Computer Games Design and Programming

Introduction To 3D Games Engines

Students will cover the basics of a games engine, how they have evolved over time and how all the elements of a games engine function as one entity. They will also be introduced to a games engine's software development kit (SDK) toolset that will cover the following elements whilst relating to resources and balanced functionality.

Module code: GAME40213

Games Engine Creation

2D games require very differnet techniques than 3D games. In this module you will not only learn and enhance your C++ programming but you will also learn how plan and build a 2D game using SDL. You will also have the ability to bring in skills you learn from other first year modules setting you on a good pathway for future games programming and development modules.

Module code: COSE40638

Introduction To Games Design

This module focuses on the theoretical side to games design and covers a wide variety of topics ranging from level design and development to mechanic exploration and breakdown. The assignment consists of a series of task-based learning and problem solving as well as covering some of the essential software in games design.

Module code: GAME40214

Rapid Games Prototyping

Students are taught from scratch how to design, develop and enhance their own game prototypes using rapid prototyping techniques, scripting and an industry standard game engine. The emphasis is on demonstrating core gameplay ideas within short timescales.

Module code: GAME40250

Further Games And Graphics Concepts

This module will introduce you to graphics and real-time game-physics programming in DirectX and C++.

Module code: COSE50581

2D Game Art

This module introduces the core concepts of pixel art, from low resolution 16 colour sprites to industry relevant creation of larger tiles and higher requirements, with the assignment focusing on development of tile sheets and developing pixel art for modern engines such as Unreal Engine 4.

Module code: GAME50649

Game Interface Design And Implementation

In this module you will analyse current user interfaces and heads up displays being used in modern games and investigate the design process for menus, options and other elements of user interface design. You will then design and create a user interface for a specific game genre before implementing your design into a game engine.

Module code: GAME50261

Introduction To 3D Modelling For Games

This module introduces you to the pipeline for creating games art assets. You'll learn how to model and texture assets using the latest industry standard techniques and software. You'll be introduced to high detail modelling and the painting of PBR materials. By the end of the module you'll be modelling assets ready for today's PC and console games

Module code: GAME40400

Junior Collaborative Game Development And Testing

Students will work in a junior role in a team comprised of departments as in a games studio. They will work with other juniors and level 6 seniors to make a vertical slice of a game as either an artist, designer or tech/scripter.

Module code: GAME50170

3D Games Design And Development

This module focuses on working with game prototypes and industry standard documentation. You'll develop skills in the field games design, level design and game engines resulting in games design documentation, playable projects and demo videos.

Module code: GAME50185

Gameplay Applications

On this module you’ll undertake a solo analog games project to fit in a given theme. You’ll be in charge of it’s design, production, play testing and eventual demoing at the annual board game expo on campus.

Module code: GAME50172

Advanced 3D Games Engines And Scripting

This module creates an understanding of the importance of utilising an embedded scripting language within an engine. This will be used to create simple game entities and later on in the module, a simple game.

Module code: GAME50180

Indie Game Development

In this module, students will focus on learning the tools and techniques required to make games that are targeted at social networks and mobile platforms. During this process, a design document will be created which forms the basis for the developed game. A complete and polished version of this game will then be created using a scripting language within a commercial game engine.

Module code: GAME50652

Advanced Games Prototyping

Students are given a large-scale, studio-like framework created for a single player 2D space battle game. They are to design and develop their own custom gameplay using this framework which entails creating additional assets, prototypal features, in-game effects and systems, tools, game modes and missions.

Module code: GAME60249

Individual Games Technology Portfolio

This employability focused module looks at a number of specific aspects with web presences, social media and industry engagement, while also allowing you the chance to add more work to your portfolio to fit your future career plans.

Module code: GAME60271

Games Funding, Publishing And Community Engagement

Lectures and case studies on the following operational areas of the Games Industry. This module will look at areas such as key dates in the games industry calendar, making Games Industry connections, key people in the Games Industry, Gaming Sites and developing a Games Community.

Module code: GAME60281

A.I. Scripting For Games

Students will focus on the challenging art of designing and implementing Artificial Intelligence systems. Through scripting complex custom entities, students pit their developed AIs against a series of challenging scenarios including competitive arena-based combat and multi-agent tasks.

Module code: GAME60248

Experimental Gameplay

Module code: GAME60114

Senior Collaborative Games Development & Testing

Students will work in a senior role in a team comprised of departments as in a games studio. They will work with other seniors and Level 5 Juniors to make a vertical slice of a game as either an artist, designer or tech / scripter. The senior roles carry additional focus on mentoring and project management.

Module code: GAME60247

Individual Games Technology Project

This individual project, of your design, allows you to produce work for your portfolio that directly relates to your future career aspirations.

Module code: GAME60193

Computer Games Marketing

This module explores the marketing elements of the computer game industry. Students will look at topics such as how the game industry works, marketing independent games, as well as designing a marketing strategy.

Module code: GAME60235

Advanced Games Design And Production

In this module, students will focus on the completion of game prototypes within a modern industry setting. Students will learn the practical and theoretical techniques necessary to produce professional documentation, excellent prototypes and community-designed topics.

Module code: GAME60510

Advanced Graphics And Real-Time Rendering

This module will explore advanced graphics concepts such as normal mapping, deferred shading, and shadows. The entire shader pipeline will be covered, including tessellation and compute shaders.

Module code: COSE60587