CE318-6-AU-CO:
High-Level Games Development

The details
2023/24
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
14 June 2023

 

Requisites for this module
CE217
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC G610 Computer Games,
BSC G612 Computer Games (Including Year Abroad),
BSC G620 Computer Games (Including Foundation Year),
BSC I610 Computer Games (Including Placement Year)

Module description

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 development experience is needed, although having object-orientated programming knowledge is strongly advised (all programming will be done in C#).

Module aims

The aims of this module are to show the modelling techniques required to implement a 3D game via signficant laboratory content demonstrated using a game development platform. Object-orientated programming is used throughout.


Module learning outcomes

After completing 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 modelling 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

Lectures and 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     15% 
Coursework   Progress Test 2     15% 
Coursework   Assignment - Part 1     20% 
Coursework   Assignment - Part 2    40% 
Practical   Lab Exercises throughout the term    10% 

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 Adam Chester
University Of Warwick
Associate Professor
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 37 hours, 19 (51.4%) hours available to students:
16 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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