Classic Game Design Second Edition: From Pong to Pac-Man with Unity

304 Pages·2019·31.532 MB·English

by  Franz Lanzinger

CLASSIC GAME DESIGN
Second Edition
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 1 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
LICENSE, DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY, AND LIMITED WARRANTY
By purchasing or using this book (the “Work”), you agree that this license grants permission
to use the contents contained herein, but does not give you the right of ownership to any
of the textual content in the book or ownership to any of the information or products
contained in it. This license does not permit uploading of the Work onto the Internet or
on a network (of any kind) without the written consent of the Publisher. Duplication or
dissemination of any text, code, simulations, images, etc. contained herein is limited to and
subject to licensing terms for the respective products, and permission must be obtained
from the Publisher or the owner of the content, etc., in order to reproduce or network any
portion of the textual material (in any media) that is contained in the Work.
Mercury Learning and inforMation (“MLI” or “the Publisher”) and anyone involved in
the creation, writing, or production of the companion disc, accompanying algorithms, code, or
computer programs (“the software”), and any accompanying Web site or software of the Work,
cannot and do not warrant the performance or results that might be obtained by using the
contents of the Work. The author, developers, and the Publisher have used their best efforts
to insure the accuracy and functionality of the textual material and/or programs contained in
this package; we, however, make no warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the
performance of these contents or programs. The Work is sold “as is” without warranty (except
for defective materials used in manufacturing the book or due to faulty workmanship).
The author, developers, and the publisher of any accompanying content, and anyone
involved in the composition, production, and manufacturing of this work will not be liable for
damages of any kind arising out of the use of (or the inability to use) the algorithms, source
code, computer programs, or textual material contained in this publication. This includes, but
is not limited to, loss of revenue or profit, or other incidental, physical, or consequential dam-
ages arising out of the use of this Work.
The sole remedy in the event of a claim of any kind is expressly limited to replacement of
the book, and only at the discretion of the Publisher. The use of “implied warranty” and certain
“exclusions” vary from state to state, and might not apply to the purchaser of this product.
Companion files on the disc are also available by writing to the publisher at info@mer-
clearning.com.
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 2 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
CLASSIC GAME DESIGN
From Pong to Pac-Man with Unity
Second Edition
Franz Lanzinger
Mercury Learning and Information
Dulles, Virginia | Boston, Massachusetts | New Delhi
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 3 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
Copyright ©2019 by Mercury Learning and inforMation LLC. All rights reserved.
This publication, portions of it, any companion materials, or its derivations, may not be
reproduced in any way, stored in a retrieval system of any type, or transmitted by any means,
media, electronic display or mechanical display, including, but not limited to, photocopies,
recordings, Internet postings, or scans, without prior permission in writing from the
publisher.
Publisher: David Pallai
Mercury Learning and inforMation
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166
[email protected]
www.merclearning.com
[phone]
This book is printed on acid-free paper.
Franz Lanzinger. Classic Game Design. From Pong to Pac-Man with Unity, Second Edition.
ISBN: 978-1-68392-385-5
The publisher recognizes and respects all marks used by companies, manufacturers, and
developers as a means to distinguish their products. All brand names and product names
mentioned in this book are trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.
Any omission or misuse (of any kind) of service marks or trademarks, etc. is not an
attempt to infringe on the property of others.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019939379
192021 321
Printed on acid-free paper in the United States of America.
Our titles are available for adoption, license, or bulk purchase by institutions,
corporations, etc . For additional information, please contact the Customer Service Dept.
at 1-[phone].
The sole obligation of Mercury Learning and inforMation to the purchaser is to replace
the disc, based on defective materials or faulty workmanship, but not based on the
operation or functionality of the product.
Table of Contents — v
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 4 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Who Are You?........................................................1
What are Classic Arcade Video Games? ..................................2
Unity, Blender, Gimp, and Audacity.....................................4
How to Use This Book .................................................6
CHAPTER 2: TOOLS OF THE TRADE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Installing Unity ......................................................8
Hello World! ........................................................10
Programming with C#................................................17
Using GIMP to Make an Image ........................................22
Using Blender to Make a 3D Object.....................................25
Using Audacity to Make a Sound Effect .................................28
Using Unity: My First Demo ..........................................31
CHAPTER 3: PONG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Before Pong.........................................................40
Pong, Atari (1972) ...................................................42
Coin-op, the Real Atari ...............................................44
Pong Sequels and Clones..............................................44
Bitmasters, Day One .................................................44
Pong at Forty .......................................................45
CHAPTER 4: CLASSIC PADDLE GAME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Getting Ready.......................................................46
Version 0.01: The Playfield............................................46
Version 0.02: The Paddles.............................................52
Version 0.03: The Ball ................................................57
Version 0.04: A Better Playfield........................................59
Version 0.05: Audio ..................................................61
Version 0.06: Scoring.................................................64
Version 1.0: First Release!.............................................67
Table of Contents — v
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 5 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
Postmortem.........................................................68
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
CHAPTER 5: BREAKOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Woz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Breakout, Atari (1976)................................................71
Breakout Sequels ....................................................74
Where Are They Now?................................................75
CHAPTER 6: CLASSIC BRICK GAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Paddle Game for One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Version 0.01: The Playfield............................................77
Version 0.02: The Player..............................................80
Version 0.03: Basic Ball Movement.....................................83
Version 0.04: Collisions ...............................................86
Version 0.05: Bricks..................................................91
Version 0.06: First Playable ...........................................95
