Exam 98-374: Gaming Development Fundamentals/Understand Hardware

This lesson covers Understand Hardware. It looks at input devices, output devices, networks, game performance, and game platforms.

Activity 1 - Choose an Input Device
This objective may include but is not limited to: mouse, keyboard, Kinect, console, mobile.
 * 1) Read Windows Phone Development.
 * 2) Read Input on the XNA Framework (XBox 360 Controller).

Activity 2 - Choose an Output Device
This objective may include but is not limited to: screen, television, hand-held devices, sound (local speakers, surround sound systems).
 * 1) Read  Output device.
 * 2) Read It’s Time to Take Mobile Gaming Seriously.

Activity 3 - Work with the Network
This objective may include but is not limited to: set up Web services, TCP, UDP, basic management; plan for areas without access to Internet, notifications.
 * 1) Read Receiving Network Data.
 * 2) Read UDP vs. TCP.
 * 3) Read What every programmer needs to know about game networking.

Activity 4 - Manage Game Performance
This objective may include but is not limited to: CPU vs. GPU, reach vs. HiDef, graphics networking performance, frame rate.
 * 1) Read Difference Between CPU and GPU.
 * 2) Read What Is a Profile?.
 * 3) Read Reach vs. HiDef.

Activity 5 - Understand the Different Game Platforms
This objective may include but is not limited to: console, PC, mobile; compare memory management.
 * 1) Read Performance Considerations for Windows Phone 7.
 * 2) Read Designing Applications for Windows Phone 7, Chapter 2.
 * 3) Read Windows Phone Games.