Game Developer Roadmap

Client Side Development

In game development, the term "Client Side" refers to all the operations and activities that occur on the player's machine, which could be a console, computer, or even a phone. The client side is responsible for rendering graphics, handling input from the user and sometimes processing game logic. This is in…

Game Mathematics

"Game Mathematics" is a critical aspect of game development that deals with the use of mathematical concepts to create and control game mechanics. This involves areas such as geometry for 3D modelling, logic for game rules, algebra for scoring systems, and trigonometry for movements or trajectories. Understanding…

Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra is a vital field in Mathematics that is extensively used in game development. It revolves around vector spaces and the mathematical structures used therein, including matrices, determinants, vectors, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors, among others. In the context of game development, linear algebra is…

Vector

Vector in game development is a mathematical concept and an integral part of game physics. It represents a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. A vector can be used to represent different elements in a game like positions, velocities, accelerations, or directions. In 3D games, it's commonly used to…

Matrix

In game development, a matrix is a fundamental part of game mathematics. It's a grid of numbers arranged into rows and columns that's particularly important in 3D game development. These matrices are typically 4x4, meaning they contain 16 floating point numbers, and they're used extensively for transformations.…

Linear Transformation

Linear transformations or linear maps are an important concept in mathematics, particularly in the fields of linear algebra and functional analysis. A linear transformation can be thought of as a transformation that preserves the operations of addition and scalar multiplication. In other words, a transformation T…

Geometry

Geometry in game development refers to the mathematical study used to define the spatial elements within a game. This is vital in determining how objects interact within a game's environment. Particularly, geometry is employed in various aspects like object rendering, collision detection, character movement, and…

Affine Space

In the context of game mathematics, an Affine Space is a fundamental concept you should understand. It is a geometric structure with properties related to both geometry and algebra. The significant aspect of an affine space is that it allows you to work more comfortably with points and vectors. While a vector space…

Affine Transformation

An affine transformation, in the context of game mathematics, is a function between affine spaces which preserves points, straight lines and planes. Also, sets of parallel lines remain parallel after an affine transformation. In video games, it's typically used for manipulating an object's position in 3D space.…

Projection

Projection in game mathematics often refers to the method by which three-dimensional images are transferred to a two-dimensional plane, typically a computer screen. There are two main types of projection in game development; Orthographic Projection and Perspective Projection. In the Orthographic Projection, objects…

Center of Mass

The center of mass is a position defined relative to an object or system of objects. Typically denoted by the symbol (COM), it refers to the average position of all the parts of the system, weighted according to their masses. For instance, if you have a uniformly dense object, the center of mass would be in the…

Moment of Inertia

The moment of inertia, also known as rotational inertia, is a measure of an object's resistance to changes to its rotation. In simpler terms, it's essentially how difficult it is to start or stop an object from spinning. It is determined by both the mass of an object and its distribution of mass around the axis of…

Acceleration

Acceleration refers to the rate of change in velocity per unit time. This physical concept is translated into game dynamics where it impacts the movement and speed of game characters or objects. For example, when a character starts moving, there is usually a slight delay before they reach their top speed, which…

Joints

Joints in game development primarily refer to the connections between two objects, often used in the context of physics simulations and character animations. These might simulate the physics of real-world joints like hinges or springs. Developers can control various characteristics of joints such as their…

Restitution

In game development, Restitution is a property closely related to the physics of objects. Essentially, restitution represents the "bounciness" of an object or, in more scientific terms, the ratio of the final relative velocity to the initial relative velocity of two objects after a collision. In the context of game…

Force

Force is a vital concept in game development, especially when crafting physics in games. In the context of game physics, 'Force' is an influence that causes an object to undergo a certain change, either concerning its movement, direction, or geometrical construction. It's typically implemented in game engines, with…

Angular Velocity

Angular velocity, denoted by the symbol 'ω', is a measure of the rate of change of an angle per unit of time. In simpler terms, it corresponds to how quickly an object moves around a circle or rotates around a central point. Angular velocity is typically measured in radians per second (rad/s). If you think of an…

Buoyancy

Buoyancy refers to a specific interaction in physics where an object submerged in fluid (such as a game character in water) experiences an upward force that counteracts the force of gravity. This makes the object either float or appear lighter. In game development, implementing buoyancy can enhance realism…

