Module Descriptors
GAME ENGINE PROGRAMMING AND ARCHITECTURE
COSE70600
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 7
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Stephen Foster
Email: S.Foster@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
C++ review including object-oriented programming.
Introduction to current graphics APIs (E.g. DirectX).
Introduction to computer games programming.
Elements of the game loop, basic game structure.
Sprites and 2D animation.
Implementation of user interaction.
Newtonian physics concepts applied to rigid body animation, physics, collision detection and response.
Working as a development team, source code version control.
Design patterns for games, refactoring, clean code, and good practice.
Testing techniques.
Architecture of large-scale game engines.
Serialisation techniques.
Modular game engine development and design.
Use of scripting in games engines.
Introduction to current graphics APIs (E.g. DirectX).
Introduction to computer games programming.
Elements of the game loop, basic game structure.
Sprites and 2D animation.
Implementation of user interaction.
Newtonian physics concepts applied to rigid body animation, physics, collision detection and response.
Working as a development team, source code version control.
Design patterns for games, refactoring, clean code, and good practice.
Testing techniques.
Architecture of large-scale game engines.
Serialisation techniques.
Modular game engine development and design.
Use of scripting in games engines.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Two ASSIGNMENTS weighted 50% each
ASSIGNMENT 1 Weighting 50%; Implement and document (1000 words) a 2D game using C++ and DirectX (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).
GROUP ASSIGNMENT 2 Weighting 50%; Collaboratively design, implement and document (1000 words) a 2D or 3D modular game engine (Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 5). Final assessment.
ASSIGNMENT 1 Weighting 50%; Implement and document (1000 words) a 2D game using C++ and DirectX (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).
GROUP ASSIGNMENT 2 Weighting 50%; Collaboratively design, implement and document (1000 words) a 2D or 3D modular game engine (Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 5). Final assessment.
Module Learning Strategies
36 lectures presenting key topics and concepts.
36 supervised practical sessions for the completion of formative exercises.
36 supervised practical sessions for the completion of formative exercises.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Resources
Visual Studio 2010 or Above
Microsoft DirectX SDK
Microsoft DirectX SDK
Module Texts
Game Coding Complete. McShaffry, M. (2012). Delmar Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-1133776574
Game Engine Architecture, 2nd ed. Gregory, J. (2013). A K Peters. ISBN-13: 978-1466560017
Game Engine Architecture, 2nd ed. Gregory, J. (2013). A K Peters. ISBN-13: 978-1466560017