Introduction to Computer Games Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 1 History of computer games Hardware evolution Software evolution Overview of Industry Future Directions/Trends Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 2 1
Games evolution Tennis for Two Game objective William Higginbothan, 1958 Roll entertain visitors http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2e9isqfgdg Spacewar Game objective Steve Russel, 1961 PDP-1 Roll diagnostic program http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmvb4hktv7u&feature=related Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 3 Pong Game objective Nolan Bushnell, 1972 First game to the masses Arcade game Roll making money http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2e9isqfgdg Games evolution Beginning of commercial activities Atari Sega, Nintendo Sony Micorsoft Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 4 2
Hardware evolution Games are tailored to existing HW Games are side effect Some special HW was added Work around what you have Games on computers Using a regular computer (PDP-1) Using regular monitors No special HW is added or used Games can be used anywhere Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 5 TV Games Pong (Odysseys) Hardware evolution Special purpose Game computers Atari Arcade Games Pong Packman Home Computers 1981 first IBM computer Apple computer First home based games Pong Packman Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 6 3
Hardware evolution Special purpose game consoles (computers) Nintendo Gameboy Nintendo DS Nintendo WII Sony Playstation (II, III) Sony Playstation portable Arcade Games Microsoft XBox 360 (arcade, professional) Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 7 Input/Output Devices Input Keyboard Mouse Special purpose Joystick Multifunction joystick Accelerometer Nintendo accelerometer (zapper) Apple IPod touch Digital Images Output Monitors TV (digital) Touch screens Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 8 4
History of computer games Overview of Industry Current Players Market Direction Market Breakdown Future Directions/Trends Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 9 Market Evolution Ad-hoc games Testing Boredom Hackers Arcade and TV games Games are simple Similar to board games no reality 1-2 players Home computer games Port of arcade games to home computer Computer graphics is everywhere Movies Commercials Virtual reality Computer Video games Reality games War games Animation and special effects (just like the movies) Sports games Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 10 5
Games evolution Hardware evolution Economical Evolution Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 11 Overview of Industry Current Players Console Games Microsoft Nintendo Sony Non-console games Numerous Web based Studios Electronics Arts Id Software Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 12 6
Market Direction What is the state of the market? $1.5B in Canada $50B world wide Breakdown home / movies / arcades Who uses and where are computer games used Health Individuals Education Entertainment Advertisement Industry casinos Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 13 Entertainment Market $1.5B in Canada $50B world wide Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 14 7
Canadian Entertainment Market Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 15 Entertainment Market Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 16 8
Market Breakdown Future Current pie chart Delivery Console Arcade Mobile Internet pc Sectors Entertainment Gambling Future pie chart Delivery Mobile multi-user Console Internet Handheld New input devices Sectors Education and training Entertainment Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 17 Types of games Nature of game Adventures Actions Fights First person shooter Platforms Racing Simulation Sports Puzzle Traditional Education social Interaction Type Role playing games First person shooter Third person shooter Interaction mode Multiplayer Player vs. game Facilitation (e.g., chess) Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 18 9
Market Direction Who uses and where are computer games used Health Individuals Education Entertainment Advertisement Industry casinos Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 19 Canadian Entertainment Market Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 20 10
Social Aspects of Computer Gaming Good Pros Interaction with other players Fun Real time response (chess) Improve skills at own pace Networking Maintain contacts Meet new people Assume different roles Large variety (small space) Instant gratification Bad Cons Addiction Time waster Lacking social skills Isolation Unrealistic expectation Distortion of reality Verbal communication Doron Nussbaum Introduction to Computer Gaming 21 11