Friction

Friction is a crucial concept in game dynamics. In the context of games, it's typically used to slow down or impede movement, providing a realistic feel to characters or objects movement. For example, when a player's character runs on a smooth surface as compared to a rough one, friction influences the speed and…

Linear Velocity

Linear Velocity is a fundamental concept in physics that is extensively used in game development. It refers to the rate of change of an object's position with respect to a frame of reference. It's calculated by dividing the change in position by the change in time, often represented with the vector 'v'. In game…

Orientation

In the context of game development, Orientation refers to the aspect or direction in which an object is pointed in a 3D space. To determine an object's orientation in 3D space, we typically use three angles namely: pitch, yaw, and roll collectively known as Euler's angles. Pitch is the rotation around the X-axis,…

Curve

A curve in game development is a mathematical tool for creating smooth lines or paths, used in areas like animation, 3D modeling, UI design, and level layouts. Curves simplify complex shapes and movements, enabling more natural results compared to linear approaches. They're key for lifelike animations, organic…

Dynamics

Dynamics in game physics refers to the calculation and simulation of the movement and interaction of objects over time, taking into account properties such as mass, force, and velocity. Its purpose is to ensure the motion of game elements matches expectations in the real-world, or the specific conditions defined by…

Spline

Spline is a mathematical function widely used in computer graphics for generating curves and surfaces. It connects two or more points through a smooth curve, often used in games for defining pathways, movement paths, object shapes, and flow control. Splines are not confined to two dimensions and can be extended to…

Hermite

Hermite refers to Hermite interpolation, a fundamental technique in game development for executing smooth transitions. Essentially, Hermite interpolation is an application of polynomial mathematics, with two points applied as start/end (they're usually 3D positional vectors), and the tangents at these points…

Bezier

Bezier curves are named after Pierre Bezier, a French engineer working at Renault, who used them in the 1960s for designing car bodies. A Bezier curve is defined by a set of control points with a minimum of two but no upper limit. The curve is calculated between the first and the last control point and does not…

Catmull-Rom

The Catmull-Rom spline is a form of interpolation used in 2D and 3D graphics. Named after Edwin Catmull and Raphael Rom, it offers a simple way to smoothly move objects along a set of points or, in terms of graphics, to smoothly draw a curve connecting several points. It's a cubic interpolating spline, meaning it…

Game Engine

A Game Engine is a software framework designed to facilitate the creation and development of video games. Developers use them to create games for consoles, mobile devices, and personal computers. The core functionality typically provided by a game engine includes a rendering engine ("renderer") for 2D or 3D…

Perspective

In game development, Perspective plays a significant role in creating a three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional space. It mimics the way our eyes perceive distance and depth, with objects appearing smaller as they go farther away. Essentially, this is achieved by projecting 3D co-ordinates on a virtual screen.…

Quaternion

The quaternion is a complex number system that extends the concept of rotations in three dimensions. It involves four components: one real and three imaginary parts. Quaternions are used in game development for efficient and accurate calculations of rotations and orientation. They are particularly useful over other…

Orthogonal

Orthogonal projection, or orthographic projection, is a type of parallelogram projection in game development where the lines of projection are perpendicular to the projection plane. This creates a view that is straight-on, essentially removing any form of perspective. Unlike perspective projection where objects…

Euler Angle

The Euler angle is a concept in mathematics and physics used to describe the orientation of a rigid body or a coordinate system in 3D space. It uses three angles, typically named as alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ), and represents three sequential rotations around the axes of the original coordinate system. Euler…

Unity 3D

Unity 3D is a versatile, cross-platform game engine that supports the development of both 2D and 3D games. This game engine allows users to create a wide variety of games including AR, VR, Mobile, Consoles, and Computers in C. It provides a host of powerful features and tools, such as scripting, asset bundling,…

Unreal Engine

The Unreal Engine is a powerful game development engine created by Epic Games. Used by game developers worldwide, it supports the creation of high-quality games across multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation. Unreal Engine is renowned for its photo-realistic rendering, dynamic…

Native

You don't necessarily have to use tools like Unreal, Unity3d, or Godot to make games. You can also use native languages like C++ or Rust to make games. However, you will have to do a lot of work yourself, and you will have to learn a lot of things that are already done for you in game engines.

