putting a much bigger room than needed in. Another suggestion for improvement is adding an option for allowing the staff in the hospital to have an automatic raise instead of having to do it yourself. The reviewer also suggests that the staff in the building shouldn't be made to be so unprofessional because its unrealistic and annoying when the player has to constantly send the staff member back to their rooms.

The final score/rating 
The reviewers final rating of this game is that its a fantastic game that is definably worth buying distpite the reptition of the levels in the game he still finds it extremely addicting.