MA C133 Game Engine Programming

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores the concepts and techniques of game engine programming for electronic game design and production. Topics include: the use of DirectX, Direct3D, and Win32 in game engine design; algorithms, data structures, and memory management issues relevant to game engine design; the history and future of game engine programming; the use of a front-end visual game design tool to complement the game engine programming process; and the use and issues of stock game engines.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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

1. Distinguish the primary components of a game engine, as well as a general
   breakdown of each component.
2. Relate the history and future of game programming.
3. Construct a basic game engine structure using Direct3D and DirectX with C++.
4. Examine basic game programming techniques and character controls using a front-
   end visual game development tool.
5. Compare the use of stock game engines vs. DirectX vs. front-end visual game
   design tools in the game development process.
6. Appraise the application of basic algorithms, data structures and memory
   management to game programming.
7. Assess the real-time and algorithmic issues of the simulation of physics and
   artificial intelligence in game design.
8. Relate the issues of game controller interface programming.
9. Examine the role of a front-end visual game design tool in the game programming
   process.
10. Appraise network multi-user issues in game programming.

DETAILED TOPICAL OUTLINE

1. Introduction
   1. History of Game Programming
   2. Current Trends and the Future
   3. Front-end Visual Game Design Tools
      
2. Introduction to the Game Engine
   1. Game Engine Components and Variations
   2. Stock Game Engines, pros and cons
   3. API's
      
3. General Game Programming Concepts
   1. Algorithms and Data Structures relevant to Game Design
   2. Memory Management
   3. Multithreaded Game Programming
   4. Game Performance Considerations
      
4. Specific Game Programming Techniques
   1. DirectX
   2. Direct3D
   3. Win32 Programming
   4. WindowsCE SDK
   5. SoftImage GDK
      
5. Other Topics
   1. Real-time AI Simulation Issues in Game Programming
   2. Multi-user Network Game Issues in Game Programming
   3. Real-time Physics Simulation Issues in Game Programming
   4. Game Controller Device Interface Programming
   5. Real-time 3D Graphics Programming Considerations
   6. 3D Hardware Acceleration Programming Considerations

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 engine.
3. Typical Outside Assignments: Research current trends in the industry, or visit a production studio and observe the processes of game engine design and programming.

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 Engine Critiques 10%
Game Engine 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

  Courses Index