Godot

Godot is an open-source, multi-platform game engine that is known for being feature-rich and user-friendly. It is developed by hundreds of contributors from around the world and supports the creation of both 2D and 3D games. Godot uses its own scripting language, GDScript, which is similar to Python, but it also…

Game Physics

Game Physics is an integral part of game development that simulates the laws of physics in a virtual environment. This simulation brings realism into the game by defining how objects move, interact, and react to collisions and forces. Game physics ranges from how a character jumps or moves in a 2D or 3D space, to…

Collision Detection

Collision Detection is a critical aspect in game physics that handles the computer’s ability to calculate and respond when two or more objects come into contact in a game environment. This is vital to ensure objects interact realistically, don't pass through each other, and impact the game world in intended ways.…

Programming Languages

Programming languages are very crucial to game development as they are the backbone of game design and functionality. A variety of languages can be used, but some are more commonly preferred in the industry due to their robustness and efficiency. The most popular ones include C++, C, and Java. C++, a high-level…

C#

CSharp (C) is a modern, object-oriented programming language developed and maintained by Microsoft. It's primarily used for developing desktop applications and, more prominently, for Windows applications within the Microsoft.Net framework. However, the language is versatile and has a wide range of uses in web…

C/C++

C and C++ (commonly known as CPP) are two of the most foundational high-level programming languages in computer science. C was developed in the 1970s and it is a procedural language, meaning it follows a step-by-step approach. Its fundamental principles include structured programming and lexical variable scope.

Rust

Rust is a modern, open-source, multi-paradigm programming language designed for performance and safety, especially safe concurrency. It was initially designed by Mozilla Research as a language that can provide memory safety without garbage collection. Since then, it has gained popularity due to its features and…

Python

Python is a popular high-level programming language that was designed by Guido van Rossum and published in 1991. It is preferred for its simplicity in learning and usage, making it a great choice for beginners. Python's design philosophy emphasizes code readability with its use of significant indentation. Its…

GDScript

GDScript is a high-level, dynamically-typed programming language designed specifically for the Godot Engine, an open-source game development platform. It is tailored for ease of use and rapid development of game logic and functionality. GDScript features a syntax similar to Python, which simplifies learning and…

SAT

Sat, or separating axis theorem, is frequently used in collision detection in game development. Its primary benefit is for simple and fast detection of whether two convex polygons intersect. The theorem is somewhat complex—it works by projecting all points of both polygons onto numerous axes around the shapes, then…

GJK

The GJK algorithm (Gilbert–Johnson–Keerthi) is a computational geometry algorithm that is widely used to detect collisions between convex objects in video games and simulations. The primary role of this algorithm is to assess the intersection between two convex shapes. What makes it unique and widely used is its…

EPA

The EPA (Expanding Polytope Algorithm) is an iterative algorithm used for calculating the penetration depth between two shapes in collision detection. It is commonly used in physics engines and robotics. The algorithm takes the resulting simplex from a previously applied GJK algorithm, iteratively expanding the…

Intersection

Intersection is a concept in the narrow phase of game development where the exact point or points of collision are determined between two potentially colliding objects. This process takes place once a potential collision is determined in the broad phase. Algorithms such as Axis-Aligned Bounding Boxes (AABB),…

Convexity

Convexity is a significant concept used in game development, particularly in the narrow phase of collision detection. A shape is considered convex if, for every pair of points inside the shape, the complete line segment between them is also inside the shape. Essentially, a convex shape has no angles pointing…

Computer Graphics

Computer Graphics is a subfield of computer science that studies methods for digitally synthesizing and manipulating visual content. It involves creating and manipulating visual content using specialized computer software and hardware. This field is primarily used in the creation of digital and video games, CGI in…

Ray Tracing

Ray tracing is a rendering technique in computer graphics that simulates the physical behavior of light. It generates images with a high degree of visual realism, as it captures shadows, reflections, and refracts light. Ray tracing follows the path of light backwards from the camera (eye) to the source (light…

Rasterization

In the realm of computer graphics, Rasterization refers to the process of converting the image data into a bitmap form, i.e., pixels or dots. It is predominantly used in 3D rendering where three-dimensional polygonal shapes are transformed into a two-dimensional image, possessing height, width, and color data. It…

Graphics Pipeline

The Graphics Pipeline, also often referred to as the rendering pipeline, is a sequence of steps that a graphics system follows to convert a 3D model into a 2D image or view that can be displayed onto a screen. These steps typically include transformation, clipping, lighting, rasterization, shading, and other…

Sampling

Sampling in computer graphics is a method used to convert a continuous mathematical function (image, signal, light and sound), into a discrete digital representation. The process is done by taking snapshots at regular intervals which are also known as samples, and it's this that gives us the concept of 'sampling'.…

