Module Descriptors
MULTIPLAYER MECHANICS PROGRAMMING
GDEV60027
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Cooper
Email: peter.cooper@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 1 to UG Semester 2
- Occurrence B, Digital Institute London, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
Sites
- Digital Institute London
- Stoke Campus
Assessment
- GAME PROTOTYPE weighted at 70%
- REPORT - 1800 WORDS weighted at 30%
Module Details
INDICATIVE CONTENT
P2P Vs Dedicated Server
Replication
Mechanic Design
Serialisation (Google Protobuf, etc)
Prediction Algorithms
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment Component 1: - (Learning Outcomes 3 & 4)
A Multiplayer Game Prototype weighted at 30% consisting of:
A project with multiplayer focussed gameplay using an existing game engine focusing on creating a balanced and engaging mechanic.
Assessment Component 2 – (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)
A Multiplayer Techniques Report weighted at 70% consisting of:
A report that applies research methods to investigate and critically discuss the multiplayer technologies and techniques used when creating mechanics within a multiplayer game.
A Multiplayer Game Prototype weighted at 30% consisting of:
A project with multiplayer focussed gameplay using an existing game engine focusing on creating a balanced and engaging mechanic.
Assessment Component 2 – (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)
A Multiplayer Techniques Report weighted at 70% consisting of:
A report that applies research methods to investigate and critically discuss the multiplayer technologies and techniques used when creating mechanics within a multiplayer game.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
2x 1-hour lectures per week presenting key topics and concepts
2x 2-hour practical tutorial sessions per week, providing support and guided learning
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Module Learning Outcome
1. Explain the design and implementation of mechanics in multiplayer games.
2. Compare technologies and techniques used in network games.
3. Design a mechanic suitable for multiplayer games.
4. Demonstrate industry-standard methods to design and build a multiplayer prototype game solution.
RESOURCES
Unity
Appropriate IDE (Visual Studio, Rider, etc)
Windows PC
Office 365
Version Control (GitHub, Plastic SCM or equivalent)
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload
REFERENCE TEXTS
Madhav, S, (2015) Multiplayer Game Programming: Architecting Networked Games ISBN: 9780134034300
Engelbrecht, D (2021) Building Multiplayer Games in Unity: Using Mirror Networking ISBN: 9781484274736
Ignatchenko, S (2017) Development and Deployment of Multiplayer Online Games Vol1 ISBN: 9783903213067
Ignatchenko, S (2020) Development and Deployment of Multiplayer Online Games Vol2 ISBN: 9783903213166
WEB DESCRIPTOR
You will design and implement a multiplayer prototype using a game engine. Students will specifically focus on how mechanics change within a multiplayer setting using industry standard methods. On completion of this module, you will have a better understanding of how small multiplayer games work better equipping you to jump into a larger commercial multiplayer project.