Ouma Godwin

Posted on Mar 16

Building a Multi-Section Page for a Game Interface

Introduction

In this session, we'll extend our previous code structure to develop a multi-section HTML page that simulates the layout of our future Pac-Man game. This guide builds on foundational concepts from HTML Basics, Semantic Markup, and Forms, leading us toward a single-page interface for our game.

For a deeper dive into structuring a game interface, check out Advanced HTML for Game Development.

Overview

In this session, we will:

Practice creating a multi-section layout with a clear, logical content flow.
Introduce three key sections: Introduction, Game Area, and Instructions.
Enhance the structure for a game interface, keeping in mind future interactivity (e.g., JavaScript-based Pac-Man game mechanics).
Build upon the code structure from earlier sessions.

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Extending the Base Layout

We start with the existing structure from our last session, which includes:

Header (game title).
Navigation bar (game controls: Start, Pause, Restart).
Main game area (where the game will render).
Scoreboard (game metrics like time, score, and lives).
Footer (branding/copyright info).

Now, we'll expand this layout by introducing multiple sections for better content organization.

2. Adding Multiple Sections

We introduce three new sections:

Introduction Section: Provides an overview of the game.
Game Area Section: The main area where the Pac-Man game will eventually render.
Instructions Section: Explains game controls and mechanics.

3. Organizing Content with Flexbox

To maintain a structured layout, we use a Flexbox container (.content):

Sections are stacked vertically for readability.
The scoreboard remains as an aside for quick reference.

Code Example

Open your favorite code editor or an online tool like CodePen or JSFiddle and try the code below:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Pac-Man Game Interface</title>
    <style>
        /* Basic layout styling */
        html, body {
            font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
            margin: 0;
            padding: 0;
            background-color: #f4f4f4;
            height: 100%;
            display: flex;
            flex-direction: column;
        }
        header, footer {
            background-color: #333;
            color: #fff;
            padding: 10px;
            text-align: center;
        }
        nav {
            background-color: #444;
            padding: 10px;
            text-align: center;
        }
        nav ul {
            list-style: none;
            padding: 0;
            margin: 0;
        }
        nav li {
            display: inline;
            margin: 0 10px;
        }
        nav a {
            color: #fff;
            text-decoration: none;
        }
        main {
            display: flex;
            flex: 1;
            padding: 20px;
        }
        .content {
            flex: 3;
            display: flex;
            flex-direction: column;
        }
        section {
            background-color: #fff;
            padding: 20px;
            margin-bottom: 20px;
            border: 1px solid #ccc;
        }
        aside#scoreboard {
            flex: 1;
            background-color: #fff;
            padding: 20px;
            border: 1px solid #ccc;
            margin-left: 20px;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <header role="banner">
        <h1>Pac-Man: A Classic Reimagined</h1>
    </header>
    <nav role="navigation">
        <ul>
            <li><a href="#" id="startGame">Start</a></li>
            <li><a href="#" id="pauseGame">Pause</a></li>
            <li><a href="#" id="restartGame">Restart</a></li>
            <li><a href="#" id="settings">Settings</a></li>
        </ul>
    </nav>
    <main role="main">
        <div class="content">
            <section id="intro">
                <h2>Introduction</h2>
                <p>Welcome to Pac-Man! Guide Pac-Man through the maze, eat dots, and avoid ghosts.</p>
            </section>
            <section id="gameArea">
                <h2>Game Area</h2>
                <p>The Pac-Man game will be rendered here.</p>
            </section>
            <section id="instructions">
                <h2>Instructions</h2>
                <p>Use arrow keys to move, "P" to pause, and avoid ghosts to survive!</p>
            </section>
        </div>
        <aside id="scoreboard">
            <h2>Scoreboard</h2>
            <p>Time: <span id="gameTimer">00:00</span></p>
            <p>Score: <span id="gameScore">0</span></p>
            <p>Lives: <span id="gameLives">3</span></p>
        </aside>
    </main>
    <footer role="contentinfo">
        <p>&copy; 2025 My Game</p>
    </footer>
</body>
</html>

Hands-On Exercises

1. Customize the Introduction

Add an image inside the Introduction section.

2. Enhance Instructions

Create a list of controls using <ul>:

<ul>
    <li>Arrow Keys: Move Pac-Man</li>
    <li>P: Pause Game</li>
    <li>Space: Start Game</li>
</ul>

3. Modify Layout

Change the background color or spacing of sections.

Additional Resources

Conclusion & Next Steps

This session focused on organizing a multi-section HTML page for our game interface. With a clear structure and accessible layout, we're one step closer to a fully interactive single-page game.

In the next session, we’ll refine this layout with advanced CSS styling and introduce JavaScript interactivity to bring Pac-Man to life!

Happy coding! 🚀

DEV Community