Platforms & Hardware
Computer Games: Digital Games Design F1R2 11
© 2012 West Lothian College August 2012/Review date August 2015 Platforms & hardware
Platforms
Hardware environment for games Different platforms
Plusses & minusesNo overall best – depends on user
Platforms
XBox360 Nintendo Wii PC Mobile gaming
X Box 360
CPU: 3.2 GHz PPC Tri-Core Xenon
GPU: 500 MHz ATI Xenos Media: DVD, DVD-DL, CD Storage: 20 or 120 GB hard
drive; 64, 256 or 512 MB memory cards
Controller input: 4 maximum (wired, wireless or combo)
Connectivity: 3 × USB 2.0, IR port, 100 Mbit Ethernet
Online service: Xbox Live Backward compatibility: 465
original Xbox games (needs HD)
+Xbox 360
High power CPU High power GPU Fast, detailed images Good audio Plays DVDs Online multiplayer Gets latest games Seen as “hardcore”
- Chunky controller Multiple configs Some technical
problems Games expensive
Wii CPU: IBM PowerPC-based “Broadway” GPU: ATI "Hollywood" Media: 12cm Wii Optical Disc, 8cm
GameCube Game Disc Storage: 512 MB Internal flash memory,
SD card, GameCube Memory Card Controller input: Wii Remote, Wii
Balance Board, GameCube controller Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 × USB
2.0, LAN Adapter (via USB)
Online service: Nintendo Wi-Fi, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console, Wii Menu
Backward compatibility: Nintendo GameCube
Wii
+ - Adequate graphics Innovative controllers One set system Good audio Attracting non-gamers “Fun”
Graphics not “state of the art”
Seen as “for kids” Games expensive
Mobile Gaming - handheld
PSP/DS etc. CPU & graphics
better than phones Wide range of
software Connectivity Superseded by
phones & tablets?
Mobile gaming - phone
CPU: varied (low-med) GPU: varied (low-med) Media: downloaded only Storage: SD ram, SD card,
internal Controller: integrated
joypad/accelerometer/touchscreen
Connectivity: Infrared, Bluetooth, GPRS, 3or4G, WiFi, MMS, Wireless LAN
Multiple Oss: main=Android, iOS (Apple)
Java – cross-platform
Mobile gaming - tablets
iPad / Android / Windows
Specs similar to phones Slightly faster cpu Slightly more storage Bigger screen Less battery time
Mobile gaming
+ - Inexpensive Relatively Simple Not limited to location Wide range of games Innovative game types
(e.g. Geocaching) Large user base – but
seen as “non-gamers” Hardware evolving
quickly
Graphics & audio less detailed
Control systems sometimes limited
Networked games more rare
Hardware evolving quickly
PC
CPU: varied (med - v.high power) GPU: varied (med-v.high power) Media: DVD, DVD-DL, CD, SD
card, USB stick Storage: large capacity hard
drive; DVD/CD writer, Controller input: any USB
controller, keyboard, mouse Connectivity: 4 × USB 2.0, IR
port, 100 Mbit Ethernet, wireless ethernet
Online service: Internet Backward compatibility: via
windows and emulators
+ -PC
Med – v. high quality graphics
Excellent sound Ubiquitous, but seen as
“older person’s choice” Huge storage DirectX API useful Easily upgradeable
software Excellent connectivity Range of games
unmatched
Expensive hardware upgrade cycle
Viruses Extra hardware may be
needed Tablets catching up
Summary
Systems offer different capabilitiesProcessorGraphicsStorageConnectivity
Graphics important for hardcore games Playability more important than graphics for
new types of gamers Depends on users’ needs
Q:
What system best suits you?
Why?