The desktop based system (PC or Mac):
This is the medium with which our game will be delivered on.
There are many advantages which are concerned with games being developed for desktop systems. Some of these include:
- Processing power and speed
When developing the game, you can decide to make it for high or low end PC's by deciding for example if the game will feature 2d sprites or 3d objects, particle effects and complex animations.
Generally storage in desktop systems range from 500GB to around 4TB, therefore there is abundant space for the game to be installed on.
A desktop system usually uses a keyboard and mouse. Usually this would be enough for game developers to use for game play.
When pushing a button down on the keyboard, you actually sense the key being pushed down with your own force, thus giving you feedback that you actually inputted the command.
One can connect a variety of sound systems to his/her desktop system. These range from simple 2.0 systems to 7.1 surround systems.
TFT monitors range in size, usually from 19" to 27". TV's can also be used with a desktop system. These can range from 32" to around 64".
Mobile based systems (Android):
When it comes to releasing a game for Android devices such as Smartphones and tablets, certain limiting factors must be taken into consideration (when compared with desktop systems). Some include:
- Limited processing power:
Due to lack of physical space, the processor would have a very limited size.
The size of android devices range from around 4" to 12".
If the device is used as is and without external peripherals, the only input method is the touch screen.
This is due to physical space constraint.
If the device is used as is, and without external peripherals, the only input method is the touch screen.
Limited to a thin, rectangular shape.
Again, this is due to the limited physical space, which results in small speakers.
As a final note, I would like to point out that whilst Desktop systems might have the edge when it comes to processing power and game play experience, Android devices are portable and easy to carry around and therefore can be used anywhere.
