MA C131 Game Interface Design

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course investigates user interface design for electronic game design and production. Topics include the use of DirectX and Direct3D in game engine and user interface I/O; user input devices; projections of game interface techniques; front-end visual game design tools, stock game engines; basic game programming concepts; and the balance of game performance and player immersion.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Compare and categorize user/game interface techniques and their effectiveness
   with different audiences and game genres.
2. Appraise future projections and timelines of game user interface techniques and
   their implications in near-term game user interface design.
3. Construct a basic game interface structure using Direct3D and DirectX with C++.
4. Examine basic game interface techniques and character controls using a front-end
   visual game development tool.
5. Evaluate the use of game engines vs. DirectX vs. front-end visual game design
   tools in the design of game user interfaces.
6. Assess the role of the game user interface and other techniques in the telling of the
   story.

DETAILED TOPICAL OUTLINE

1. Introduction to Game Interface Design
   1. History
   2. Current Trends and Future Projections
   3. User Interface Devices and Controls
   4. Human Interface Guidelines
      
2. Telling a Game Story
   1. The User
   2. The Audience
   3. Game Performance
   4. Player Immersion
      
3. Game Programming Concepts
   1. Levels of Abstraction
   2. API’s
   3. Component ID
   4. Object Orientation
   5. Interface Efficiency
      
4. Game Interface I/O
   1. DirectX
   2. Direct3D
   3. Game Engines
   4. Front-end Visual Design Tools

READINGS

Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus by Andre Lamothe, MacMillian Publishing Company.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Reading Assignments: The textbook reading assignments will be discussed in class in order to assist the student in developing a sequential theoretical understanding of the techniques and processes required to accomplish the computer based laboratory assignments.
2. Typical Writing Assignments: Write a critique of a commercial game user interface.
3. Typical Outside Assignments: Research current trends in the industry, or visit a production studio and observe the processes of game user interface design.

TYPICAL EVALUATION AND GRADING SCALE

Students will be evaluated based on critiques, game design projects, written quizzes, and a written exam. In order to achieve a grade of "C" in this course, the student must complete all assigned design projects.

Typical evaluation criteria may include:

Game Critiques 10%
Game Projects 50%
Quizzes 30%
Final Exam. 10%
Total 100 %

A typical grading scale is:

90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F

10.25.2000

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