Shader

Shaders are a type of software used in 3D computer graphics. They are utilized to render quality visual effects by making calculations and transformations on image data. Also, a shader is responsible for determining the final color of an object. There are several types of shaders: vertex shaders, geometry shaders,…

Rendering Equation

The Render Equation, also known as the Rendering Equation, is a fundamental principle in computer graphics that serves as the basis for most advanced lighting algorithms today. First introduced by James Kajiya in 1986, it defines how light interacts with physical objects in a given environment. The equation tries…

Mapping

"Mapping" in game development, especially in the context of shaders, predominantly refers to Texture Mapping and Normal Mapping. Texture Mapping is the application of a texture (an image or colour data) onto a 3D model's surface. It's a process of defining how a 2D surface wraps around a 3D model or the way that a…

Reflection

Reflection in game development, specifically in shaders, is a phenomena that simulates the bouncing off of light from objects similar to the way it happens in the real world. Shaders replicate this effect by emitting rays from the lighting source against the object's surface. When the ray strikes the surface, it…

CCD

CCD (Continuous Collision Detection) is a sophisticated technique used in detecting collisions within games, more advanced than the traditional discrete collision. Rather than checking for collisions at designated time frames, CCD checks for any possible collisions that may happen during the entire time period or…

Narrow Phase

The Narrow Phase of collision detection is a process that dives deeply into detailed collision checks for pairs of objects that are already found to be potentially colliding during the broad phase. Narrow phase is essentially a fine-tuning process. Upon positive detection from the broad phase, it identifies the…

Broad Phase

Broad Phase Collision Detection is the first step in the collision detection process. Its primary function is to identify which pairs of objects might potentially collide. Rather than examining the entire body of every object for possible collision, it wraps up each one in a simpler shape like a bounding box or…

Convex Hull

The Convex Hull is a foundational concept used in various areas of game development, particularly in the creation of physics engines and collision detection. Essentially, it is the smallest convex polygon that can enclose a set of points in a two-dimensional space, or the smallest convex polyhedron for a set of…

Convex

The term "convex" in game development relates primarily to shapes and collision detection within the gaming environment. A shape is convex if all line segments between any two points in the shape lie entirely within the shape. This is an essential concept when programming collision detection and physics engines in…

Convex Decomposition

Convex Decomposition represents a process within game development that involves breaking down complex, concave shapes into simpler, convex shapes. This technique considerably simplifies the computation involved in collision detection, a critical aspect of any game development project that involves physical…

Concave

In game development, a shape is said to be "concave" if it has an interior angle greater than 180 degrees. In simpler terms, if the shape has a portion "inwards curved" or a "cave-like" indentation, it's concave. Unlike convex shapes, a straight line drawn within a concave shape may not entirely lie within the…

OBB

Oriented Bounding Box (OBB) is a type of bounding volume used in computer graphics and computational geometry. It is often used to simplify complex geometric objects by correlating them as a box much closer in size and orientation to the actual object. Unlike the Axis-Aligned Bounding Box (AABB), the OBB is not…

AABB

AABB, short for Axis-Aligned Bounding Box, is a commonly used form of bounding volume in game development. It is a box that directly aligns with the axes of the coordinate system and encapsulates a game object. The sides of an AABB are aligned with the axes, which is helpful when carrying out certain calculations,…

Sort & Sweep

Sort and Sweep is an algorithm used in collision detection in game development which optimizes the process of identifying potential intersecting objects. Here's how it works: first, all objects in the game are sorted along a specific axis (typically the 'x' axis). Then a line (known as the 'sweep line') is moved…

DBVT

DBVT or Dynamic Bounding Volume Tree is an acceleration data structure that's primarily used in physics simulations like collision detection. It's a type of BVH (Bounding Volume Hierarchy), but the unique aspect of a DBVT is its handling of dynamic objects. As the name suggests, it's specifically designed to…

BVH

BVH, or Bounding Volume Hierarchy, is an algorithm used in 3D computer graphics to speed up the rendering process. It organizes the geometry in a hierarchical structure where each node in the tree represents a bounding volume (a volume enclosing or containing one or more geometric objects). The root node of the BVH…

Bounding Volume

Bounding Volume is a simple shape that fully encompasses a more complex game model. It is less expensive to check for the intersection of bounding volumes when compared to checking for intersection of the actual models. Some commonly used types of bounding volume in game development include Axis-Aligned Bounding…

