CE818-7-AU-CO:
High-Level Games Development

The details
2024/25
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
21 March 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
CE318

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC G61012 Computer Games

Module description

Students are not permitted to undertake this module if they have done the equivalent module of CE318 at UG level on a CSEE undergraduate course. This is because it cannot count towards your course credits. Please contact the CSEE School Office for specific advice on your module choices. 


This module teaches the main programming and modelling techniques required to implement a non-trivial 3D game. The module has a significant laboratory content and the practical aspects will be taught using a game development platform. No previous game experience is needed, although havng object-orientated programming knowledge is strongly advised (all programming will be done in C#).

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Module aims

The aim of this module is:



  • To show the modelling techniques required to implement a 3D game via significant laboratory content demonstrated using a game development platform. Object-orientated programming is used throughout

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the software architecture of 3D game.

  2. Design and implement a 3D game.

  3. Implement AI behaviours for bots or non-player characters.

  4. Design and implement graphic effects.

  5. Design and implement game objects (e.g. weapon systems).

  6. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced techniques in game development.

Module information

Syllabus



  • Recap of essential mathematics for 3D games, and how to implement the associated routines, and to use them in existing libraries

  • Software architecture for games

  • Game content and the content pipeline

  • 3D modeling and simulation. Physics modelling. Detecting and reacting to collisions. Lighting and cameras. Scene graphics.

  • Game mechanics

  • The game loop

  • Case study: from design to implementation of a complete 3D game.

  • Efficiency tuning

  • Tips and tricks for ensuring your game meets the required frame rate

  • Analysis of inefficient program code and how to fit it.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Lectures.
  • Laboratories.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Progress Test 1 (In person, MCQ Moodle Test, Closed Book)    15% 
Coursework   Progress Test 2 (In person, MCQ Moodle Test, Closed Book)    15% 
Coursework   Lab Exercises (throughout term)    10% 
Coursework   Assignment: Part 1 (Game Prototype, Design and Abstract)  08/11/2024  20% 
Coursework   Assignment: Part 2 (Final Game, Report, Case Study and Presentation)  13/12/2024  40% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Katerina Bourazeri, email: a.bourazeri@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Katerina Bourazeri
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr MARJORY CRISTIANY Da COSTA ABREU
Sheffield Hallam University
Senior Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 21 hours, 10 (47.6%) hours available to students:
9 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

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