• world (terrain, architecture, objects)• characters• non-playing characters (NPC)• feedback interface• perspectives (2D, 3D, first-person, third-person, scrolling,

aerial, context-sensitive)• full motion video (FMV)

P1 describe visual style used in game design with some appropriate use of subject terminology

M1 explain visual style used in game design with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology

D1 critically evaluate visual style used in game design with supporting arguments and elucidated examples, and consistently using subject terminology correctly

Evidence produced will describe both visual style and gameplay elements, though for this grade the evidence will not be related through examples to particular games. As a minimum, to achieve this grade learners must give correct descriptions of a game world and characters, and must mention aspects of gameplay covering goals, rewards and feedback.

When describing visual style a learner might note: ‘The graphics in this game are not great: they’re simply still images of the mountain that you are climbing. The reason for this is that it is probably cheaper to make and when the game was made the technology at the time wasn’t the best.’

Or, when describing gameplay, ‘This game incorporates some of the strategy in mountain climbing as you have to decide how many pots, ropes and tents you want your mountaineers to carry up the mountain.’

Learners will refer to game examples, correctly identifying the use of visual style and some game design principles.

A merit grade learner might note, ‘As Game X was released in 1995 we would have expected graphics similar to that of Sony’s PlayStation, due to its release of that year, but the graphics used are very pixelated and lack definition. The visual style is represented in the first images we encounter which are those of two statues, which appear to be set within a temple or monastery. These images give the players a sense of realism, giving atmosphere to the Mount Everest country of Tibet. Another aspect of these images is that the Tibetan people are famous for being mountain dwellers and good climbers. So the simple visual style using realistic ethnic images allows the players to experience a more realistic game world environment.’

For this grade learners will evidence confidence and mastery of knowledge of game principles, correctly relating visual style and gameplay through their use of extended examples which are fully clarified.

A distinction grade learner might note, ‘The game’s graphics are derived from pictures taken by (photographer name), who also was the designer and programmer for the game; the images are raster graphics of low quality, evident by the high level of pixel distortion in the games screens. The graphics display: (1) the victory condition, being the summit of the mountain, with lines and dots representing the routes available; (2) the various objective points (known as ‘camps’) which the player is required to visit and establish a camp at before continuing (in this manner the graphics are used to express the victory condition); (3) the characters, represented by purple squares; and (4) the map along with the boundaries in the form of the routes that may be taken. The interface for the game is a point and click system with menus giving the options available.’

There are 4 visual styles that video games can be categorised into…

• Photorealism

• Exaggerated

• Cel shading

• Abstract

• Based on cameras and photographs• Has a realistic feel• Provides an interactive cinematic

experience• Serious in tone• Is the most demanding due to complex

modelling and textures

Game Examples:• Call of Duty series (2003 - 2015)• Watch Dogs (2014)• Battlefield series (2002 - 2015)• Max Payne series (2001 - 2012)• Uncharted series (2007 – 2012)

• Based on photorealism• But environments, characters and objects are

exaggerated beyond a believable reality• Highly stylised realities• Takes ideas from fantasy

Game Examples:• Tekken series (1994 - 2014)• Silent Hill (1999)• Batman Arkham series (2009 - 2015)• Devil May Cry (2001)• Final Fantasy (1987 – 2014)

• Hand drawn/comic book style appearance• Specifically not realistic• More fun style• Less shading, with block colours and strong

lines• Popular with Eastern games styles, influenced

by manga and comics

Game Examples:• Fur Fighters (2002)• Dragon Ball Z series (2002 – 2011)• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2003)• Shin Megami Tensei (2006)• The Wolf Among Us (2013)

• Based on cameras and photographs• Has a realistic feel• Provides an interactive cinematic

experience• Serious in tone• Is the most demanding due to complex

modelling and textures

Game Examples:• Rez (2001)• Geometry Wars (2003)• Prophour 23 (2014)• Type:Rider (2013)

Photorealism

Microsoft Flight(Microsoft Studios, 2012)

terrain

objects

architecture

Microsoft Flight(Microsoft Studios, 2012)

controls

environment

Photorealism

Historical Accuracy

Ability to attempt historical battle scenarios such as the Siege of Sparta and the Battle of Carrhae.

Realistic architectureand objects

Geographical Recreation

Watch DogsSeattle

MLB The Show 14PNC Park, Pittsburgh

Geographical Recreation

The game replicates an area of central London 16

square kilometres (10 square miles) in size.

We begin to accept the reality of the games we play as the cut scenes echo what we see in the cinema. There is already an existing language which we are willing to accept.

This combined with advances in technology make games more realistic than ever.

MGS4 holds 2 world records for:

1.) Longest cut scene in a video game, at 27 minutes.2.) Longest cut scene sequence in a video game, at 71 minutes (4 separate scenes).

Full motion animation is now used not just in cut scenes but in advertisements for games as well. This allows the developer to show off the

best quality graphics.

Select a game from each of the 4 visual styles. Using images and video, explain the game world, specifically the terrain, architecture and objects in it.

• How have they been created?

• What purpose do they serve?

• What can you interact with?

• Are they effective?

• What are the limitations?

P1 describe visual style used in game design with some appropriate use of subject terminologyM1 explain visual style used in game design with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminologyD1 critically evaluate visual style used in game design with supporting arguments and elucidated examples, and consistently using subject terminology correctly