Computer Games Development

Introduction To Collaborative Enterprise

Video games are interdisciplinary pieces of interactive art that require a range of specialist skills. The majority of the games that you have played will have been developed by a team of individuals. Games Developers rarely work alone. This module will challenge you to capitalise on your skills and individual creativity while working with a mixed disciplinary team of games developers. Beyond developing a video games artefact, you will be exposed to the tools, practices, and transferable skills required to work effectively as part of a group.

Module code: GAME30512

Games Design Foundations

This module introduces students to the process of game design and creation. Students will learn how to design great gameplay experiences in the form of levels and game mechanics. This is achieved by exploring existing game design theory, deconstructing existing games, and producing clear, professional game design documentation.

Module code: GAME30510

Programming Foundations

The fundamentals of programming module will give you a firm grounding in the concepts of programming. Once you have mastered the fundamentals, you will then create a game using your acquired knowledge.Once you have completed the module, you will be prepared for taking your skills further with C++, which is introduced at level 4. You will also appreciate how programming skills interrelate to engine assisted development.

Module code: GAME30514

Games Engine Foundations

This module introduces students to games development using games engines. By utilising existing game frameworks, students will learn the foundations of level creation and scripting in Unreal Engine.

Module code: GAME30511

Introduction Into Games Scholarship

The games industry is a melting pot of different creative and technical roles. In this module, you will begin your journey as a games developer in training, understanding the roles and career opportunities within the games industry and beyond. You will also be exposed to the reality of the industry, exploring the ethical, economic, and societal impact of games. We will also support you in the creation of a career action plan, helping you to develop as an independent learner.

Module code: GAME30513

C# Scripting For Games Engines

This module considers an introduction to the fundamentals of scripting in C#. Scripting is an important tool in developing interactive and fun experiences for players. You will learn how to leverage the power of C# scripting to technically design and build interactive gameplay solutions.

Module code: GDEV40008

Mechanics Prototyping

This module develops further students’ understanding of game mechanic creation using a game engine. Students will learn how to plan, communicate and implement core game concepts, such as characters, enemies and game loops in order to create fun, playable prototypes of their own design.

Module code: GDEV40018

Introduction To Asset Creation

3D Models populate the games we love to play. Start your journey by learning key 3D Modelling creation skills and implement your assets into a fully working framework. You will build a series of assets and develop a reflective journal as you bring to life a games visuals.

Module code: GDEV40012

Programming Fundamentals

There are a wide range of core programming concepts that a required to understand before you can create more complex games and applications. In this module we will introduce the techniques required to get started in the world of programming, this means topics such as: data types, conditionals, functions, and object-oriented programming will be taught which will culminate in the development of a text-based game.

Module code: GDEV40024

Fundamentals Of Games Development

This module focusses on an understanding of academic principles and portfolio piece development. By begin able to include the learning from other modules is crucial in academia, this module has a focus on that. Bringing together the knowledge and skill gained in other modules over the academic year, students should be able to pitch, plan, develop, test, and publish a solo project to a level 4 portfolio quality standards. The artefact can be a small game, asset pack, or engine tool, which will be technically and suitably aligned for the course expectations of a Game Developer. It is also important to be able to communicate the development process with a potential audience, hence why the development log (DevLog) is also a requirement for this module which will need regular updates.

Module code: GDEV40007

Production Process And Pipeline

This module focusses on the production pipeline of the development process. The assessment processes are geared towards the initial documentation and understanding of the technical and design document of any game development process, it will also introduce the horizontal and vertical prototype processes. Beyond the prototype phase there will be clear examples detailing the final stages of the pipeline right through to publication.

Module code: GDEV40022

Tools Development For Games Engines

This module will focus on tool development within Unreal Engine. The prerequisite for this module is C++ for Engines. Students will be asked to design and develop a game mechanic of their choice on a chosen topic, that has been approved, which demonstrates industry standard techniques.

Module code: GDEV50046

Experimental Systems

This module will explore mixed reality and experimental technology for games, critically understanding the theoretical backing of mixed reality interactions, risks and techniques. Implementation will be performed using suitable game development engine, appropriate tools and hardware, for a mixed reality platform.

