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Home > Game Development > Game Scripting > Game Development Patterns and Best Practices
Game Development Patterns and Best Practices
Game Development Patterns and Best Practices

Game Development Patterns and Best Practices: Better games, less hassle

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Paperback Apr 2017 394 pages 1st Edition
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Game Development Patterns and Best Practices

One Instance to Rule Them All - Singletons

Now that we've learned what a design pattern is, as well as why we'd want to use them, let's first talk about a design pattern that most people learn, the Singleton pattern.

The Singleton pattern is probably the most well-known pattern and it is also the one out there that is most often misused. It definitely has the most controversy surrounding it, so when discussing this pattern it is as important (or even more important) to know when not to apply it.

Chapter overview

In this chapter, we will explain about the pattern and many arguments for and against it. We will describe how and why core systems within the Mach5 engine such as the Graphics Engine and Object Manager are utilized as Singletons. Finally, we will explain a number of different ways to implement this in C++, along with the pros and cons of each choice.

Your objective

This chapter will be split into a number of topics. It will contain a simple step-by-step process from beginning to end. Here is the outline of our tasks:

  • An overview of class access specifiers
  • Pros and cons of global access
  • Understanding the static keyword
  • What is a Singleton?
  • Learning about templates
  • Templatizing Singletons
  • The advantages and disadvantages of only one instance
  • The Singleton in action: the Application class
  • Design decisions

An overview on class access specifiers

When using an object-oriented programming language, one of the most important features included is the ability to hide data, preventing classes from accessing properties and functions of another class type by default. By using access specifiers such as public, private, and protected, we can dictate specifically how the data and/or functions can be accessed from other classes:

class ModifierExamples 
{ 
  public int publicInteger; 
  private void PrivateMethod() {} 
  protected float protectedNumber; 
};

A class can have unlimited variables or functions that are public, private, or protected and can even control access to entire sections of the class:

class MoreModifierExamples 
{ 
  public: 
    // until we reach another tag, all variables and functions  
    // will be public 
    int publicIntegar; 
    int anotherExample; 
 
  private: 
    // Now, they'll be private 
    void PrivateFunction...

The static keyword

Another thing that is important to know before diving into the Singleton pattern is what the static keyword means, as it's something that we will be using the functionality of when building this pattern. When we use the static keyword, there are three main contexts that it'll be used in:

  • Inside a function
  • Inside a class definition
  • In front of a global variable in a program with multiple files

Static keyword inside a function

The first one, being used inside of a function, basically means that once the variable has been initialized, it will stay in the computer's memory until the end of the program, keeping the value that it has through multiple runs of the function. A simple example would be something like this:

#include <string...

Chapter overview

In this chapter, we will explain about the pattern and many arguments for and against it. We will describe how and why core systems within the Mach5 engine such as the Graphics Engine and Object Manager are utilized as Singletons. Finally, we will explain a number of different ways to implement this in C++, along with the pros and cons of each choice.

Your objective

This chapter will be split into a number of topics. It will contain a simple step-by-step process from beginning to end. Here is the outline of our tasks:

  • An overview of class access specifiers
  • Pros and cons of global access
  • Understanding the static keyword
  • What is a Singleton?
  • Learning about templates
  • Templatizing Singletons
  • The advantages and disadvantages of only one instance
  • The Singleton in action: the Application class
  • Design decisions

An overview on class access specifiers

When using an object-oriented programming language, one of the most important features included is the ability to hide data, preventing classes from accessing properties and functions of another class type by default. By using access specifiers such as public, private, and protected, we can dictate specifically how the data and/or functions can be accessed from other classes:

class ModifierExamples 
{ 
  public int publicInteger; 
  private void PrivateMethod() {} 
  protected float protectedNumber; 
};

A class can have unlimited variables or functions that are public, private, or protected and can even control access to entire sections of the class:

class MoreModifierExamples 
{ 
  public: 
    // until we reach another tag, all variables and functions  
    // will be public 
    int publicIntegar; 
    int anotherExample; 

  private: 
    // Now, they'll be private 
    void PrivateFunction() {} 
    double safeValue; 

  protected: 
    // And now...

