Module Descriptors
ADVANCED GAMES PROTOTYPING
GAME60249
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Nigel Butler
Email: N.S.Butler@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 252
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
Module Details
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
The creation of a working structured game system designed and developed on top of a studio-like game framework using industry standard techniques (Learning Outcomes 1-4).
The creation of a working structured game system designed and developed on top of a studio-like game framework using industry standard techniques (Learning Outcomes 1-4).
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In this module, students will focus on the creation of gameplay using a provided framework.
Students will learn the practical techniques necessary to script games within both a commercial and a proprietary engine environment. Topics include:
- Advanced games prototyping techniques
- Advanced Object-Orientation techniques
- Scripting game mechanics
- Scripting engine components
- Dynamic scene construction
- Multi-user support
- NPC support
- Custom game modes and mutators
- Informational GUIs
- Advanced event systems
- Advanced logging systems
- Creating game system libraries
- Game packaging
Students will learn the practical techniques necessary to script games within both a commercial and a proprietary engine environment. Topics include:
- Advanced games prototyping techniques
- Advanced Object-Orientation techniques
- Scripting game mechanics
- Scripting engine components
- Dynamic scene construction
- Multi-user support
- NPC support
- Custom game modes and mutators
- Informational GUIs
- Advanced event systems
- Advanced logging systems
- Creating game system libraries
- Game packaging
LEARNING STRATEGIES
1 x 2 hour interactive lecture per week.
RESOURCES
Unity Game Engine
TEXTS
Doran, J. [2014]: Unity Game Development Blueprints. Packt Publishing
Dunniway, T. [2008]: Game Development Essentials: Gameplay Mechanics. Delmar
Gibson, J. [2014]: Introduction to Game Design, Prototyping, and Development. Addison-Wesley
Felicia, P. [2016]: Unity 5 From Zero to Proficiency [Foundations]. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Menard, M. [2011]: Game Development with Unity. Delmar Cengage Learn
Murray, J. [2014]: C# Game Programming Cookbook for Unity 3D. CRC Press
Nystrom R. [2014]: Game Programming Patterns. Genever Benning
Okita, A. [2015]: Learning C# Programming with Unity 3D
Dunniway, T. [2008]: Game Development Essentials: Gameplay Mechanics. Delmar
Gibson, J. [2014]: Introduction to Game Design, Prototyping, and Development. Addison-Wesley
Felicia, P. [2016]: Unity 5 From Zero to Proficiency [Foundations]. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Menard, M. [2011]: Game Development with Unity. Delmar Cengage Learn
Murray, J. [2014]: C# Game Programming Cookbook for Unity 3D. CRC Press
Nystrom R. [2014]: Game Programming Patterns. Genever Benning
Okita, A. [2015]: Learning C# Programming with Unity 3D
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF TECHNIQUES REQUIRED TO DESIGN AND DEVELOP NOVEL PROTOTYPE GAMEPLAY USING HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES.
[Knowledge & Understanding]
2. DEFINE AND REFINE FUNCTIONAL PROGRAMMING CONSTRUCTS REQUIRED TO MEET PROGRAM FLOW AND AIMS OF AN ORIGINAL GAME CONCEPT
[Problem Solving]
3. DETERMINE GAME CHARACTERISTICS AND MECHANICS TO SUPPORT THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOTYPAL GAME.
[Enquiry]
4. APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO A GAME FRAMEWORK IN ORDER TO PRODUCE A FULLY FUNCTIONAL GAME.
[Application]
[Knowledge & Understanding]
2. DEFINE AND REFINE FUNCTIONAL PROGRAMMING CONSTRUCTS REQUIRED TO MEET PROGRAM FLOW AND AIMS OF AN ORIGINAL GAME CONCEPT
[Problem Solving]
3. DETERMINE GAME CHARACTERISTICS AND MECHANICS TO SUPPORT THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOTYPAL GAME.
[Enquiry]
4. APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO A GAME FRAMEWORK IN ORDER TO PRODUCE A FULLY FUNCTIONAL GAME.
[Application]
Web Descriptor
Students are given a large-scale, studio-like framework created for a single player 2D space battle game. They are to design and develop their own custom gameplay using this framework which entails creating additional assets, prototypal features, in-game effects and systems, tools, game modes and missions.