Introduction to Game Analysis


Book Description

Game analysis allows us to understand games better, providing insight into the player-game relationship, the construction of the game, and its sociocultural relevance. As the field of game studies grows, videogame writing is evolving from the mere evaluation of gameplay, graphics, sound, and replayablity, to more reflective writing that manages to convey the complexity of a game and the way it is played in a cultural context. Introduction to Game Analysis serves as an accessible guide to analyzing games using strategies borrowed from textual analysis. Clara Fernández-Vara’s concise primer provides instruction on the basic building blocks of game analysis—examination of context, content and reception, and formal qualities—as well as the vocabulary necessary for talking about videogames' distinguishing characteristics. Examples are drawn from a range of games, both digital and non-digital—from Bioshock and World of Warcraft to Monopoly—and the book provides a variety of exercises and sample analyses, as well as a comprehensive ludography and glossary.




Understanding Game Scoring


Book Description

Understanding Game Scoring explores the unique collaboration between gameplay and composition that defines musical scoring for video games. Using an array of case studies reaching back into the canon of classic video games, this book illuminates the musical flexibility, user interactivity and sound programming that make game scoring so different from traditional modes of composition. Mack Enns explores the collaboration between game scorers and players to produce the final score for a game, through case studies of the Nintendo Entertainment System sound hardware configuration, and game scores, including the canonic scores for Super Mario Bros. (1985) and The Legend of Zelda (1986). This book is recommended reading for students and researchers interested in the composition and production of video game scores, as well as those interested in ludo-musicology.




An Introduction to Primary Physical Education


Book Description

Physical education is a core component of the primary school curriculum. This title presents a comprehensive introduction to the teaching of PE in the primary school. It highlights the importance of PE in the primary curriculum and the key issues facing primary teachers today, such as inclusion, training needs, and creativity.




101+ Great Ideas for Introducing Key Concepts in Mathematics


Book Description

Multiply math mastery and interest with these inspired teaching tactics! Invigorate instruction and engage students with this treasure trove of "Great Ideas" compiled by two of the greatest minds in mathematics. From commonly taught topics in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics, to more advanced explorations into indirect proofs, binomial theorem, irrationality, relativity and more, this guide outlines actual equations and techniques that will inspire veteran and new educators alike. This updated second edition offers more proven practices for bringing math concepts to life in the classroom, including 114 innovative strategies organized by subject area User-friendly content identifying "objective," "materials," and "procedure" for each technique A range of teaching models, including hands-on and computer-based methods Specific and straightforward examples with step-by-step lessons Written by two distinguished leaders in the field-mathematician, author, professor, university dean and popular commentator Alfred S. Posamentier, along with mathematical pioneer and Nobel Prize recipient Herbert A. Hauptman-this guide brings a refreshing perspective to secondary math instruction to spark renewed interest and success among students and teachers.




A Gamer's Introduction to Programming in C#


Book Description

Turn your love of video games into a new love of programming by learning the ins and outs of writing code while also learning how to keep track of high scores, what video game heroes and loot boxes are made of, how the dreaded RNG (random number generation) works, and much, much more. This book is the first in an ongoing series designed to take readers from no coding knowledge to writing their own video games and interactive digital experiences using industry standard languages and tools. But coding books are technical, boring, and scary, aren’t they? Not this one. Within these pages, readers will find a fun and approachable adventure that will introduce them to the essential programming fundamentals like variables, computer-based math operations, RNG, logic structures, including if-statements and loops, and even some object-oriented programming. Using Visual Studio and C#, readers will write simple but fun console programs and text-based games that will build coding skills and confidence. Packed with practical examples and plain-language explanations, this book is structured like a video game, complete with levels to progress through, bonus levels for extra practice, cutscenes that offer info-packed coding breaks, and end-of-level code rewards to illustrate how everything fits together. Gain even more experience by exploring the resources and bonus materials at the companion website: https://welcomebraveadventurer.ca. Engaging and concise, this book is appealing to both a general readership as well as course convenors and students of programming. Put on your cap of +5 courage and level up by joining the coding adventure that awaits you inside!




Catalog of Copyright Entries


Book Description




Introductory Programming with Simple Games


Book Description

This is an excellent resource for programmers who need to learn Java but aren’t interested in just reading about concepts. Introduction to Java Programming with Games follows a spiral approach to introduce concepts and enable them to write game programs as soon as they start. It includes code examples and problems that are easy to understand and motivates them to work through to find the solutions. This game-motivated presentation will help programmers quickly apply what they’ve learned in order to build their skills.




Introducing Statistics


Book Description

Introducing Statistics has been revised to meet the requirements of all the new A Level specifications. It covers in one volume all the statistics required by students taking single-subject Advanced Level Mathematics and also provides the basis for a first course in statistics in higher education. This is a highly accessible resource, supported by clear illustrations, nearly 200 worked examples, and packed with examination style questions. Suggestions for practical work and for calculator and computer exercises are included.




Play Practice


Book Description

Offers an innovative approach to teaching and coaching sport that combines contemporary theory with the experience of practical and reflective work in real sport environments. It covers a wide range of team and individual sports, including archery, table tennis, flag football, skiing, cricket and track and field.