登录查看更多内容

How can scripting create unique procedural content in game development?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

Procedural content generation (PCG) is a technique that uses algorithms and rules to create game assets, levels, maps, or stories without manual design. PCG can enhance game variety, replayability, and creativity, but it can also pose challenges for game design and development. One way to overcome these challenges is to use scripting, which is a form of programming that allows developers to control and manipulate game logic, events, and data. In this article, you will learn how scripting can create unique procedural content in game development, and what are some of the benefits and drawbacks of this approach.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 4 条内容中精选。了解更多

Yvens Rebou?as Serpa

Graphics Engineer in Audo and Lecturer / Researcher at Saxion University of Applied Sciences

1 What is scripting?

Scripting is a way of writing code that runs within a game engine or a framework, and interacts with the game's core components and systems. Scripting languages are usually high-level, meaning they are easier to read and write than low-level languages like C++ or Assembly. Scripting languages can also be interpreted, meaning they are executed at runtime rather than compiled beforehand. Some examples of popular scripting languages for game development are Lua, Python, C#, and JavaScript.

添加您的观点

Yvens Rebou?as Serpa

Graphics Engineer in Audo and Lecturer / Researcher at Saxion University of Applied Sciences
举报内容
Normally, we use the term scripting when we mean that you can code in a given (game) engine, without directly coding inside the source code of the (game) engine. For example, when you write code in Unity, you are writing code that runs on top of Unity's source code. With that, you allow a wider range of users to create and expand the (game) engine with some benefits, such as they do not need to understand the inner workings of the engine; their work only impacts the users that share those scripts; maintenance is simplified due to a restricted set of possibilities; etc.

已翻译

赞

2 How does scripting enable PCG?

Scripting enables PCG by allowing developers to define and implement algorithms and rules that generate game content dynamically. For example, a developer can use scripting to create a function that randomly places enemies, items, or obstacles on a game map, based on some parameters and conditions. Scripting can also be used to modify and adapt existing game content, such as changing the color, shape, or behavior of an object, depending on the game state or the player's actions. Scripting can also be used to create procedural narratives, such as branching dialogues, quests, or events, that respond to the player's choices and preferences.

添加您的观点

Yvens Rebou?as Serpa

Graphics Engineer in Audo and Lecturer / Researcher at Saxion University of Applied Sciences
举报内容
PCG is not necessarily something you need to achieve only through scripting. The main point of doing it through scripting is that you might want your (game) engine to be primarily responsible for general functionalities, such as player input, rendering, and memory management. At the same time, you delegate other possibilities to script extensions. In terms of (game) engine development, it separates the responsibilities between people who ensure that the engine works accordingly from people who increment the engine with new, but non-mandatory features, such as PCG, AI, and even Gameplay.

已翻译

赞

3 What are the benefits of scripting for PCG?

Scripting for PCG can provide several advantages in game development. It can save time and resources by reducing the need for manual design and content creation, as well as increasing game variety and replayability by creating different scenarios. Furthermore, scripting can enhance game creativity and innovation through experimentation with algorithms and rules, while also improving game quality and performance by allowing developers to fine-tune and optimize content and logic.

添加您的观点

Yvens Rebou?as Serpa

Graphics Engineer in Audo and Lecturer / Researcher at Saxion University of Applied Sciences
举报内容
Again, this is not necessarily only related to scripting, but PCG is often seen as an optimization tool that can also lead to extra (playable) content. In terms of optimization, PCG allows the quick generation of repetitive content, which can be further improved with manual and artistic labour. Trees, for example, can be procedurally generated and then refined to fit a specific look better and feel. Moreover, as larger parts of the game can be procedurally generated, even gameplay elements could benefit from it. Entire game levels can be generated and played, extending the game's possibilities for players who want more.

已翻译

赞

4 What are the drawbacks of scripting for PCG?

Scripting for PCG can negatively affect game development, introducing bugs and errors, reducing control and coherence, increasing complexity and difficulty, and affecting game balance. This can lead to inconsistent or incompatible game content and logic, unpredictable or undesired game scenarios and outcomes, a requirement to master and maintain multiple scripting languages and tools, and unfair or frustrating game challenges and rewards.

添加您的观点

Yvens Rebou?as Serpa

Graphics Engineer in Audo and Lecturer / Researcher at Saxion University of Applied Sciences
举报内容
PCG automates repetitive work. Thus, it suffers from its own goal: repetitiveness. When PCG is not handled and refined properly (especially by humans), it can become repetitive, boring, and unfocused. Many games experimented with procedurally generated levels and ended up with levels that felt less impactful, boring, repetitive, and worse, less meaningful. It is wise to automate repetitiveness and get a good block out for a level with PCG, for example. Still, without proper meaning, goal, and the essential human touch, it becomes as stale and unremarkable as any procedural tree or stone - an irrelevant detail.

已翻译

赞

5 What are some examples of scripting for PCG?

Many games use scripting for PCG, such as Minecraft which uses Java to generate infinite and diverse worlds with biomes, structures, and resources. No Man's Sky uses C# to create a huge and varied galaxy with billions of planets, each with its own flora, fauna, and terrain. Spelunky utilizes Lua to make random and difficult levels with various themes, enemies, traps, and secrets. Dwarf Fortress relies on C++ to craft complex and detailed worlds with histories, cultures, and events.

添加您的观点

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Game Design

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

How can scripting create unique procedural content in game development?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is scripting?

2 How does scripting enable PCG?

3 What are the benefits of scripting for PCG?

4 What are the drawbacks of scripting for PCG?

5 What are some examples of scripting for PCG?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Game Design

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Game Design相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

How can scripting create unique procedural content in game development?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is scripting?

2 How does scripting enable PCG?

3 What are the benefits of scripting for PCG?

4 What are the drawbacks of scripting for PCG?

5 What are some examples of scripting for PCG?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Game Design

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能