Version 0.07: Scoring.................................................96
Version 0.08: Title Screen .............................................99
Version 1.0: First Release and Postmortem .............................102
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
CHAPTER 7: SPACE INVADERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
Huge Money, Huge..................................................104
The Design of Space Invaders, Taito (1978) .............................104
Score Equals Skill ..................................................105
Going Strong 41 Years Later .........................................107
CHAPTER 8: CLASSIC GAME PROJECT THREE:
VERTICAL SHOOTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Designing a Shooter.................................................108
Version 0.01: The Playfield...........................................108
Version 0.02: The Spaceship..........................................112
Version 0.03: Sprites ................................................117
Version 0.04: Aliens.................................................126
Version 0.05: Alien Shots ............................................133
vi — Classic Game Design, Second Edition Table of Contents — vii
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 6 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
Version 0.06: Scoring and Lives.......................................138
Version 0.07: Alien Death Sequence ...................................149
Version 0.08: Sound.................................................153
Version 0.09: Levels.................................................156
Version 1.0: Release and Postmortem..................................162
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
CHAPTER 9: SCRAMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Scrolling Shooter ...................................................165
Experts Rule.......................................................166
Scramble Sequels...................................................167
CHAPTER 10: CLASSIC GAME PROJECT FOUR:
SCROLLING SHOOTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Designing a Scrolling Shooter.........................................169
Version 0.01: The Playfield...........................................171
Version 0.02: Spaceship Part 1: Modeling...............................179
Version 0.03: Spaceship Part 2: Texturing ..............................186
Version 0.04: Spaceship Control.......................................191
Version 0.05: Level 1 ................................................196
Version 0.06: Rockets................................................200
Version 0.07: Flying Rockets..........................................204
Version 0.08: Shots..................................................212
Version 0.09: Flying Saucers..........................................217
Version 0.10: Level Design ...........................................223
Version 0.11: Audio .................................................229
Version 0.12: Scoring................................................231
Version 1.00: Release and Postmortem.................................233
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
CHAPTER 11: PAC-MAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
The First Maze Game ...............................................236
Cutscenes .........................................................237
Pac-Man Fever.....................................................238
Ending Rule .......................................................238
Pac-Man AI........................................................239
Pac-Man Sequels and Maze Games....................................240
Table of Contents — vii
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 7 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
CHAPTER 12: CLASSIC GAME PROJECT FIVE: MAZE GAME . . . . . .244
Designing a Maze Game .............................................244
Version 0.01: The Maze..............................................245
Version 0.02: The Player.............................................251
Version 0.03: Nasty Enemies .........................................254
Version 0.04: Dots ..................................................258
Version 0.05: Audio .................................................259
Version 0.06: Scoring and Levels ......................................262
Version 0.07: Tuning ................................................268
Version 1.00: Release and Postmortem.................................270
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
EPILOGUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272
So Many Games, So Few Pages .......................................272
Novelty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273
How Modern Games are Influenced by the Classics ......................273
APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTION TO C# FOR BEGINNERS. . . . . . . . . . . .276
Programming Is Easy ...............................................276
Interpreted or Compiled? ............................................277
Numbers and Strings................................................278
Variables and Variable Names........................................279
Whitespace ........................................................281
Statements and Semicolons ..........................................281
Computations ......................................................282
Functions and Function Calls.........................................282
Looping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
Learning to Code ...................................................284
The Code in this Book ...............................................284
APPENDIX II: EIGHT RULES OF CLASSIC GAME DESIGN . . . . . . . . .286
APPENDIX III: ABOUT THE DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288
viii — Classic Game Design, Second Edition
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 8 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank just some of the many people who made this book possible.
Most significantly, Eric Ginner and Robert Jenks read and worked through large
portions of the book in draft form and gave voluminous feedback and suggestions.
This book would be less without their valuable contributions.
Special thanks to Mark Robichek, Karl Anderson, Mark Alpiger, Sam Mehta,
Brian McGhie, Desiree McCrorey, Joe Cain, Eugene Polonsky, Bob Jones, Aaron
Hightower, Ed Logg, Dave O’Riva, Steve and Susan Woita, and everyone at Atari
coin-op.
David Pallai, my fantastic publisher, helped every step of the way and is always
kind and supportive.
A big word of thanks to my parents, Klaus and Aida Lanzinger, for their human-
ity and love.
And last, but not least, a giant hug and thank you to my wife, Susan Lanzinger,
for helping throughout the years. I couldn’t have done this without you.
Acknowledgments — ix
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 9 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM
About the Author
Franz Lanzinger is the owner of Lanzinger Studio, an
independent game development and music studio in
Sunnyvale, California. He began his career in game
programming in 1982 at Atari Games Inc., where he
designed and programmed the classic arcade game
Crystal Castles. In 1989 he joined Tengen, where he
was a programmer and designer for Ms. Pac-Man
and Toobin’ on the NES. Mr. Lanzinger co-founded
Bitmasters, where he designed and coded games
including Rampart and Championship Pool for the NES and SNES, and NCAA
Final Four Basketball for the SNES and Sega Genesis. In 1996 Mr. Lanzinger
founded Actual Entertainment, publisher and developer of the Gubble series
for PC and IOS. Mr. Lanzinger has a B.Sc. in mathematics from the University
of Notre Dame and attended graduate school at the University of California at
Berkeley. In 1980 he started playing arcade games, and at one time held the
arcade world record scores on Centipede and Burgertime. Franz Lanzinger is a
professional accompanist, piano teacher, and avid golfer. He continues to design
and code games.
x — Classic Game Design, Second Edition
Classic Game Design 2E_Ch00_FM_2nd Pass.indd 10 5/2/2019 5:06:56 PM