Computer Game Development (I)

This course introduces students to computer programming methods for game development. Students will use a hands-on approach to learn practical programming concepts for interactive game design using an object-oriented programming language (such as c++), graphics libraries, and game engines.

Topics include fundamental game concepts, an introduction to object-oriented programming for game development, basic 2D game graphics, and an introduction to modern game engines.

Course Content
Basic game concepts

• The game development lifecycle
• Actors, mechanics, goals, space, and rules

A brief introduction to object-oriented programming

• Classes and objects
• Private and public members
• Object pointers and references
• Inheritance
• Templates

Basic 2D game graphics

• The color buffer
• Double buffering
• Implemention of 2D graphics in a game

An introduction to game engines

• Maps, levels, actors, components, transforms, and vectors
• Visual scripting basics
• Level design
• Compiling game projects using an integrated development environment
• Live coding basics
• Tick, frame rate, and delta-time concepts
• Using inheritance to create classes
• Game modes
• Debugging games using output logs
• Processing player input
• Particle systems
• Line traces
• Object collision
• Spawning actors
• User interfaces and heads-up displays
• Adding audio to games 

Learning Activities
Lectures, labs, and self-directed learning (programming assignments)

• Means of Assessment
• Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. 

Evaluation will be based on the following:

• Labs 5-25 percent
• Assignments 0-20 percent
• Projects 0-20 percent
• Term Test(s) 20-30 percent
• Final Exam 25-35 percent

Total 100 percent

In order to pass the course, in addition to receiving an overall course grade of at least 50 percent, students must achieve a grade of at least 50% on the combined weighted examination components (term test(s) and final exam).

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the game development lifecycle from a programming perspective;
• Explain the fundamental concepts behind games;
• Apply object-oriented programming techniques in the context of computer game development;
• Utilize an integrated development environment for game programming;
• Design and implement object-oriented programs for computer game development;
• Program logic and game mechanics with collisions and particle effects;
• Create game prototypes using game engines and graphics libraries;
• Build basic user interface elements and interactive menus for computer games.
• Textbook Materials
• Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.

Sample textbooks and materials may include:

• Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5 (current edition), Marcos Romero, Brenden Sewell, and Luis Cataldi, Packt Publishing
• Game Programming in C++ (current edition), Sanjay Madhav, Pearson