1. Platform Operating System Driver Application Software Sound API Graphical API Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS Java, C++, C#, ActionScript DirectX, OpenGL Java Sound, OpenAL Soundcard, GPU, HCI Dependent / Independent

2. Game Platforms – Software Tech U20 PMD3: Understand software technologies for game platforms Date due: Friday 24/05/13

3. From the Unit Spec – PMD2

4. PMD2 – Understand functions • The sixkey subcategories of this GC are: • Platform dependency • Operating systems • Drivers • Application software • Graphical API • Sound API • Note that you must show evidence of understanding all of these categories in order to achieve the GC.

5. PMD3a – Platform Dependency If an application is platform dependent, it will only run on a specific operating system, hardware setup or compiler. • This can refer to games, but also to other things such as programming languages • An example of platform dependence is Windows, which will only run on x86 hardware architecture. • An example of platform independence is any application written in Java, which is cross-platform.

6. PMD3b – Operating Systems At its basic level, an operating system is a collection of software responsible for the management of hardware resources. It also provides some background processes, such as file storage and retrieval and system tools, such as disk cleanups. Notable examples include Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone 8. The list goes on.

7. PMD3c – Drivers Device drivers are background programs which control a very specific device attached to the computer. These can be either internal or peripheral devices. The driver serves as a translator between the device itself and the operating system or program that it is interacting with. Drivers are used for all devices, including mice, keyboards, GPUs, SPUs and scanners.

8. PMD3d – Graphical API API = Application Programming Interface Graphical APIs are the software systems responsible for rendering the images you see on screen. The two main GAPIs in use today are DirectX and OpenGL. DirectX is owned and developed by Microsoft, and is exclusive to Windows and Xbox. OpenGL is platform-independent and run by a non-profit organisation.

9. PMD3e – Sound API Sound APIs are responsible for managing and playing sounds. This may include dynamic manipulation, such as directional sound or distortion. Two commonly used SAPIs are OpenAL and Java Sound API. OpenAL can currently run on 15 different OS, whereas Java SAPI is platform-independent

10. Write-Up and examples You need to write this up as a webzine or blog article, entitled “Software Technologies for Game Platforms”. This piece of extended writing should aim to have the same written standard as that required by any other piece of theory work, but remember the specific unit requirements. Use the unit spec as a checklist to ensure you have covered everything that you need to.

11. Write-Up and examples The following are examples of the differences between Pass, Merit and Distinction grade writing. Use them to inform your work. PMD3 – Software Tech

12. Write-Up and examples The following are examples of the differences between Pass, Merit and Distinction grade writing. Use them to inform your work. PMD3 – Software Tech