Module Descriptors
PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PIPELINE
GDEV40022
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 4
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Craig Weightman
Email: Craig.Weightman@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 152
Total Learning Hours: 200
Pattern of Delivery
- Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 2 to UG Semester 3
- Occurrence B, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 2
Sites
- Stoke Campus
Assessment
- Coursework - Development Log weighted at 20%
- Coursework - Prototype Development weighted at 80%
Module Details
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Students will explore the following topic areas:
Understanding production pipelines
Platform choice (console/PC/mobile/smart device)
Design documentation
Technical documentation
Asset management in development
Widgets
APIs
Pitching ideas
Vertical prototyping
Horizontal prototyping
Polish and when to stop!
Full engine or just a library?
Productivity through blueprints and python
Deep dive into version control
Understanding production pipelines
Platform choice (console/PC/mobile/smart device)
Design documentation
Technical documentation
Asset management in development
Widgets
APIs
Pitching ideas
Vertical prototyping
Horizontal prototyping
Polish and when to stop!
Full engine or just a library?
Productivity through blueprints and python
Deep dive into version control
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment Component 1 - (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3)
Prototype Development weighted at 80% consisting of:
The creation of a design document and a technical document for the proposed vertical prototype.
The creation of a horizontal and vertical prototype of the proposed development.
Assessment Component 2 - (Learning Outcome 4)
Development Log weighted at 20% consisting of:
A pitch video detailing the proposed game with a playable vertical prototype and forum development log that showcases the stages of development including a reflective critique.
Prototype Development weighted at 80% consisting of:
The creation of a design document and a technical document for the proposed vertical prototype.
The creation of a horizontal and vertical prototype of the proposed development.
Assessment Component 2 - (Learning Outcome 4)
Development Log weighted at 20% consisting of:
A pitch video detailing the proposed game with a playable vertical prototype and forum development log that showcases the stages of development including a reflective critique.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
2 x 1-hour lectures per week presenting key topics and concepts¿
2 x 2-hour tutorial sessions per week which will include demonstrations, development periods, critiques and support opportunities.
Learning will be supported by a range of video and written tutorials available online via a VLE.
2 x 2-hour tutorial sessions per week which will include demonstrations, development periods, critiques and support opportunities.
Learning will be supported by a range of video and written tutorials available online via a VLE.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Show evidence of a solid understanding of the production pipeline.
2. Present exceptional personal examples of documentation.
3. Understand the implementation process of the pipeline in engine.
4. Present the artefact and documentation produced.
RESOURCES
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Uploads
Unreal Engine
Internet access
Blackboard
Office Suite
Creative Cloud
VS Code / VS
Version control
Digital Academy Uploads
Unreal Engine
Internet access
Blackboard
Office Suite
Creative Cloud
VS Code / VS
Version control
REFERENCE TEXTS
Stefyn, N. (2022) How video games are made: the game development process [Online] Available at: https://www.cgspectrum.com/blog/game-development-process
Dunlop, R. (2014) Production pipeline fundamentals for film and game. 1st edition. Edited by R. Dunlop. Burlington, Massachusetts: Focal Press. Available at: https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/1pao5m5/alma991000874608906826
Dunlop, R. (2014) Production pipeline fundamentals for film and game. 1st edition. Edited by R. Dunlop. Burlington, Massachusetts: Focal Press. Available at: https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/1pao5m5/alma991000874608906826
WEB DESCRIPTOR
This module focusses on the production pipeline of the development process. The assessment processes are geared towards the initial documentation and understanding of the technical and design document of any game development process, it will also introduce the horizontal and vertical prototype processes. Beyond the prototype phase there will be clear examples detailing the final stages of the pipeline right through to publication.