The static keyword

Another thing that is important to know before diving into the Singleton pattern is what the static keyword means, as it's something that we will be using the functionality of when building this pattern. When we use the static keyword, there are three main contexts that it'll be used in:

  • Inside a function
  • Inside a class definition
  • In front of a global variable in a program with multiple files

Static keyword inside a function

The first one, being used inside of a function, basically means that once the variable has been initialized, it will stay in the computer's memory until the end of the program, keeping the value that it has through multiple runs of the function. A simple example would be something like this:

#include <string> 

class StaticExamples 
{ 
public: 
  void InFunction() 
  { 
    static int enemyCount = 0; 

    // Increase the value of enemyCount 
    enemyCount += 10; 

    std::string toDisplay = "\n Value of enemyCount:  " +  
                std::to_string...

Pros and cons of global variables

To reiterate, a global variable is a variable that is declared outside of a function or class. Doing this makes our variable accessible in every function, hence us calling it global. When being taught programming in school, we were often told that global variables are a bad thing or at least, that modifying global variables in a function is considered to be poor programming practice.

There are numerous reasons why using global variables is a bad idea:

  • Source code is the easiest to understand when the scope of the elements used is limited. Adding in global variables that can be read or modified anywhere in the program makes it much harder to keep track of where things are being done, as well as making it harder to comprehend when bringing on new developers.
  • Since a global variable can be modified anywhere, we lose any control over being able to confirm that the data contained in the variable is valid. For instance, you may only want to support up to a certain...

What is a Singleton?

The Singleton pattern in a nutshell is where you have a class that you can access anywhere within your project, due to the fact that only one object (instance) of that class is created (instantiated). The pattern provides a way for programmers to give access to a class's information globally by creating a single instance of an object in your game.

Whereas there are quite a few issues with using global variables, you can think of a Singleton as an improved global variable due to the fact that you cannot create more than one. With this in mind, the Singleton pattern is an attractive choice for classes that only have a unique instance in your game project, such as your graphics pipeline and input libraries, as having more than one of these in your projects doesn't make sense.

This single object uses a static variable and static functions to be able to access the object without having to pass it through all of our code.

In the Mach5 engine, Singletons are used for the application...

Learning about templates

Another technique to add to your toolbox of programming concepts that we will use in the next section is the idea of templates. Templates are a way for you to be able to create generic classes that can be extended to have the same functionality for different datatypes. It's another form of abstraction, letting you define a base set of behavior for a class without knowing what type of data will be used on it. If you've used the STL before, you've already been using templates, perhaps without knowing it. That's why the list class can contain any kind of object.

Here's an example of a simple templated class:

#include <iostream> // std::cout 

template <class T> 
class TemplateExample 
{ 
public: 
  // Constructor 
  TemplateExample(); 
  // Destructor 
  ~TemplateExample(); 
  // Function 
  T TemplatedFunction(T); 
};

In this case, we created our TemplateExample class and it has three functions. The constructor and deconstructor look normal, but then I have...

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Key benefits

  • • Untangle your game development workflow, make cleaner code, and create structurally solid games
  • • Implement key programming patterns that will enable you to make efficient AI and remove duplication
  • • Optimize your game using memory management techniques

Description

You’ve learned how to program, and you’ve probably created some simple games at some point, but now you want to build larger projects and find out how to resolve your problems. So instead of a coder, you might now want to think like a game developer or software engineer. To organize your code well, you need certain tools to do so, and that’s what this book is all about. You will learn techniques to code quickly and correctly, while ensuring your code is modular and easily understandable. To begin, we will start with the core game programming patterns, but not the usual way. We will take the use case strategy with this book. We will take an AAA standard game and show you the hurdles at multiple stages of development. Similarly, various use cases are used to showcase other patterns such as the adapter pattern, prototype pattern, flyweight pattern, and observer pattern. Lastly, we’ll go over some tips and tricks on how to refactor your code to remove common code smells and make it easier for others to work with you. By the end of the book you will be proficient in using the most popular and frequently used patterns with the best practices.

Who is this book for?

If you are a game developer who wants to solve commonly-encountered issues or have some way to communicate to other developers in a standardized format, then this book is for you. Knowledge of basic game programming principles and C++ programming is assumed.

