Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

This course provides students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to conceptualize, develop, and publish their own small-scale game. It’s a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of game programming.

This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of game programming. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have gained the knowledge and skills to:
• Design and Develop a Small-Scale Game:
Utilize a game engine to design and develop a small-scale game, demonstrating an understanding of the game development process.
• Implement Game Object Functionality:
Create and modify game objects by implementing new functionalities, showcasing their ability to manipulate game elements.
• Incorporate Physics Simulations:
Apply physics simulations in a game environment, illustrating a grasp of how real-world physics can enhance gameplay.
• Apply and Control Audio Effects:
Integrate and control audio effects to enrich the gaming experience, demonstrating an understanding of the role of sound in games.
• Utilize Version Control in Team Settings:
Effectively use version control tools in a team-based project, highlighting their ability to collaborate and manage code in a shared environment.
• Build and Release a Game:
Compile and release a game on an online platform, showing their ability to prepare a game for public distribution.

Content (course unit)

• Introduction to Game Programming: Overview of game development and the role of a game programmer.
• Game Engines: Introduction to game engines, their components, and how they facilitate game development.
• Game Objects and Functionality: Understanding game objects, their properties, and how to implement new functionalities.
• Physics in Games: Introduction to physics simulations in games and how to incorporate them to enhance gameplay.
• Audio in Games: Understanding the role of audio in games, and how to apply and control audio effects.
• Version Control: Introduction to version control systems, their importance in team projects, and how to use them effectively.
• Game Building and Release: Steps to compile, build, and release a game on an online platform.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• is able to configure and read user input from an input device and control a character based on the input
• is able to implement gameplay features together with a game artist
• knows how to use version control software in a game team

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• is able to implement a small-scale game together with a game artist
• can utilize advanced features of version control software
• can create advanced character behaviours

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• can apply learnt skills in a real world game projects
• knows how to implement complicated systems
• knows how to create a build and publish a finished game product for customers on a online platform

Assessment scale

0-5