Games Design Principles (Player Motivation, Forgiveness Mechanics, etc)

Games Programming Patterns

Introduction to games development with object-oriented design and programming using C++ and SDL

Game industry processes

Software development methodologies

Basic game structure

Sprites and 2D animation

Event systems

Input handling

Clean and extensible code

Testing and debugging techniques

Assessment Component 1 - (Learning outcomes 1,4)

Preliminary Design Document weighted at 15% consisting of:

An initial design document highlighting intended application outcomes, with reference to; player feel, genre identification, intended mechanics and difficulty, and project management.


Assessment Component 2 - (Learning outcomes 2,3)

Artefact demonstration and technical documentation at 85% consisting of:

Artefact and supporting technical documentation highlighting appropriate use of programming skill to implement sufficient features for creation of a viable application, specific reference to implementation of programming patterns, use of debugging to aid development and extensibility of application to be showcased.

2 x 3-hour development sessions per week where teams will work on the assessments. Lectures, workshops and sprints will also take place during these sessions.

1. Identify and differentiate game design principles, programming patterns, and personal project management methodologies

2. Define and select appropriate design practices, programming patterns and debugging strategies for solutions.

3. Construct an application containing evidence of design practices and programming patterns.

4. Illustrate and explain the planning, design, and iterative process of developing an application for a proprietary platform.

Appropriate IDE (Visual Studio, Rider, etc)

Windows PC

Console Development Kit

Office 365

Version Control (GitHub, Plastic SCM or equivalent)

Digital Academy Forum

Digital Academy Upload

Schell, J (2019) The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses 3rd ed. ISBN: 978-1138632059

Nystrom, R (2014) Game Programming Patterns ISBN: 978-0990582908

Adams, E (2012) Game Mechanics: Advanced Game Design ISBN: 978-0321820273

This module will challenge your ability to identify the operational and functional characteristics of a simple game and systemically take this product from conception to implementation with a theoretical backing in project formulation, planning and execution. Implementation will be performed using suitable game development frameworks, sound programming principles, for a proprietary gaming platform.