R099 - Resources used to create video games

Hardware and Software

By Mr Wilkinson

•To understand different types of hardware that contribute to the creation of a digital game.

Learning Objectives

​•To identify different types of software that contribute to the creation of a digital game.

​•To identify the hardware and software required for a given scenario.

Keywords

• Game Engine: Software used to develop games, providing tools for graphics, physics and scripting (Unreal, Unity)

• Interface: The point where a user interacts with software or hardware, such as a games menu or controller inputs.

• GPU: Hardware that processes graphics, ensuring smooth rendering and visuals in games.

• Rendering: The process of generating images of visuals in a game.

Match

Match the key words to their definitions.

• Software used to develop games.

• The point where the user interacts with software or hardware.

• Hardware that process graphics.

• The process of generating images of visuals in games.

Game Engine

Interface

GPU

Rendering

• Game Engine

• Interface

• GPU

• Rendering

​

Hardware is the physical internal components of computer system such as: CPU, RAM and Hard drive/Solid-state drive.

Hardware and Peripherals

​Peripherals are physical external devices designed to support the use of a computer system such as: keyboard, mouse, printer, speaker etc..

Categorize

Options (12)

Graphics Card

RAM

CPU

Hard Disk Drive

VR Headset

Game Controller

Motherboard

Power Supply

Mouse

Keyboard

Microphone

PC Steering Wheel

Sort them out between Hardware and Peripherals

Hardware

Peripherals

​

Simulator vs. Emulator

• Simulator → Mimics system behavior but not exact hardware/software. Used for training & testing. (e.g., flight simulators)

• Emulator → Replicates both hardware & software, allowing programs to run as if on the original system. (e.g., video game emulators)

Key Difference:

• Simulators imitate functionality.

• Emulators fully replicate the system.

Simulator vs. Emulator

Categorize

Options (12)

Graphics Card

RAM

CPU

Hard Disk Drive

VR Headset

Game Controller

Unity

Operating System

Physics Engine

Photoshop

Unreal Engine

Audacity

Sort them out between Hardware and Software.

Hardware

Software

Open Ended

Find a definition of the difference between a Game Engine and a Game Editor./

Engine Vs Editor​

• A game engine is the underlying technology that powers the game.

• A game editor is a tool within the engine that developers use to create and modify content.

Platform Test Bed

• A platform test bed is an environment used to test a game on different hardware and software setups before release. It ensures the game runs smoothly across various platforms (e.g., Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, mobile devices).

  Key Features of a Platform Test Bed

  • Hardware Testing – Checks performance on different CPUs, GPUs, and RAM setups.

  • Software Testing – Ensures compatibility with different operating systems and drivers.

  • Input Testing – Tests controllers, keyboards, and touchscreens.

  • Performance Metrics – Monitors frame rates, load times, and crashes.

Platform Test Bed

• Example in Game Development

  • A game studio might have multiple test beds for different consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) to check if the game runs properly before release.

  • Mobile games are tested on various Android and iOS devices to ensure smooth performance.

Match

Match the key words to their definitions.

• Software used to develop games.

• The point where the user interacts with software or hardware.

• Hardware that process graphics.

• The process of generating images of visuals in games.

Game Engine

Interface

GPU

Rendering

• Game Engine

• Interface

• GPU

• Rendering

Today's Task

Complete the Lesson 3 Workbook: Hardware and Software

​Use the Knowledge Organiser if needed