module specification

CU4061 - Introduction to Game Prototyping (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Introduction to Game Prototyping
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
50 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
64 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Project and Documentation
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Thursday Afternoon

Module summary

You will learn the basics of Game Development, with an introduction to programming in C++ and visual scripting languages and you will implement Level Design principles and landscape for large environments. Additionally, you will learn how to implement basic AI, VFX and Animation in games. You will also learn how to implement a working user interface and bring a game project to working prototype level.

The aims are:
To introduce new students to the principle and basic applications of game development.
Gain skills in Level design for games.
Build awareness of logic and programming principles.
To provide a working technical knowledge of industry standard software utilised in the development of video games.
To Build skills in teamwork, project planning and time management.

Syllabus

Game Design [LO1], [LO3], [LO4]
Game Programming [LO1], [LO2], [LO4]
Game Landscape and Level Design [LO1]
Game Visual Scripting [LO1], [LO2], [LO4]
Application of C++ to Game Development [LO1], [LO2], [LO4]
Game UI [LO1]
Game AI [LO1], [LO2]
Game VFX [LO1]
Game Animation [LO1]
Gameplay Programming [LO1], [LO2], [LO4]
Project Planning [LO1], [LO3]
Prototype implementation [LO2], [LO3], [LO4]

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The teaching and learning strategy for this module is a combination of intensive laboratory work where students will be expected to develop their programming skills. Group work is encouraged and reinforced at the laboratory sessions.  The student’s understanding will be tested by practical exercises in class.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
 
LO1. Design, plan and implement a simple game prototype.
LO2. Build Logical and Analytical thinking skills.
LO3. Exhibit time management and teamworking skills.
LO4. Understand different Game Development strategies and learn to select the appropriate approach based on the task at hand.

Bibliography