Entry requirements

Module 1, 3.5 credits from the course Introduction to C++ for Game Developers, 7.5 credits.

Learning outcomes

In terms of knowledge and comprehension, after completed course the student should be able to:

• describe the build process and physical structure of C++ projects
• describe some of the common components and subsystems of a game, such as input handling, graphical user interfaces, textures, sounds, dynamic entities, and collision detection
• account for the lifecycle management of game assets, including when to load assets, how to allocate data, and how to manage their references throughout the game.

In terms of skill and ability, after completed course the student should be able to:

• analyze and deconstruct existing designs to create actionable implementation strategies
• practice an iterative process of game development
• implement a game that integrates some common subsystems, such as; input, graphical interfaces, asset management, entities, and collision detection
• use debugging tools to trace execution and inspect runtime values to reason about the code.

In terms of evaluation and analysis, after completed course the student should be able to:

• reflect on architectural decisions made during the development of a game project.

Content

The course covers the fundamentals of creating computer games in 2D such as the game loop, input, asset loading and management, handling game entities and game states, sounds and 2D collision detection. During the course the students will develop games in C++ with various game mechanics, and practice several debugging techniques common in game development.

Instruction

Lectures, workshops and laboratory work.

Assessment

Examination will be in the form of hand-in assignments, oral examination and quizzes.

The course is divided into two graded modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Game Architecture, 3 credits

Module 2: Iterative Game Development, 4.5 credits

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University´s disability coordinator

Other regulations

The course overlaps 5SD813, Programming with C/C++3 - Computer Games in 2D, 5 cr.