How to Write a Text-Based Tetris-Style Game in C

In this guide, we will embark on a journey to create a captivating text-based Tetris-style game using the power of the C programming language. Together, we'll delve into the intricacies of game development, uncovering the foundational elements that drive the gaming experience. Through step-by-step exploration, we'll not only construct a simple game but also gain insights into the mechanics that make games engaging. Join us as we navigate the process of crafting this game, learning how to implement the game's mechanics and dynamics in C.

Building a C Text-Based Tetris Game

Explore the process of crafting a text-based Tetris-style game in C with our comprehensive guide. Delve into game development principles and learn how to implement mechanics that bring your creation to life. Need help with your C assignment? Let's dive in and build something amazing together! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, you're sure to find valuable insights in this guide.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have a basic understanding of C programming concepts. Additionally, you'll need a C compiler installed on your computer, such as GCC.

Exploring the Code

Let's break down the code into sections and explain each part:

```c #include <stdio.h> #include <stdlib.h> #include <conio.h> #include <windows.h> #define WIDTH 10 #define HEIGHT 20 int board[HEIGHT][WIDTH] = {0}; int currentPiece[4][4]; int currentX, currentY; void drawBoard() { system("cls"); for (int y = 0; y &lt; HEIGHT; y++) { for (int x = 0; x &lt; WIDTH; x++) { if (board[y][x] == 0) printf("."); else printf("#"); } printf("\n"); } } void placePiece() { for (int y = 0; y &lt; 4; y++) { for (int x = 0; x &lt; 4; x++) { if (currentPiece[y][x]) { board[currentY + y][currentX + x] = 1; } } } } int checkCollision(int x, int y) { for (int py = 0; py &lt; 4; py++) { for (int px = 0; px &lt; 4; px++) { if (currentPiece[py][px]) { if (currentY + y + py &gt;= HEIGHT || currentX + x + px &lt; 0 || currentX + x + px &gt;= WIDTH) return 1; if (board[currentY + y + py][currentX + x + px]) return 1; } } } return 0; } void rotatePiece() { int tempPiece[4][4]; for (int y = 0; y &lt; 4; y++) { for (int x = 0; x &lt; 4; x++) { tempPiece[y][x] = currentPiece[y][x]; } } for (int y = 0; y &lt; 4; y++) { for (int x = 0; x &lt; 4; x++) { currentPiece[y][x] = tempPiece[3 - x][y]; } } } int main() { currentX = WIDTH / 2 - 2; currentY = 0; // Initialize the game loop while (1) { drawBoard(); if (_kbhit()) { char key = _getch(); if (key == 'a' &amp;&amp; !checkCollision(-1, 0)) currentX--; if (key == 'd' &amp;&amp; !checkCollision(1, 0)) currentX++; if (key == 's' &amp;&amp; !checkCollision(0, 1)) currentY++; if (key == 'q') rotatePiece(); } if (!checkCollision(0, 1)) currentY++; else { placePiece(); currentX = WIDTH / 2 - 2; currentY = 0; } Sleep(100); } return 0; } ```

How the Game Functions

The text-based Tetris-style game we'll create comprises several core components:

1. Drawing the Board (drawBoard()): Clearing the console and displaying the game grid. Empty spaces are represented by periods (.), while filled spaces are shown as hash symbols (#).
2. Placing a Piece (placePiece()): As a piece reaches the bottom or collides with another piece, it's placed on the board. This function updates the board array based on the current piece's position.
3. Checking for Collisions (checkCollision()): This function determines whether a piece can move to a specific position without colliding with the game grid's boundaries or existing pieces.
4. Rotating a Piece (rotatePiece()): Players can rotate the current piece by pressing the 'q' key. The function rotates the piece by 90 degrees clockwise using a temporary array.
5. Main Loop (main()): The core of our game, the main loop controls the game's flow. It continuously updates the screen, handles user input for movement and rotation, checks for collisions, and moves the current piece downward. A Sleep(100) function regulates the game's pace.

Conclusion

By breaking down the code and understanding each component, you've gained the expertise to construct a foundational text-based Tetris-style game in C. Armed with this knowledge, you're well-equipped to experiment with advanced game development concepts and dive into the realm of creative additions. As you fine-tune your game design skills and explore new features, you'll be well on your way to creating games that captivate and entertain audiences. The journey of game development is just beginning, and your newfound abilities open doors to endless possibilities.