Module code: GDEV50018

Audio Development

You will explore how to create audio through synthesis and use it to make game experiences better, how audio can be generated and filtered to create different virtual instruments along with how we can use audio in games as either a focal mechanic or as a supportive element. On completion of this module, you will understand how to enhance experiences with audio and create sounds for any given situation from raw waveforms and understand their effects on game feel.

Module code: GDEV50009

Game Artificial Intelligence

What are fundamental Artificial Intelligence skills a student needs to build their own games and enter the games industry? Game Artificial Intelligence addresses this question and provides the knowledge and practical skills in four key areas: Research, Steering behaviours, Pathfinding (i.e. A*) and Decision Making. The module assessment challenges you to understand the importance of not just implementing AI algorithms, but also to engage in problem solving and research into the state-of-the-art AI methods employed in industry.

Module code: GDEV50025

C++ For Engines

You will explore how to make truly efficient systems within a commercial engine structure utilising both C++ and visual scripting. Completing this module will give you a keen understanding of how programmers can make systems that designers can easily work with without tangling your code.

Module code: GDEV50010

Junior Collaborative Games Development

Students will work in a junior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other juniors and level 6 students who take the role of seniors, to make a vertical slice of a game.

Module code: GDEV50001

Vfx For Video Games

A fast-paced and pretty module focusing on Visual Effects for Video Games within an engine. Here we focus on UE’s Niagara system, Nanite, Lumen, and Shader Development. The purpose of this module is to not only understand the technical development of the VFX but also analyse the development process to identify the purpose of tools to enhance productivity in the development pipeline.

Module code: GDEV50044

User Interface Design And Implementation

This module will explore the key principles of User Interface design as you research existing Interfaces in games and then design your own. You will explore a range of User Experience principles and use these skills and knowledge to implement your own User Interface into a game engine.

Module code: GDEV50042

Games Development Project

The Games Development Project module gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth piece of research testing and analysis or a high-quality artefact, ready for their portfolio. You can focus your studies on your career aspirations. Whether it's stylised game characters, stalking AI monsters, procedural environments, immersive level design, or a concept for futuristic vehicles. The project allows you the opportunity to work with a supervisor and tailor the project to you. Your supervisor will be your guide and project manager. Supporting you in your journey to create a highly developed outcome with industry standard software whilst receiving lectures on portfolio development and employability.

Module code: GDEV60001

Prototyping For Technical Designers

Prototyping for Technical Designers will help you launch your Technical Games Design portfolio. In this module you’ll produce Technical Games Design projects within leading Game Engines. You’ll projects will be supported by excellent Technical Design Documentation and presented by demo reels.

Module code: GDEV60031

Mobile Games Development

This module focusses on the theory and practice of developing for mobile. The processes required to converting a game to mobile but also the requirements to implement the theory behind mobile game development to an indie project from initial idea generation. A strong focus on app store optimisation (ASO) too, with an aim to develop a clear understanding of monetisation mechanisms, acquisition, and retention.

Module code: GDEV60025

Advanced Game Artificial Intelligence

Advanced Game Artificial Intelligence explores game AI from an architectural perspective. How do you develop systems that bring together many simpler techniques into a larger complex architecture. Studying this module will give an appreciation for the field of AAA AI game development and practical insight into how to chieve similar results.

Module code: GDEV60009

Senior Collaborative Games Development

Students will work in a senior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other seniors to effectively support and lead a team including level 5 students, to make a vertical slice of a game.

Module code: GDEV60033

Procedural Content Generation

Games Development and Procedural Content Generation is a crucial combination of skills. Not only for the developer in the creation phase but also the understanding of PCG tools and the wise choices made to invest time and money into such tools to enhance the workflow of the studio. In this module we investigate the development of PCG and VFX methods in various software with a technical focus on tool development.

Module code: GDEV60029

Multiplayer Games Development

This module concerns the development of multiplayer games, covering specific methods and techniques at the forefront of multiplayer games.

Module code: GDEV60028

C# Scripting For Games Engines

This module considers an introduction to the fundamentals of scripting in C#. Scripting is an important tool in developing interactive and fun experiences for players. You will learn how to leverage the power of C# scripting to technically design and build interactive gameplay solutions.

