General provisions

The course is part of the Bachelor's programme Game Design and Programming, 180 Credit.

Entry requirements

Programming with C/C++ 1: Introduction, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• understand the structure of a computer game,
• explain the major components of a game engine,
• use external libraries for graphics, sound and input via various interfaces,
• understand basic algorithms for collisions,
• use a game design document to analyse needs and plan agile development processes

Content

The course covers the fundamentals of creating computer games in 2D (game loop and game objects). This includes construction of reusable game engine components for:

• handling game objects
• reading in resources which can be re-used – images and sounds
• inputting via various interfaces – mouse, keyboard, hand-held controls, touch screen or sensors
• algorithms for finding collisions and solving collision reactions in 2D space
• memory management

The course teaches the use of external libraries for all major components such as input, graphics and sound and the use of game design documents to communicate and formalise technical requirements documentation and to plan agile development processes.

Instruction

Lectures, teacher-led exercise and laboratory work with compulsory hand-in assignments.

Assessment

Assessment is of a written project report and verbal presentation of the project.

Grades

The possible grades for the course are Pass with Distinction, Pass or Fail.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Uppsala University has a strict attitude towards cheating and plagiarism and disciplinary measures will be taken against students who are suspected of involvement in any kind of cheating/plagiarism. The disciplinary measures take the form of a warning and suspension for a limited period.

NB: Only a completed course may be counted towards a degree.