Spatial Partitioning

"Spatial partitioning" is a technique used in computational geometry, intended to make calculations involving objects in space more efficient. It involves dividing a large virtual space into a series of smaller spaces, or "partitions". These partitions can be used to quickly eliminate areas that are irrelevant to a…

Stencil Shadow

Stencil shadows are a technique used in 3D computer graphics for creating shadows. The stencil shadow algorithm operates by treating a shadow as a 3D volume of space, known as a shadow volume. Any part of the scene that lies inside this shadow volume will be in shadow. If it lies outside the shadow volume, it will…

Computer Animation

Computer animation refers to the art of creating moving images via the use of computers. Increasingly, it's becoming a critical component in the game development industry. Essentially, it's divided into two categories, 2D animation and 3D animation. 2D animation, also referred to as vector animation, involves…

Color

In the realm of computer graphics, color plays an integral role. It can be defined in various color models such as RGB (Red, Green, Blue), CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), and others. RGB is a color model that combines the primary colors (red, green, blue) in different amounts to produce a spectrum of colors.…

Visual Perception

Visual Perception is a fundamental aspect of game development, widely explored within the field of computer graphics. It involves the ability to interpret and understand the visual information that our eyes receive, essential to create immersive and dynamic visual experiences in games. The study involves the…

Tone Reproduction

Tone Reproduction or Tone Mapping is the technique used in computer graphics to simulate the appearance of high-dynamic-range images in media with a more limited dynamic range. Print-outs, CRT, LCD monitors, and other displays can only reproduce a reduced dynamic range. This technique is widely used in gaming…

Graphics API

A Graphics API (Application Programming Interface) is a collection of commands, functions, protocols, and tools that game developers use to build games. It forms an interface between the game and the hardware of the device, usually a computer or console, and assists in rendering 2D and 3D graphics performance.…

Lighting and Shadow

Lighting and Shadows are paramount elements in computer graphics, significantly contributing to the visual realism of a game. They create depth and a sense of a three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional display. Lighting in game development mimics real-world light properties. It involves calculating how light…

Shadow Map

Shadow mapping is a technique used in computer graphics to add shadows to a scene. This process involves two steps - generating the shadow map and then rendering the scene. In the shadow map generating step, the scene is rendered from the perspective of the light source capturing depth information. This results in…

Light Source

In game development, a light source is a critical component that impacts the visual appeal and realism of the scene. It represents any object in the game scene that emits light, such as the sun, a lamp, or a torch. Light sources can be categorized as static or dynamic. Static light sources do not move or change…

2D

2D Game Development involves creating games in a two-dimensional plane, utilizing flat graphics and typically making use of x and y coordinates. From classic arcade games of the ’80s and ’90s to the rich array of indie games today, 2D game development is a vibrant and diverse sector of the gaming industry. Not only…

Cube

In computer graphics, "cube" in the context of shadows often refers to using a cube-shaped object to visualize the concept of a "shadow volume." Imagine a light source shining on a cube. The silhouette of the cube from the light's perspective, extended infinitely outwards, forms a volume. Any object inside this…

Directional

Directional light simulates a distant light source like the sun. It has only a direction, not a specific position, meaning its light rays are parallel and cast consistent shadows regardless of object location within the scene. This makes it ideal for simulating sunlight or moonlight, providing realistic outdoor…

Spot

Spotlights are a common type of light in computer graphics and games that mimic the behavior of real-world spotlights. They offer a range of parameters to adjust their behavior, such as radius, cone angle, falloff, and intensity Spotlights are readily available out of the box in both Unreal and Unity game engines,…

Cascaded

Cascaded usually refers to cascaded shadow maps, a technique for rendering realistic shadows over a large area.

