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:

</span>
 lang="en">

     charset="UTF-8">
     name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    Pac-Man Game Interface
    
        /* 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;
        }
    


     role="banner">
        Pac-Man: A Classic Reimagined
    
     role="navigation">
        
             href="#" id="startGame">Start
             href="#" id="pauseGame">Pause
             href="#" id="restartGame">Restart
             href="#" id="settings">Settings
        
    
     role="main">
         class="content">
             id="intro">
                Introduction
                Welcome to Pac-Man! Guide Pac-Man through the maze, eat dots, and avoid ghosts.
            
             id="gameArea">
                Game Area
                The Pac-Man game will be rendered here.
            
             id="instructions">
                Instructions
                Use arrow keys to move, "P" to pause, and avoid ghosts to survive!
            
        
         id="scoreboard">
            Scoreboard
            Time:  id="gameTimer">00:00
            Score:  id="gameScore">0
            Lives:  id="gameLives">3
        
    
     role="contentinfo">
        © 2025 My Game
    





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  Hands-On Exercises

  
  
  1. Customize the Introduction

Add an image inside the Introduction section.

  
  
  2. Enhance Instructions

Create a list of controls using :



    Arrow Keys: Move Pac-Man
    P: Pause Game
    Space: Start Game




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  3. Modify Layout

Change the background color or spacing of sections.

  
  
  Additional Resources

MDN Web Docs – HTML Sections and Outlines
CSS Tricks – A Complete Guide to Flexbox
MDN Web Docs – Using ARIA

  
  
  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! 🚀