Game Programming
2015-2016 - IMT3601 - 10 ECTS

Prerequisite(s)

•  IMT2531 Graphics Programming or IMT3591 Artificial Intelligence

On the basis of

•  IMT1361 Game Design

Expected learning outcomes

On completion of this course the students will be able to:

Knowledge

• Understand fundamentals of game engines
• Understand the social and ethical issues in game development
• Understand continuous integration and unit testing in realtion to game development.

Skills

• Design and implement a computer game as part of a group
• Better estimate the amount of effort required to implement various features in a computer game
• Use project management tools to control the development of software
• Conduct code reviews referring to static code analysis and profilling tools
• Justify development decisions based on evidence from sources including textbooks and the Internet
• Gui prototyping of interactions.

General Competence

• Communicate about the development process and present the results both in written and oral form

This is a group project and so a significant part of the learning outcomes relate to the working in a group and being able to scope the time taken to implement a game design.

Topic(s)

The lectures will be of the "Just in time" variety, where the topics will focus what the students need to know to continue the development of the project. The topics will include:

•  Design patterns
•  Graphics
•  Physics in games
•  Character development
•  Animation
•  Game specific AI
•  Implementing game mechanics
•  Game production process
•  Project management in teams
•  Memory management
•  Algorithm efficiency
•  C++ techniques

Teaching Methods

Lectures
Exercises

Teaching Methods (additional text)

Student will work in groups to develop a game within various design constraints. In class exercises and lectures will be linked to the current stage of the development process.

Form(s) of Assessment

Evaluation of Project(s)

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

One large project, which will include regular presentations of progress, and a presentation of the game in the week before final delivery.

In cases where groups breakdown and are unable to work together students will be given an oral exam to assess their ability and learning.

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

External examiner once every three years, with an internal examiner in other years.  First year for external 2014.

Re-sit examination

None

Examination support

No examination

Teaching Materials

Game Coding Complete, Fourth Edition (2012), Mike McShaffy

Additional information

In case there are fewer than 5 students which apply for the course the form of presentation and assessment may change to suit the class size.