Two games job roles

Level Editor:
A level editor designs different portions of a game, this could be from a level in a traditional gaming sense, to open world spaces and interiors of buildings. The design process sometimes involves mapping out what the player would experience.
 Level editors sometimes need to be able to use 3D modelling programs such as 3D Studio Max or Maya to test and work out different design ideas and processes. However in larger companies this is often not the case, with specific people working on the 3D side. Often larger companies will have their own software for level creation, for example construction kits.

3D Modeller/ Artist:

A 3D modeller will use concept work to create a 3D version which can be used within the game itself. This could range from characters and enemies, to trees and landscapes. Similar programs are required to create the models, such as 3D Studio Max and Maya.

Contextual Studies: Week 3

This week we watched a documentary on the history of games. This included games such as, Tennis for Two, Space Wars, Pong, Pac Man and Tetris. It revealed that quite a few of the games were responding to the public's interest and fears at the time. Oh and that Pac Man was created using the idea of a pizza with a slice missing. The work set for next week was to describe the first computer game you can remember playing.

The first game I remember playing was called Museum Madness. It involved moving round a museum fixing all of the robots which were reenacting important moments in history. Galileo had lost his mind and had forgotten all about his telescopes. All of the sea creatures were in the wrong exhibits, as well as most of the animals. The game was full of puzzles, how to make things right again. At the age of 7 I did not fully understand all of the different parts of the game such as environmental issues and the American civil war, it was fun none the less.

Contextual Studies: Week 2

This week we were introduced to Roger Caillois, the author of 'Man, play and games'. He looked into what players experienced while playing games. After looking at different factors which come into games we were asked to read a quote from Roger Caillois and say how much we agreed with the statement.

While play can be time consuming it is certainly not a waste of time. People play games for the experience, to feel the excitement and exhilaration of the events which unfold. Be it a close finish to the end of a board game, or exploring long forgotten ruins on a computer game, all of this adds to the experience of what life has to offer. Part of a games job is to evoke feelings, whether this is fear, joy, curiosity or thrills they are all important.

The idea that nothing is ever learnt from games is untrue. While masterpieces may not be created, or wealth acquired there are some far more important things which can be gained. Children learn how to compete in a friendly way, or learn that you cannot always get what you want in life, in this case to always win. Adults can use games to greater extend their imagination to create stories, or new games which can then be sold for wealth. Games can help develop friendships with people who could become great friends, these people can help you out if you are ever in trouble and vice versa.

People who believe that a game is a waste of time must surely believe that life is just as pointless. When both are over, whatever happened during that time no longer matters. But do they feel this way? I think not.

Contextual Studies: Week 1

After the first contextual studies lesson we were told to write a paragraph on a game which had, in the past, immersed us while we play it. I chose Morrowind, a game which I spent many years playing when younger and still love the atmosphere and game play to this day. This is a typed up version:


Approaching the huge castle of Tel Vos I feel totally insignificant amongst it's giant towers and keeps, so tall they appear to reach up to reach up to the clouds above. There is only one door on the ground floor of the castle so I feel compelled to go in. Wondering what I might find inside I start to climb the stairs, the only way is up. Thinking of all the friendly people surely to be in this grand place I happily ascend, trying to imagine what could be at the top. Suddenly there is an angry cry and something attacking me! This is no human however, it is a powerful Scamp. Terrified and running for my life I continue up the stairs, spiraling higher and higher. Seeing a door ahead I run through to find myself on a parapet leading to yet another tower. Carrying on, I run into a room full of people, including some reassuring sturdy guards. Oh the relief of finding people to protect me from such a dangerous beast!