Human-Computer Interaction in Game Development with Python

Deepen your understanding of human-computer interaction (HCI) in game development and learn how to develop video games that grab players and don't let them go. This book explores HCI design in computer games to maximize collaborative and interactive functions.

You'll first gain a basic introduction to fundamental concepts and practices of HCI before diving into the fundamental concepts of game interface design and technology. You'll learn how to design a gaming interface through practical examples using Python. This is followed by a brief look at how HCI can offer immersive gaming experiences for players and a review of key elements such as interface, usability, user-centered design, and user interface in terms of efficacy. You will also learn how to implement usability aspects in gaming interfaces with examples using Python.

Additionally, the book discusses major challenges that game publishers and developers face, and how they can be resolved using HCI techniques. The question of playability is reviewed throughout the game production process. After working through this book's practical examples, you'll have the knowledge required to begin developing compelling, can't-put-the-controller down games of your own.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

* Master HCI tools and methodologies
* Understand the concept of HCI strategies in the game development cycle
* Develop a game in Python using the HCI approach
* Utilize gamification techniques in Human-Computer Interaction
* Grasp concepts of usability, user experience and user-centered design processes and their application



WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

Programmers, engineers, and students interested in creating and implementing computer games using HCI technologies. Prior experience with game development is recommended.

JOSEPH THACHIL GEORGE is an IT Security Engineer based in Germany. He also worked as a technical consultant for International Game Technology (IGT) in Italy. Joseph is currently pursuing his doctorate (PhD) in computer science and engineering at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. He has an M.S. in cybersecurity from the Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy. He is also part of the DISIA research group at the University of Florence, Italy, and the research group (INESC-ID Lisbon) at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. His research interests cover automatic exploit generation; exploitation of vulnerabilities; chaining of vulnerabilities; security of web applications; and JavaScript code exploits. At IGT, he has been a part of various projects related to game configuration and integration in various platforms, specializing in Java and Spring Boot-based projects. He has also worked for various companies in India, Angola, Portugal, and UK and has seven years of experience with various IT companies.

MEGHNA JOSEPH GEORGE is a Cloud Engineer based in Germany. She is an AWS-certified solutions architect. She received a B.S. in System Management and M.S. in economics.

Chapter 1: Human–Computer Interaction Tools and Methodologies

Sub-Topics

• Fundamentals of HCI

• Tools and techniques

• Eye tracking technique and usability

• Use of effective interface

• Advantage of HCI tools

Chapter 2: Human–Computer Interaction and Game Design and Development

Sub-Topics

• Games and game world

• Concept of game design and development

• Connection between HCI and game design and development

• Interactive design of the game interface• Window and Icon design

• Impact of eye tracking and usability

• Effect of Thumbnail

• Communication, dynamic Interface, and better user experience

• Gamification in HCI

• Project overview

Chapter 3: Game Interface Development

Sub-Topics

• What is game interface?

• What need to be addressed for effective game interface?

• Project - Explaining game interface using Python

• Best practice for developing game interfaces

• Different standard that companies use for game interface development

Chapter 4: Applying Usability in Computer Game Interface

Sub-Topics

• Connection between usability and game interface

• Sample project for explaining usability

• Project description

• Design phase

• Applying usability tools

• Evaluation of interface based on tools outcome

• Conclusion of usability project

Chapter 5: Project - Gamification in Human-Computer Interaction

Sub-Topics:

• Relationship between the various processes of game development

• Game programming

• FAN translation

• Game design document and production

• Development of game using Python

• Discussing HCI technique

• Expected problems and solutions

• Effectiveness of HCI technique

Chapter 6: Human-Computer Interaction New Trends: Research, Development

Sub-Topics:

• Research, development

• HCI new trends

• Research project description of HCI in game development

• Examples of HCI in game development - From various game developing companies

• European policy and standard for game development

Chapter 7: Tips for Developers and Students

Sub-Topics:

• Overview

• Tips for developers and students for creating HCI-based games

• Advantage in terms of cost and effectiveness of game development

• Various industry standards in game development

• Impact of games in the global economy

Chapter 8: Conclusion

Sub-Topics:

• Overview

• Recommendation and concluding comments