Model/View Separation

Question

Let's say I am making a video game. The player has an X and a Y coordinate, and these values are members of the Player object. Let us also assume I am using the hypothetical GAME-X game engine, which renders each object using the GX_x and GX_y values.

If I want to separate the domain (Player) from the view (GAME-X), it is my understanding that the player should have its own X and Y coordinates which are manipulated independently, and the GX_x and GX_y simply "listen" to the player's current coordinates. Doing this would allow me to, for example, choose a new game engine while leaving the domain layer untouched. It also means that the game can essentially run on a strictly domain level.

Is this a good design strategy? If not, why? If so, what is the real name for this strategy and how can I improve upon on it throughout my system?

Answer 1

player should have its own X and Y coordinates which are manipulated independently, and the GX_x and GX_y simply "listen" to the player's current coordinates.

That's correct strategy. Since GX_x, GX_y are presentation level and can be device / resolution / engine specific.

Consider 2 phones with 480*320 and 960*640 resolutions. x,y in your model should be the same (the same code running in both phones) whereas GX_x and GX_y will be different on both devices.

It is Model View Controller pattern you're talking about.

choose a new game engine while leaving the domain layer untouched. It also means that the game can essentially run on a strictly domain level.

These are advantages and reasons for the pattern to be used.