This module will delivered through a combination of formal lectures and practical exercises. Emphasis in the lectures will be placed on presenting a broad overview of the subject area, while a single practical assignment will be used to give depth in the core programming principles and techniques for generating Windows-based computer games. You will be expected to read the relevant literature, think critically, discuss/consult with peers and tutors. You will also be expected to develop and appraise a simple Windows-based computer game.
2 lectures and 1 practical per week (1:n)2 (1:20)1.

A personal computer with high-specification graphics card.
Development environment and API suitable for Windows Game Programming

- Introduction to Windows Programming, different platforms (PC and Console) and available API's.
- Sprite handling, animation, sound and user input using an appropriate Windows API.
- How to incorporate game play, collision detection, artificial intelligence, scoring, game states and levels to create a complete game.
- 2D game techniques; scrolling, tiling, isometric games.
- Game development methodologies and documentation.
- Use of Object-Oriented programming techniques in games.

XNA Game Studio Creator's Guide: An Introduction to XNA Game Programming, Stephen Cawood and Pat McGee, McGraw-Hill, 2007, ISBN: 0-07-149071-X.
XNA Developer Center. msdn2.microsoft.com/en-gb/xna.
Learning XNA 3.0: XNA 3.0 Game Development for the PC, Xbox 360 and Zune, Acron Reed, O'Reilly Media, 3 Dec 2008, ISBN 978-0596521950

Prior study of CE00371-1, Introduction to Software Development or equivalent and CE00882-1, Object Oriented and Event Driven Programming or equivalent.

A programming assignment with associated documentation (70%) assessing Learning Outcomes 1-3.
A Test 1 hour (30%) assessing Learning Outcomes 1 and 2.