1. Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS
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 GC Pass Merit Distinction 3
Describe software technologies for game platforms with some appropriate use of subject terminology
Explain software technologies for game platforms with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology
Comprehensively explain software technologies for game platforms with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly
From the Unit Spec – PMD2

4. PMD2 – Understand functions
The six key 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.
PMD2 – Understand functions

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 PMD3 – Software Tech
The following are examples of the differences between Pass, Merit and Distinction grade writing. Use them to inform your work.
Pass
Merit
‘To use a sound card, the operating system needs driver software specially written for the card. The card driver takes instructions for sounds from the game program and outputs them in a form the sound device can use.’
‘To use a sound card, the operating system needs driver software specially written for the card. The card driver takes instructions for sounds from the game program and outputs them in a form the sound device can use. Driver software is specially written for the target computer system, it is ‘hardware dependent’ and also operating system specific, meaning the driver works only with one processor and operating system combination. The Sound Blaster series of sound cards each had unique driver software but recently the makers have updated the driver software for all cards in the series to improve performance.’
PMD3 – Software Tech

12. Write-Up and examples PMD3 – Software Tech
The following are examples of the differences between Pass, Merit and Distinction grade writing. Use them to inform your work.
Distinction
‘To use a sound card, the operating system needs driver software specially written for the card. The card driver takes instructions for sounds from the game program and outputs them in a form the sound device can use. Driver software is specially written for the target computer system; it is ‘hardware dependent’ and also operating system specific, meaning the driver works only with one processor and operating system combination. The driver software enables the operating system or game program to interact transparently with the hardware device, providing the necessary interrupt handling to permit the interfacing of the hardware components. The Sound Blaster series of sound cards is popular with PC gamers. Each card in the series had unique driver software but recently the makers have updated the driver software for all cards in the series to improve performance, especially the EAX (environmental audio extensions) hardware acceleration for games. EAX are digital signalling presets used to create better ambience within games by more accurately simulating a real-world audio environment.’
PMD3 – Software Tech