What you will learn

  • • Learn what design patterns are and why you would want to use them
  • • Reduce the maintenance burden with well-tested, cleaner code
  • • Employ the singleton pattern effectively to reduce your compiler workload
  • • Use the factory pattern to help you create different objects with the same creation logic and reduce coding time
  • • Improve game performance with Object Pools
  • • Allow game play to interact with physics or graphics in an abstract way
  • • Refractor your code to remove common code smells
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Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Apr 27, 2017
Length: 394 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781787127838
Category :
Game Development
Languages :
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Concepts :
Game Scripting

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Length: 394 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781787127838
Category :
Game Development
Languages :
C++
Concepts :
Game Scripting

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Table of Contents

12 Chapters
Introduction to Design Patterns Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Introduction to Design Patterns
Chapter overview
Your objective
Why you should plan for change
Separating the why and the how
An Introduction to interfaces
The advantages of compartmentalizing code
The problems with using design patterns in games
Setting up the project
Summary
One Instance to Rule Them All - Singletons Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
One Instance to Rule Them All - Singletons
Chapter overview
Your objective
An overview on class access specifiers
The static keyword
Pros and cons of global variables
What is a Singleton?
Learning about templates
Templatizing Singletons
Advantages/disadvantages of using only one instance
The Singleton in action - the Application class
Summary
Creating Flexibility with the Component Object Model Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Creating Flexibility with the Component Object Model
Chapter overview
Why a monolithic game object is a bad design
Why inheritance hierarchies are inflexible
The Strategy pattern and the Decorator pattern
The Component Object Model explained
Performance concerns
Summary
Artificial Intelligence Using the State Pattern Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Artificial Intelligence Using the State Pattern
Chapter overview
Summary
Decoupling Code via the Factory Method Pattern Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Decoupling Code via the Factory Method Pattern
Chapter overview
Your objective
The Dependency Inversion Principle
The Factory method pattern
Creating a component and Object Factory
Architecting versus over-architecting
Summary
Creating Objects with the Prototype Pattern Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Creating Objects with the Prototype Pattern
Your objectives
The Prototype pattern explained
Examples of the clone method in Mach5
Loading archetypes from a file
Summary
Improving Performance with Object Pools Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Improving Performance with Object Pools
Chapter overview
Why you should care about memory
The Object Pool pattern explained
Implementing a basic object pool
Operator overloading in C++
Building the object pool for Mach5
Issues with object pools
Summary
Controlling the UI via the Command Pattern Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Controlling the UI via the Command Pattern
Chapter overview
How can we control actions through buttons?
The Command pattern explained
The benefits of the command pattern
Easy UI with commands in Mach5
Summary
Decoupling Gameplay via the Observer Pattern Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Decoupling Gameplay via the Observer Pattern
Chapter overview
How gameplay creeps into every system
The Observer pattern explained
Benefits of using the Observer pattern
Summary
Sharing Objects with the Flyweight Pattern Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Sharing Objects with the Flyweight Pattern
Chapter overview
Introductions to particles
Implementing particles in Mach5
Why memory is still an issue
Introduction to the Flyweight pattern
Transitioning to ParticleSystems
Summary
Understanding Graphics and Animation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding Graphics and Animation
Chapter overview
Introduction to monitor refresh rates
Double buffering
Triple buffering
LCD monitors
Time-based movement and animation
Summary
Best Practices Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Best Practices
Chapter overview
Learning fundamental code quality techniques
Learning and understand the uses of the const keyword
Learning how iteration can improve your game and code design
Learning when to use scripting in a game
Summary

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About the authors

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Profile icon Casanova
Casanova
Github icon
Matt Casanova has been programming indie games in C++, as well as mobile games and applications in Java and Objective C, for over ten years. For the last seven years he has assumed the role of technical director for his students. He specializes in 2D game engines and tools. Matt was an instructor for two years at Digipen Institute of Technology's Singapore campus, where he taught The Advanced Certification in 2D Game Development. This was a six month graduate-level course that specialized in creating 2D game engines. He then spent five years teaching undergraduate courses such as C++, data structures, and game engine architecture for Digipens degree in Real Time Interactive Simulation in South Korea. He has helped dozens of student teams make successful game projects and avoid the pitfalls of bad code. He currently works as lead mobile developer at a software company in Las Vegas.
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Profile icon John P. Doran
John P. Doran
John P. Doran is a passionate and seasoned Technical Game Designer, Software Engineer, and Author who is based in Incheon, South Korea. His passion for game development began at an early age. He later graduated from DigiPen Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Game Design. For over a decade, John has gained extensive hands-on expertise in game development working in various roles ranging from game designer to lead UI programmer working in teams consisting of just himself to over 70 people in student, mod, and professional game projects including working at LucasArts on Star Wars: 1313. Additionally, John has worked in game development education teaching in Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. To date, he has authored over 10 books pertaining to game development. John is currently a Technical Game Design Instructor at George Mason University Korea. Prior to his present ventures, he was an award-winning videographer.
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  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela