Bachelor of Computer Applications (Honours) - Game Development

The game development (honours) programme is an undergraduate degree programme focused on preparing students for careers in the dynamic and innovative field of game development. This specialized programme combines computer science fundamentals with specialized courses in game design, development, and production. 

This programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to pursue careers as game developers, designers, programmers, artists, or producers in the fast-paced and competitive game industry. Graduates are prepared to contribute to the creation of engaging and immersive gaming experiences across various platforms and genres.

Eligibility

• 10+2 from recognized Board / Council with minimum 50 percent marks.
• A relaxation of 5 percent marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC / ST.

Foundation Courses:

• Core computer science courses covering programming languages (C++, Java, Python), data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.

Graphics and Animation (from semester 3 onwards):

• Introduction to computer graphics, including 2D and 3D graphics concepts.
• Animation principles and techniques.
• Graphics programming using tools and libraries like OpenGL or DirectX.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design:

• Principles of UI/UX design for interactive applications. Designing user interfaces for games and graphics applications.

Computer Animation:

• In-depth study of animation techniques and tools. 3D modeling and animation software usage.

Project Work:

• Practical projects focused on game development, graphics design, or related areas. Collaborative projects that may involve designing and implementing a game or graphics application.

Soft Skills and Team Collaboration:

• Emphasis on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in collaborative projects.

Game Development:

• Fundamentals of game design and development.
• Game programming and scripting languages.
• Game engine development and usage (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).
• Multiplayer game development concepts.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):

• Introduction to VR and AR technologies. Developing applications for VR and AR environments.

Computer Vision:

• Concepts of computer vision for image and video processing. Application of computer vision in gaming and graphics.

Internship/Industry Exposure:

• Opportunities for internships or projects with gaming studios, animation companies, or IT firms specializing in graphics technology.

Programme Objectives

• To provide students with a well-rounded education that includes both foundational computer science knowledge and specialized skills relevant to the gaming and graphics industry.
• To focus on collaborative projects, internships, and ethical considerations reflects the practical aspects and responsibilities associated with working in these dynamic fields.

Programme Outcomes

• Demonstrate proficiency in programming languages.
• Develop the ability to design and implement graphical elements in games.
• Showcase proficiency in creating animations for games.
• Develop strong problem-solving skills to address technical challenges and optimize game performance.
• Demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations in game development.
• Foster an entrepreneurial mindset.

Year 1
Semester I

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Principles of Programming
• Mathematics for Computer Science
• Computer Systems
• Communication Skills
• Gaming Industry – History and Future

Semester II

• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Object-Oriented Programming using Java
• Computer Graphics
• Database Management Systems
• Operating Systems

Year 2
Semester III

• Web Technologies
• Computer Networks
• Software Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Elective 1: Introduction to Game Development

Semester IV

• Computer Vision
• Interactive Story Telling 1
• Soft skills
• Artificial Intelligence for Games
• Elective 2: 3D Modeling and Animation
• Game Development and Story Telling Project

Year 3
Semester V

• Game Design and Development
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
• Project Management for Game Development
• Elective 3: Mobile Game Development
• Game Physics and Simulation

Semester VI

• Shader Programming -GLSL
• Networked Game Development
• Advanced Animation Techniques
• Research Methodology
• Programming for Unity 3D Game Engine

Year 4
Semester VII 

• Project Part I: Game Development
• Programming for "Unreal 4" game engine
• Elective 5: Emerging Trends in Game Graphics
• Elective 6: Game Testing and Quality Assurance

Semester VIII 

• Project Part II: Game Development
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Gaming Industry
• Ethical Issues in Game Development
• Viva Voce

Curriculum Delivery

Teaching methodologies for a BCA (Hons.) programme in Data Science should be designed to provide students with a balanced and practical understanding of the subject. Here are some effective teaching methodologies that can be employed:

Interactive Lectures:

• Conduct engaging and interactive lectures to introduce theoretical concepts related to computer science, programming languages, and game development.
• Use multimedia, presentations, and real-world examples to make the content more accessible and interesting.

Hands-On Workshops:

• Organize hands-on workshops where students can apply programming skills and learn to use game development tools and engines.
• Provide step-by-step guidance on creating simple games to gradually build up their skills.

Project-Based Learning:

• Emphasize project-based learning by assigning practical, real-world projects that challenge students to apply their knowledge in creating games.
• Encourage collaborative projects to foster teamwork and communication skills.

Guest Lectures from Industry Experts:

• Invite professionals from the gaming industry to deliver guest lectures. They can provide insights into the current trends, industry practices, and career opportunities.
• Q&A sessions with industry experts can be valuable for students to gain practical advice.

Game Design Challenges:

• Organize game design challenges or competitions to stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills among students.
• Encourage them to think critically about game mechanics, user experience, and player engagement.

Regular Assessments:

• Conduct regular assessments, including quizzes, tests, and coding assignments, to evaluate students' understanding of theoretical concepts and programming skills.
• Provide constructive feedback to guide their improvement.

Industry-Relevant Curriculum:

• Design the curriculum to align with industry standards and emerging technologies in the gaming sector.
• Regularly update course content to reflect the latest advancements and trends in game development.

Internship Opportunities:

• Facilitate internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in a real-world gaming environment.
• Establish partnerships with game development studios or encourage students to seek internships independently.

Networking Events:

• Arrange networking events, gaming conferences, or seminars where students can connect with professionals in the industry.
• Participation in such events can broaden their perspectives and help them build a professional network.

Career Counseling:

• Provide career counseling sessions to guide students in choosing career paths within the gaming industry.
• Assist with resume building, portfolio development, and interview preparation.

Career Opportunities

• Game Developer/Programmer
• Game Designer
• Game Artist
• UI/UX Designer for Games
• Game Tester/QA Tester
• Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) Developer
• Game Producer/Project Manager
• Technical Artist
• Game AI Programmer
• Mobile Game Developer
• Educational Game Developer