Module Descriptors
MULTIPLAYER MECHANICS PROGRAMMING
GDEV60027
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Cooper
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.

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.