Desiging Character-Based Console Games

Description

Developing for a console platform is a much more involved and difficult process than most people first imagine, because there are many differences between developing a game for a console and developing for the PC --- some easier and others more difficult. The games industry is developing many more games for consoles than for the PC now, so designers and developers need to hone their skills and learn console specific techniques in order to succeed in this very competitive field. To date game design books have not provided specific techniques for designing real console games, but this book delves into the intricacies and technical details of console design. Designing Character-Based Console Games is a must-have book for anyone working in console game design or interested in entering the field.

The book provides insightful information for all levels of designer--from the level designer just coming to grips with level flow, to the game designer working with the core mechanics of the game. By following the process of design from start to finish, the book teaches successful design methods that help designers avoid repeating common mistakes. It provides a thorough discussion of gameplay and how to design it effectively; how to write the narrative and develop the characters. It explores the important aspects of a character-based game design including game structure, character control, and combat. Specifics on viewpoint & cameras, artificial intelligence, physics, environments, audio, interface design, economies, and game balancing are also covered in detail. The book concludes with the specific console requirements and a detailed outline of the submission process required by the major console manufacturers.

For anyone working with or considering work on console game design, this book provides the details needed to make it in the field!

 

Table of Contents

1 Introduction
2 Gameplay
3 Narrative
4 Game Structure
5 Character Control
6 Combat
7 Viewpoint & Cameras
8 Artificial Intelligence
9 Physics
10 Environment
11 Audio
12 User Interface
13 Economies
14 Game Balancing
15 Console Requirements