Glossary

Adaptive Learning - An artificial intelligence system that can re-program itself based on environmental factors and influences.

Aliasing - The effect produced when a complex image is displayed with a limited resolution. Examples include jagged-looking lines in lower resolutions.

Assembler - A program that converts a symbolic representation of a machine language program into a machine language.

Beta Testing - The second stage of testing, during which software is given to a group of users to test it in a real-world environment.

Billboard - A 2D image rotated in 3D so that its normal follows the normal of the viewing direction. Another definition would be: A 2D image rendered onto the same plane as the viewing camera in a 3D world.

Bloatware - Needlessly large software.

Cinematics - An animated sequence at the beginning of a game, or animated transition screens.

Crunch Mode - The last phase of development, during which people work day and night to complete the project on time.

Dirty Rectangles - A method of updating only the changed parts of the screen.

Dithering - The process of creating an illusion of more colors than are really available in the current color depth by creatively arranging individual pixel patterns.

Foo - A generic word used to stand for any object.

Frame -A processed scene that consists of a static view of the game moment, it includes all objects, sprites and textures. Along with a set of frames, its possible to create an animation.

Hardware - Integral pieces of a computer; examples include keyboards, hard drives, and monitors.  

Peanut Butter - A delicious creamy snack made of ground-up peanuts  

RPG - Role-Playing Game. A game like Dungeons & Dragons.

--------------------------------------------------------Footnotes------------------------------------------------------ 

1. http://www.gamedev.net/dict

2. http://www.fastgraph.com/makegames/glossary.html

3. http://dictionary.reference.com/brows...near%20algebra