Students will explore the following C++ development topics.


Toolchain Introduction (e.g.; Visual Studio, GitHub, GitHub Desktop, Version Control)

Unreal Engine Structure, gameplay framework and build tools

C++ Syntax introduction

Variables and Data types in C++

Introduction to C++ Object Orientation in Unreal Engine

Exposing Variables to Blueprint

Blueprint Callable Functions

Memory Pointers

Using Events in C++ and Blueprints

Unreal Engine Code Standards

Data Structures

C++ and Blueprint Linking (Delegates, Broadcasting & User Input)

Optimisation and Profiling

Assessment Component 1 - (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3)

A Development Portfolio weighted at 70% consisting of:

A Game Project developed using C++ and Blueprint.

Project documentation of progress and learning submitted to the Digital Academy Forum.

The project must use C++ to initiate the main classes and be extended by Blueprint within the Unreal Engine.


Assessment Component 2 - Learning Outcomes 3 and 4)

A Critical Reflection and Demo Video weighted at 30% consisting of:

A reflection of the project development approaches, areas for further learning, and a showcase of the game prototype produced, posted to the Digital Academy Forum.

1 * 3-hour Seminar / Lecture / Workshop

1 * 3-hour Workshop

19h weekly - independent learning

1. Plan and produce prototype systems, frameworks and mechanics for a game using C++.

University Learning Outcome

Enquiry

2. Apply programming principles to games design challenges.

University Learning Outcome

Application

3. Identify suitable programming approaches to improve efficiency, and to provide effective game-ready solutions.

University Learning Outcome

Problem Solving

4. Manage learning, exercise initiative, show personal responsibility and demonstrate the ability to acquire new programming skills.

University Learning Outcome

Reflection

Unreal Engine

Visual Studio

Git Desktop

Digital Academy Forum

Digital Academy Uploads

Doran, J.P. and Casanova, M. (2017) Game development patterns and best practices: better games, less hassle. 1st ed. PACKT Publishing. ISBN: ¿ 978-0990582908

Epic Games (2022) Beginplay: Learning path (2022) Epic Developer Community. Epic Games. Available at: https://dev.epicgames.com/community/learning/paths/0w/unreal-engine-beginplay (Accessed: January 11, 2023).

Fozi et al. (2022) Elevating Game Experiences with Unreal Engine 5 - Second Edition. Packt Publishing. ISBN: ¿ 978-1803239866

Fozi, H. (2020) Game development projects with unreal engine¿: learn to build your first games and bring your ideas to life using UE4 and C++. Birmingham, England: Packt Publishing. ISBN: ¿ 978-1800209220

Horton, J. (2019) Beginning C++ Game Programming: Learn to Program with C++ by Building Fun Games, 2nd Edition. Birmingham: Packt Publishing, Limited. ISBN: ¿ 978-1838648572

Looman, T. (2022) Developing a C++ gameplay framework with Tom Looman: Inside unreal: Livestream, Epic Developer Community. Epic Games. Available at: https://dev.epicgames.com/community/learning/livestreams/VaD/developing-a-c-gameplay-framework-with-tom-looman-inside-unreal (Accessed: January 11, 2023).

Pattuzzi, S. (2020) Converting blueprint to C++: Course, Epic Developer Community. Epic Games. Available at: https://dev.epicgames.com/community/learning/courses/KJ/unreal-engine-converting-blueprint-to-c (Accessed: January 11, 2023).

Sherif, W. (2015) Learning C++ by creating games with UE4. Packt Publishing. ISBN: ¿ 978-1784396572

Sherif, W. and Whittle, S. (2016) Unreal Engine 4 scripting with C++ cookbook¿: get the best out of your games by scripting them using UE4. 1st edition. Birmingham, England: Packt Publishing. ISBN: ¿ 978-1785885549

Stevens, A. (2022) C++ for blueprinters: Tutorial, Epic Developer Community. Epic Games. Available at: https://dev.epicgames.com/community/learning/tutorials/qO/c-for-blueprinters (Accessed: January 11, 2023).

Ulibarri, S (2020) Unreal Engine C++ The Ultimate Developer's Handbook ISBN: ¿ 979-8648492516

This module prepares you for work with Technical Designers and Programmers. You will be introduced to C++ terminology, basic programming techniques, and how to integrate Blueprints and C++ together. The aim of the module is to help you create simple gameplay features in C++, enhancing your portfolio with new skills.


Intended for students who are confident with Blueprints and want to take their first steps into C++. The module provides a starting point for C++ development and encourages further learning into programming techniques.