module specification

CU6056 - Networking for Games (2022/23)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2022/23
Module title Networking for Games
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
105 hours Placement / study abroad
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 40%   CW1 - networked chat application
Coursework 60%   CW2 - final 2D/3D networked game
Running in 2022/23

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

Module summary

This course allows students to build multiplayer games and learn what networking is all about. They will learn all about the networking theory and apply that to the server-side and client-side games code they will write.

Building Server/client code and gameplay
Learning about networking theory
Learning what makes a multiplayer game

There will be 2x course works to be completed.
CW1 – A basic networked chat application
CW2 – A full 2D or 3D multiplayer game

Prior learning requirements

C++

Syllabus

Multithreading LO4
Advanced C++ LO3
STL programming
Memory management LO1, LO2
File handling and data driving 

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

During the lecture, students will be taught theoretical background. Additionally during the workshop sessions a tutor will monitor and aid the progress of student work.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

LO1 Students will learn how to write server/client code and games
LO2 Students will develop games that can be interconnected and communicate with each other
LO3 Students will learn advanced and modern C++ techniques used within multiplayer games programming
LO4 Students will learn multithreaded programming.

Assessment strategy

Both assignments are seeking to enhance the learning process and to ensure the student has understood what has been presented.  Module assessment is composed of two components.

Bibliography

Books
Joshua Glazer (2015) Multiplayer Game Programming: Architecting Networked Games (Game Design); Addison Wesley Professional
ISBN-10: 0134034309

No Bugs' Hare (2017) Development and Deployment of Multiplayer Online Games, Vol. I: GDD, Authoritative Servers, Communications: Volume 1; ITHare.com
ISBN-10: 3903213055

Online resources
https://gafferongames.com/tags/networking/

https://github.com/MFatihMAR/Awesome-Game-Networking

http://www.codersblock.org/blog/multiplayer-fps-part-1