Infinite

Infinite refers to concept that deals with rendering scenes or objects that extend beyond the visible boundaries of the screen. This is crucial for creating immersive environments, as it allows developers to simulate vast landscapes or endless spaces without the need to render every detail at once. Techniques such…

Point

Point lights are one of the most common types of lights used in computer graphics and games. They resemble real-world light bulbs, emitting light uniformly in all directions. These lights are available out of the box in most game engines and offer a range of customizable parameters, such as intensity, falloff,…

Visibility and Occlusion

"Visibility and occlusion" in computer graphics refers to the process of determining which parts of a particular object are visible from a certain viewpoint and which are hidden. "Occlusion" describes the phenomenon where an object is blocked from view by another object. Understanding these concepts is important…

Occluder

An Occluder in game development is basically a tool or method used to hide other objects in the game environment. When a certain object, which is known as the occluder, blocks the line of sight to another object from the camera's perspective, the hidden or blocked object does not need to be rendered. This object…

Culling

Culling is a performance optimization strategy employed in game development to improve efficiency and speed. Culling helps in reducing the rendering workload by eliminating the elements that are not visible to the player or are outside the viewport of the game. There are several types of culling, two main being;…

Clipping

Clipping is a fundamental technique in computer graphics primarily used for efficiently rendering a three-dimensional scene. This process involves eliminating certain parts of objects in the scene that are out-of-view or obstructed by other objects. Clipping can occur in various ways, one of the most common methods…

Fog

Fog in game development refers to a visual effect used to simulate atmospheric conditions and enhance the depth perception in a game environment. It creates a gradient of visibility, often fading objects into the background, which can improve performance by reducing the number of objects rendered at a distance. Fog…

Frustum

Frustum culling is a standard practice in computer graphics, used in virtually all games to optimize performance by not rendering objects outside of your field of view. Think of your field of view as a frustum, a truncated pyramid shape. The farthest side is called the far clip plane, and the closest side is the…

Polygon

In computer graphics and game development, a polygon is a 2D or 3D shape composed of a set of vertices connected by edges. Polygons are used to represent objects, characters, and environments in games and simulations.

Light

Light refers to a visual representation of illumination in a 3D environment. It is used to simulate the way light behaves in the real world, adding depth, volume, and realism to objects and scenes. Lighting can be categorized into different types, such as ambient, diffuse, specular, and emissive, each serving a…

Polyhedron

In computer graphics and game development, a polyhedron is a 3D shape composed of a set of polygons that enclose a volume. Polyhedra are used to represent objects, characters, and environments in games and simulations.

Shadow

Shadows play a crucial role in enhancing the realism and depth of scenes in video games. They help to create a more immersive experience by simulating how light interacts with objects in a 3D environment.

HLSL

HLSL stands for High-Level Shader Language, and it is the proprietary shading language developed by Microsoft for use with the Microsoft Direct3D API. Just like its counterpart from OpenGL - GLSL, it opens up the power of programmable GPUs for developers by providing capability for creating customized rendering…

GLSL

GLSL (Graphics Library Shader Language) is a high-level shading language inspired by C, based on the syntax of the OpenGL Shading Language. It is used in graphics programming for defining how the graphical content should look. GLSL allows developers to harness the power of modern GPUs (Graphics Processing Units),…

SPIR-V

SPIR-V is a binary intermediate language for graphics and computation kernels, which is defined by the Khronos Group. This programming language has been largely adopted and used by Vulkan, a low-overhead, cross-platform 3D graphics and computing API. Vulkan consumes SPIR-V directly, serving as the final shader…

DirectX

DirectX is a collection of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft to handle tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video, on Microsoft platforms. It was first introduced in 1995 and has become a crucial component for PC gaming. DirectX serves as an intermediary…

OpenGL

Open GL, also known as Open Graphics Library, is a cross-language, cross-platform API designed to render 2D and 3D vector graphics. As a software interface for graphics hardware, Open GL provides programmers the ability to create complex graphics visuals in detail. It was first developed by Silicon Graphics Inc. in…

Vulkan

Vulkan is a high-performance, cross-platform API for graphics and computation tasks published by the Khronos Group. Unlike other graphics APIs, Vulkan provides developers with direct control over the GPU and aims to take full advantage of multicore processors, enabling significant performance gains in 3D…

Game AI

Game AI is a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI) that is used to create video game characters that act and react like real human players. Game AI is used in a variety of video games, from simple puzzle games to complex strategy games. Game AI can be used to create non-player characters (NPCs) that interact…

Decision Making

In game development, decision making often refers to the logic or processes that determine the behavior of non-playable characters or game environments. Three main types of decision making are used: deterministic, stochastic, and strategic. Deterministic decision making is based on predefined rules. With stochastic…

Movement

In the context of game development and game API (Application Programming Interface), movement refers to the process of changing the position or orientation of game objects. This involves using programming functions to control objects' movement like walk, run, jump, fly, or any such physical action in the game…

