The module builds on knowledge and skills acquired through the pre-requisite module by covering in detail the advanced topics of Game Mechanics and will utilise industry standard technologies and techniques to create a highly detailed and technical game mechanic.

You will be tasked to design and develop a game mechanic of your choice on a chosen topic, that has been approved, which demonstrates these industry standard techniques.

Appropriate methods of research will be used throughout the project to analyse, support, and justify the suitable method(s) chosen to implement the game mechanic to required level, of which will be documented through the relevant and professional technical and design documentation.

The topics that will be covered through this module will include:

Mechanic Design and Balancing

Local Multiplayer Design

Agile Map Construction

Tool design and Implementation

Animation Systems

Procedural Content Generation

Shader Construction

Player Controllers

AI Design Techniques


Once the artefact has been produced, you will be required to critically reflect on your artefact production through visual communication, using technical language, supported by appropriate methods of research to support and justify your design and technique choices.

Coursework Project - Design and implement a highly polished and complex mechanic that utilises correct programming principles and techniques. 80%


Practical - A critically reflective video breakdown of the mechanic system, 5-10 minutes. 20%

Content will be taught over a period of 12 weeks that consist of 12 x 2 hours class which will consist of activities such as:

Lecturers

Workshops

Tutorials

You are expected to spend a minimum of 126 hours for self-managed learning where you will be required to complete assessment work, conduct research, and carry out extended tutorial tasks.

Produce, design, and implement a complex game mechanic that demonstrates understanding and knowledge of game engines features and techniques.

Produce and critically evaluate technical documentation to show an understanding of the problem and plans to resolve it meeting the assessment criteria.

Critically reflect on the features and techniques utilised through visual communication to a technical audience and consider future applications.

Unreal Engine

Visual Studio

Adams, E. and Dormans, J., 2012. Game mechanics. Berkeley, Calif.: New Riders.

Gibson, J., 2015. Introduction to game design, prototyping, and development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Addison-Wesley.

Rabin, S., 2017. Game AI pro 3. Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis.