Research Article

An Application of a Game Development Framework in Higher Education

Table 1

Evaluation of four GDF candidates.

Selection requirementXNAJGameFlashScratch

(1) Easy to learnRelatively easy to learn, but requires to learn several core concepts to utilize the offered possibilities.Easy to learn, but requires to learn a small set of core concepts.Relatively easy to learn, but requires to learn several core concepts to utilize the offered possibilities.Very easy and intuitive to learn and supports dynamic changes to the game in run time.

(2) Open develop environmentXNA puts little restrictions on what kind of games can be developed and supports development of both 2D and 3D games. Not open source project.JGame supports a limited set of games, mainly classical 2D arcade games. Open source project.Flash puts little restrictions on what kind of games can be developed and supports development of both 2D and 3D. Not open source project.Scratch limits the options of what kind of games the user can make through the limited options provided in the graphical programming environment. Not open source project.

(3) Familiar programming languageAll programming is done in C#.All programming is done in JavaSome programming can be done using drag-and-drop, but most will be written in Action Scripts.All programming is done in the visual drag-and-drop programming language Scratch.

(4) Not in conflict with educational goalsXNA puts little restrictions on what kinds of software architectures can be used.JGame puts some restrictions on what kinds of software architecture can be used. Flash puts some restrictions on what kinds of software architectures can be used.Scratch puts strict restrictions on what kinds of software architectures can be used.

(5) Stable implementationXNA has a very stable implementation and is updated regularly.JGame has a relatively stable implementation and is updated regularly.Flash has a very stable implementation and is updated regularly. Scratch has a relatively stable implementation and is updated regularly.

(6) Sufficient documentationXNA is well documented and offers several tutorials and examples. Many books on XNA are available.JGame is not well documented, but some examples exist.Flash is well documented and offers several tutorials and examples. Many books on Flash are available.Scratch is ok documented and has some examples and tutorials available.

(7) Low costsXNA is free to use. A $99 for a year of membership is required to develop games for XBOX 360.JGame is free to use.The Flash development kit costs $199 per license (university license).Scratch is free to use.