Decision Tree

A Decision Tree is a graphical representation used in game development which helps to visualize the possible outcomes or paths a game could take depending on certain choices made by a gamer. Each branch of the tree represents a possible decision, outcome, or reaction and each node on the tree represents a game…

State Machine

A State Machine is a conceptual model that is frequently used in game development to manage game states, or conditions. It consists of a number of different 'states', or modes, and the transitions between them. For instance, a mobile game could have states such as 'Start Screen', 'Playing', 'Paused' and 'Game…

Board Game

Board Games represent a type of tabletop game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface or "board", according to a set of rules. Some games are based on pure strategy, but many contain an element of chance, and others are purely chance, with no element of skill. Games usually have a…

Behavior Tree

The Behavior Tree is a decision-making system used in game development, primarily for AI character behavior. These trees help define the actions an AI character will take, based on predefined tasks and conditions. The tree structure starts from a single root, branching out to nodes that represent these decisions or…

Minimax

Minimax is an artificial intelligence (AI) decision-making algorithm mainly used in decision making and game theory, particularly for two player zero-sum games. It formulates a strategy by simulating all possible game scenarios and assuming that the opponent is playing an optimal game. Minimax operates by the…

Fuzzy Logic

Fuzzy Logic is a mathematical logic method that resolves problem-solving and system control. Unlike traditional binary sets (true or false), fuzzy logic variables have a truth value that ranges in degree between 0 and 1. This allows them to handle the concept of partial truth, where the truth value may range…

AB Pruning

Alpha-Beta pruning is an optimization technique for the minimax algorithm used in artificial intelligence (AI) programming, such as game development. It cuts off branches in the game tree that don't need to be searched because there's already a better move available. It uses two parameters, alpha and beta, which…

Markov System

A Markov System or Markov Chain represents a statistical model that is used in decision-making scenarios within game development. This model is based on the notion of "memorylessness" where a certain event's probability depends solely on the state attained in the previous event. It employs a sequence of possible…

MCTS

"MCTS", or Monte Carlo Tree Search, is a search algorithm that utilizes methods of decision-making to solve complex problems, commonly implemented in a range of applications, including board games. It essentially operates through building a search tree, node by node, for probable states of a game and then using…

Goal Oriented Behavior

Goal oriented behavior in game development refers to the artificial intelligence algorithms employed that give non-player characters (NPCs) the ability to make decisions based on certain objectives or tasks. These NPCs analyze the circumstances in the game environment, formulate a plan to achieve specific goals,…

Texture

Texture is the visual quality of an object. Where the mesh determines the shape or topology of an object, the texture describes the quality of said object. For instance, if there is a spherical mesh, is it supposed to be shiny? is it supposed to be rough? is it supposed to be of rock or of wood? questions of this…

Diffuse

In the world of 3D rendering and game development, "diffuse" refers to diffuse lighting or diffuse reflection. It's a key concept in making objects look three-dimensional and realistically lit.

Bump

Bump is very similar to texture. It is, as a matter of fact, a type of texture itself. If you take the texture of a bricked wall, it will becoming increasingly obvious that the amount of detail present inside the wall, if geometrically processed would be incredibly demanding and wasteful. In order to combat this…

Specular

Specular reflections are mirror-like reflections. In these cases, the rays of light are reflected, more than they are absorbed. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, that is to say that the angle at which the light enters the medium and then bounces off, the angle of the beam that bounced off…

Parallax

In game development and graphics, parallax refers to the apparent displacement or difference in the apparent position of an object viewed along two different lines of sight, and is measured by the angle or semi-angle of inclination between those two lines. In simpler terms, parallax is a technique used to create…

Horizon

In graphics, the horizon refers to a horizontal line that represents the visual boundary where the sky meets the earth or a flat surface, such as the ocean. It's a fundamental concept in perspective and art, serving as a reference point for creating a sense of depth and distance in an image. The placement of the…

OpenGL ES

OpenGL ES (Open Graphics Library for Embedded Systems) is a simplified version of OpenGL, designed for use on systems with lower computational power, such as mobile devices and embedded systems. Despite its semantic simplifications, OpenGL ES still retains high versatility and capability, allowing for…

Metal

WebGL

WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is a JavaScript API that is used to render interactive 2D and 3D graphics within any compatible web browser without the use of plug-ins. It leverages the power of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), which provides high-efficiency rendering. WebGL programs consist of control code written…

Game AI

Game AI is a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI) that is used to create video game characters that act and react like real human players. Game AI is used in a variety of video games, from simple puzzle games to complex strategy games. Game AI can be used to create non-player characters (NPCs) that interact…

Naive Bayes Classifier

The Naive Bayes Classifier is a type of probabilistic machine learning model that is utilized for classification tasks. These tasks can range from email filtering to sentiment analysis or even document categorization. This model is termed 'naive' because it operates under the assumption that each input feature is…

Decision Learning

In the realm of game development, Decision Learning refers to information systems that recognize and analyze patterns to help in making decisions. It’s particularly used in AI game development where decision-making algorithms or artificial intelligence are programmed to learn from and make decisions based on past…

Reinforcements Learning

Reinforcement Learning is a type of Machine Learning which is geared towards making decisions. It involves an agent that learns to behave in an environment, by performing certain actions and observing the results or rewards/results it gets. The main principle of reinforcement learning is to reward good behavior and…

Decision Tree Learning

Decision Tree Learning is an important concept in game development, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence for game characters. It is a kind of machine learning method that is based on using decision tree models to predict or classify information. A decision tree is a flowchart-like model, where…

Deep Learning

Deep Learning is a sub-field of machine learning, inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, specifically designed to process complex input/output transformations. It uses artificial neural networks with many layers (hence the term 'deep' learning) to model complex, non-linear hypotheses and…

Artificial Neural Network

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are a branch of machine learning that draw inspiration from biological neural networks. ANNs are capable of 'learning' from observational data, thereby enhancing game development in numerous ways. They consist of interconnected layers of nodes, or artificial neurons, that process…

Advanced Rendering

Advanced rendering is a sophisticated technique used in game development that involves translating a 3D model or scene into a 2D image or animation. Advanced rendering techniques can involve various complex methods such as physically-based rendering, ray tracing, global illumination, subsurface scattering,…

Physically-Based Rendering

Physically Based Rendering (PBR) is a technique in computer graphics that aims to mimic the interaction of light with surfaces in the real world. It models how light behaves, from reflection to refraction, in a way that accurately represents reality. The PBR model factors in physical properties of materials, such…

Real-time Ray Tracing

Real-time Ray Tracing is a notable advancement in rendering technology. It aims to mimic the way light works in the real world by simulating how each ray of light interacts with different surfaces. In real-time ray tracing, rays of light are generated from the viewer's perspective and sent into the scene. They can…

Learning

Machine Learning is a field of study that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. It is a branch of artificial intelligence based on the idea that systems can learn from data, identify patterns and make decisions with minimal human intervention. In terms of game development,…

DirectX Ray Tracing

DirectX Ray Tracing (DXR) is an advanced Windows API introduced with DirectX 12. It delivers real-time, cinema-quality rendering to contend development in gaming and professional visualization. It provides highly efficient and straightforward access to RT Core hardware. DXR adds four new concepts to DirectX 12: The…

Vulkan Ray Tracing

Vulkan Ray Tracing is an extension of the Vulkan API (Application Programming Interface), which is an open-source, cross-platform API developed by the Khronos Group. Its main goal is to provide developers with greater control over the GPU, enabling better performance and more efficient multisystem and multicore…

OptiX

OptiX is an application framework developed by NVIDIA for achieving high performance ray tracing in graphics processing unit (GPU) programming. It's mainly intended for use in real-time graphics application, scientific simulations, and other visual computing applications. OptiX provides key functionalities such as…

Microsurface Scattering

Microsurface scattering, also known as sub-surface scattering, is an important phenomenon in Physically Based Rendering (PBR). This process involves the penetration of light into the surface of a material, where it is scattered by interacting with the material. In other words, when light strikes an object, rather…

Translucency & Transparency

In the realm of physically-based rendering, translucency and transparency act as key aspects in creating visually authentic and compelling images. Transparency refers to the property of an object that allows light to pass through it unhindered, hence making the object clear or invisible. This is commonly seen in…

Conservation of Energy

In the realm of physically-based rendering, translucency and transparency act as key aspects in creating visually authentic and compelling images. Transparency refers to the property of an object that allows light to pass through it unhindered, hence making the object clear or invisible. This is commonly seen in…

Metallicity

In Physically Based Rendering (PBR), Metallicity is a critical property of a material, which influences how it interacts with light. It's a binary property, indicating whether the material is a 'metal' or 'non-metal'. Metals have a high metallicity value (often 1), non-metals (such as wood, plastic, etc.) have a…