| TERM |
DEFINITION |
| AAA
Game |
A
game that earns a place among the top ten selling games in the marketplace.
Also known as ´Triple-A´. |
| A
Bug |
A
bug of the highest priority and one that must be fixed, prior to game being
released. |
| Aftermarket |
The
game development phase that occurs after post–production. This phase
generally involves game expansions, add–ons etc. |
| A.I. |
Artificial
Intelligence. The algorithms that control the actions and movements of the
game characters that aren´t controlled by the user. |
| Alpha |
Alpha
is used to describe one of the development phases in the creation of a game.
At this stage most or all of the game assets are implemented, and the game is
functional but not complete. |
| Assets |
The
graphic files, movie files, sound files, and music files that are used to
make a game. |
| B Bug |
A
bug of second–highest priority. Games can be released without fixing B bugs,
but will generally be noticed by critics and players. |
| Beta |
Beta
is used to describe one of the development phases in the creation of a game.
In general it means the game will likely still need some tweaks but very much
resembles the version for final release. |
| Beta Test |
Beta
testing is generally done to get user feedback for the final game tweaks. |
| Bug |
An
error in the game which can be solved by adjusting the code. |
| C Bug |
The
second-lowest priority of bug. Generally, these bugs will go unnoticed by
most players or reviewers. |
| C.G. |
Computer
graphics. Graphics created and displayed on a computer. |
| Compatibility |
The
ability for a game to be used on more than one hardware configuration. |
| Console |
A
hardware device that plays games and connects through your television. |
| D
Bug |
The
lowest category of bug. The game is not harmed in any way if a ´D´ bug is not
fixed. |
| Debug |
The
process of fixing a bug. |
| Demo |
A
condensed game with the purpose of marketing and creating interest in the
full version. |
| Development
Kit |
Documentation
and software that allow a game team to build software for a particular
platform. Also known as: S.D.K. – Software Development Kits |
| Downwardly
Compatible |
A
game machine that will support its old games, even if they were designed for
an earlier game machine. |
| Encryption |
Encryption
technology is used in games to prevent the game from being copied. |
| End User |
The person who
purchases the game and plays it. |
| E.S.A. |
Entertainment Software
Association. |
| E.S.R.B. |
Entertainment Software Ratings
Board. |
| E.U.L.A. |
End
User License Agreement. |
| Gamer |
A
person who plays games recreationally or professionally. |
| G.D.C. |
Game Developers Conference. |
| Genre |
Genres are
used to categorize different types of games. |
| Gold Master |
A copy of the game´s final
version. |
| G.U.I. |
Graphical
User Interface. Onscreen information presented using graphics - this is
generally used to allow for a more user friendly experience. |
| Hardware Manufacturer |
A
company that manufactures game systems; Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony are the
top three in the industry. |
| I.D.S.A. |
Interactive Digital
Software Association. |
| I.G.D.A. |
International Game
Developers Association. |
| Licensed Developer |
A
company who makes games with a liscence from the hardware manufacturer. |
| Localization |
Adapting
a game so that it is useable outside its domestic market. |
| M.M.O.G. |
A
game industry acronym for Massively Multiplayer Online Game. |
| N.A.B. |
An
acronym for "not a bug" and commonly used to indicate a false bug
report. |
| Post–Production |
Post–production
is a development stage in the creation of a game. This stage is characterized
by complete graphics, sounds, and code, although gameplay is still being
tweaked. |
| Pre–Production |
Pre–production
is a development stage in the creation of a game. During this phase,
graphics, sounds, and code have not been created and licensing agreements
still need to be made; the game is in the initial planning stages. |
| Q.A. |
The
acronym for ´quality assurance´ - a stage in game development where testers
examine a game to uncover potential problems. |
| S.D.K. |
An
acronym for ´software developers kit'which includes software utilities and documentation that allow game
team to build software for platforms - depending on the game, this kit can also include hardware. |
| Simulation |
Simulation
is a type of game that imitates an activity in real life. |
| Test Manager |
A test manager is responsible for all testers on a project, in addition to
handling testing processes and project budgets. |
| Voice Over |
Voice–over
is a form of translation where a translated voice runs over–top of the
original voice and language. |
| W.N.F. |
An industry acronym for ´will not fix´ – a common term used to disallow a
low–priority bug to be fixed. |
