Practical based group assignment (70%), assessing Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4.
Test (30%), length 1 hour, assessing Learning Outcomes 1 to 3.

Review of methodologies appropriate for computer game development, and associated specification and design documentation. Techniques and tools for collaborative game development and testing. Development of single and multi-player games for PC, console and handheld devices using a development environment such as XNA Game Studio. Use of advanced graphics, audio and input techniques such as programmable shaders, 3D sound, and force-feedback controllers. Profiling optimisation, debugging and tuning strategies for games.

Students will be expected to form groups and collaboratively develop a game. Students will be expected to form groups and collaboratively develop a game. Advanced topics in game development will be presented in the lectures. Practical sessions will be used to illustrate these techniques, and for group meetings.

1 lecture and 2 practicals per week. The second hour of the practical session will be unstaffed.

Prior study of CE00386-5, Windows Game Programming or equivalent.

A personal computer or similar
A 3D modelling and animation application
A development environment or kit such as Visual Studio
An API or middleware suitable for Windows game programming such as Microsoft XNA.

XNA Game Studio Creators Guide: An Introduction to XNA Game Programming, by Stephen Cawood and Pat McGee, McGraw-Hill, 2007, ISBN: 0-07-149071-X
The Game Producer's Handbook, Daniel Irish, Premier Press, 2005, ISBN: 978-1592006175