This module will cover the following topics:

Programming in an engine at low level

High level scripting

The Gameplay Loop

Game mechanics and events

Programming Patterns

Assessment Component 1 – (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 3)

A game project weighted at 70% consisting of:

An Unreal Engine project that utilises both C++ and visual scripting to create efficient game mechanic systems.

Technical documentation to explain the structure of these systems.


Assessment Component 2 – (Learning Outcomes 4 & 5)

A reflective report weighted at 30% consisting of:

Explanation of how a game can make the best use of C++ and visual scripting inside Unreal Engine.

Discussion to explain how understanding this will aid you working within development teams alongside other disciplines.

2 x 3-hour lecture/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.

1. Transpose systems made by designers into efficient C++ implementations

2. Implement solutions to create gameplay using C++ in Unreal Engine

3. Write technical documentation that communicates system design effectively

4. Evaluate how well a game mechanic has been made, referencing industry practices

Unreal Engine

Microsoft Visual Studio

JetBrains Rider

Version Control (GitHub, Plastic SCM or equivalent)

Digital Academy Forums

Digital Academy Uploads

Butler, S & Oliver, T (2023) Game Development Patterns with Unreal Engine 5 ISBN: 978-1803243252

Volin, S (2018) Learning C++ by Creating Games with UE4 ISBN: 978-1788476249

Ulibarri, S (2020) Unreal Engine C++ the Ultimate Developer’s Handbook ISBN: 979-8648492516

You will explore how to make truly efficient systems within a commercial engine structure utilising both C++ and visual scripting. Completing this module will give you a keen understanding of how programmers can make systems that designers can easily work with without tangling your code.