Mobile Application Individual Assignment General Information

Mobileapplication Individualassignmentgeneral Informationduring The C

During the course of this semester, you have increased your knowledge of Actionscript, object oriented programming, interactive multimedia, and tactics for holding human attention. For this assignment, I would like you to combine your learning in the creation of a mobile casual game application. According to Wikipedia: A casual game is a video game targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers. Casual games can have any type of gameplay, and fit in any genre. They are typically distinguished by their simple rules and lack of commitment required in contrast to more complex hardcore games. They require no long-term time commitment or special skills to play, and there are comparatively low production and distribution costs for the producer.

Specifically, you are tasked with creating a mobile casual game that will hold the players' attention for 5-10 minutes of play. This game must employ 2D physics and collision detection, feature at least two levels of play, and store player scores and level preferences in a SQLite database that can be accessed and viewed from the application. Additionally, you must incorporate at least one unique feature native to your device, such as accelerometer or GPS, to enhance gameplay. As you develop your game, be aware that future modifications involving web services and social media integration may be requested later in the semester.

Paper For Above instruction

Creating a mobile casual game that effectively utilizes device features such as accelerometers or GPS, while also implementing elements like 2D physics and collision detection, presents a comprehensive challenge that combines technical proficiency with creative design. This paper discusses the core components necessary for developing such a game, including understanding game mechanics, selecting appropriate tools, and ensuring engaging gameplay suitable for short durations of 5-10 minutes.

At the heart of a successful casual game lies simplicity and accessibility. The game must have intuitive controls and straightforward objectives that solicit immediate engagement without steep learning curves. Incorporating 2D physics enables realistic interactions, such as objects bouncing or responding to forces, which heighten immersion and fun. Collision detection is essential for managing interactions between game elements—whether it's a character avoiding obstacles or collecting items—ensuring that game responses are precise and seamless.

Level design is another crucial feature; having at least two levels offers variety and encourages replayability. Transitioning between levels should be smooth, with escalating challenges or new environments to maintain interest. Moreover, storing player scores and preferences in a local SQLite database ensures data persistence, allowing players to track their performance over multiple sessions. This feature also enables developers to implement leaderboards or personalized experiences, thereby increasing engagement and retention.

The integration of native device features adds unique gameplay elements. For example, using the accelerometer, players might tilt their device to control game characters or navigate environments, creating a more immersive experience. Alternatively, GPS functionality could introduce location-based challenges or rewards, making gameplay dynamic and contextually relevant.

From a development perspective, choosing appropriate programming environments such as ActionScript within Adobe Animate or other frameworks compatible with mobile deployment is necessary. Implementing physics engines like Box2D or Chipmunk can streamline physics calculations, while SQLite integration can be handled through platform-specific APIs or libraries.

In summary, developing a compelling mobile casual game involves a balanced combination of simple yet engaging mechanics, robust physics and collision detection, creative level design, and utilization of device-native features. Such a project not only demonstrates technical proficiency but also emphasizes understanding user engagement within constrained time frames, which is essential for success in the competitive mobile gaming market.

References

  • Wikipedia contributors. (2021). Casual game. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casual_game
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  • McGonigal, J. (2011). Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World. Penguin Press.
  • Auer, M. E., & Wiesel, C. (2016). Mobile Game Development: Creating 2D Games with Unity. Packt Publishing.
  • Hartmann, T., & Vorderer, P. (2010). It’s all done by the players: Theoretical considerations on the concept of game involvement and co-creation of meaning in computer games. In Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction.
  • Preece, J., Rogers, Y., & Sharp, H. (2015). Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Google Developers. (2020). Using the Accelerometer. Retrieved from https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/sensors/sensors_overview
  • Apple Developer Documentation. (2021). Core Location Framework: Location and Heading Services. Retrieved from https://developer.apple.com/documentation/corelocation