Computer Game Development I

Curriculum guideline

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Course
CMPT 1267
Discontinued
No
Course code
CMPT 1267
Descriptive
Computer Game Development I
Department
Computing Science
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
35
Contact hours

Weekly Distribution:

  • Lecture: 2 hours
  • Lab: 2 hours
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning activities

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

Course description
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 as well as coding methods for implementing their designed games using object-oriented programming languages (such as C++). Topics include core concepts underlying computer graphics and games, designing game objects, Open Graphics Library (OpenGL), 2D and 3D graphics, audio, camera models, collision detection, and game user interface design.
Course content
  • Setting up development environments
  • Introduction to game development libraries
  • Introduction to game engines
  • Game loops
  • Implementing a skeleton game class
  • Basic 2D graphics
  • Game object models
  • Loading image files
  • Drawing and animating sprites
  • Scrolling backgrounds
  • Basic movement implementation
  • Detecting collision between objects
  • Using Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) in games
  • Writing shader programs
  • Transformation basics
  • Adding support for textures
  • Loading 3D models
  • Drawing 3D meshes
  • Lighting
  • Adding audio to games
  • Implementation of cameras
  • Geometric types
  • Intersection tests
  • Adding collisions to game code
  • Game user interface (UI) design
  • Text rendering
  • UI screens
  • In-game heads-up display
Learning outcomes

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

  • Define the core concepts behind real-time games
  • Utilize an integrated development environment for game programming
  • Apply event-driven programming methods
  • Design and write object-oriented programs for computer games
  • Organize game objects
  • Apply OpenGL for game development
  • Compile, test, and debug computer game programs
  • Create a game application based on self-created assets

 

Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College 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%
Assignments       0-20%
Projects 0-20%
Midterm Exam 20-30%
Final Exam 25-35%
Total 100%

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

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.

Sample text:
Game Programming in C++ (latest edition), Sanjay Madhav, Pearson, ISBN: 978-0-13-459720-1

Prerequisites

Minimum C grade in CMPT 1109 or CMPT 1110 or CSIS 1175