Module code: GDEV40008

Fundamentals Of Games Development

This module focusses on an understanding of academic principles and portfolio piece development. By begin able to include the learning from other modules is crucial in academia, this module has a focus on that. Bringing together the knowledge and skill gained in other modules over the academic year, students should be able to pitch, plan, develop, test, and publish a solo project to a level 4 portfolio quality standards. The artefact can be a small game, asset pack, or engine tool, which will be technically and suitably aligned for the course expectations of a Game Developer. It is also important to be able to communicate the development process with a potential audience, hence why the development log (DevLog) is also a requirement for this module which will need regular updates.

Module code: GDEV40007

Programming Fundamentals

There are a wide range of core programming concepts that a required to understand before you can create more complex games and applications. In this module we will introduce the techniques required to get started in the world of programming, this means topics such as: data types, conditionals, functions, and object-oriented programming will be taught which will culminate in the development of a text-based game.

Module code: GDEV40024

Introduction To Asset Creation

3D Models populate the games we love to play. Start your journey by learning key 3D Modelling creation skills and implement your assets into a fully working framework. You will build a series of assets and develop a reflective journal as you bring to life a games visuals.

Module code: GDEV40012

Fundamentals Of Game And Graphical System Development

This module will introduce you to C++ programming, the Visual Studio environment and graphical programming techniques. Learn C++ programming by building computer games.

Module code: COSE40630

Games Engine Creation

2D games require very different 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

Mechanics Prototyping

This module develops further students’ understanding of game mechanic creation using a game engine. Students will learn how to plan, communicate and implement core game concepts, such as characters, enemies and game loops in order to create fun, playable prototypes of their own design.

Module code: GDEV40018

Professional Development And Games Industry Employability

This module will prepare you for what is to come throughout your academic studies and for your career beyond. Creating an online presence is crucial these days, and in this module we develop a platform from which you can expand throughout your studies to ensure you are in the best position to secure your first role in the industry when you graduate.

Module code: GAME40426

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

Production Process And Pipeline

This module focusses on the production pipeline of the development process. The assessment processes are geared towards the initial documentation and understanding of the technical and design document of any game development process, it will also introduce the horizontal and vertical prototype processes. Beyond the prototype phase there will be clear examples detailing the final stages of the pipeline right through to publication.

Module code: GDEV40022

Junior Collaborative Games Development

Students will work in a junior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other juniors and level 6 students who take the role of seniors, to make a vertical slice of a game.

Module code: GDEV50001

Tools Development For Games Engines

This module will focus on tool development within Unreal Engine. The prerequisite for this module is C++ for Engines. Students will be asked to design and develop a game mechanic of their choice on a chosen topic, that has been approved, which demonstrates industry standard techniques.

Module code: GDEV50046

Vfx For Video Games

A fast-paced and pretty module focusing on Visual Effects for Video Games within an engine. Here we focus on UE’s Niagara system, Nanite, Lumen, and Shader Development. The purpose of this module is to not only understand the technical development of the VFX but also analyse the development process to identify the purpose of tools to enhance productivity in the development pipeline.

Module code: GDEV50044

Audio Development

You will explore how to create audio through synthesis and use it to make game experiences better, how audio can be generated and filtered to create different virtual instruments along with how we can use audio in games as either a focal mechanic or as a supportive element. On completion of this module, you will understand how to enhance experiences with audio and create sounds for any given situation from raw waveforms and understand their effects on game feel.

Module code: GDEV50009

User Interface Design And Implementation

This module will explore the key principles of User Interface design as you research existing Interfaces in games and then design your own. You will explore a range of User Experience principles and use these skills and knowledge to implement your own User Interface into a game engine.

Module code: GDEV50042

Game Artificial Intelligence

What are fundamental Artificial Intelligence skills a student needs to build their own games and enter the games industry? Game Artificial Intelligence addresses this question and provides the knowledge and practical skills in four key areas: Research, Steering behaviours, Pathfinding (i.e. A*) and Decision Making. The module assessment challenges you to understand the importance of not just implementing AI algorithms, but also to engage in problem solving and research into the state-of-the-art AI methods employed in industry.

Module code: GDEV50025

C++ For Engines

You will explore how to make truly efficient systems within a commercial engine structure utilising both C++ and visual scripting. Completing this module will give you a keen understanding of how programmers can make systems that designers can easily work with without tangling your code.

Module code: GDEV50010

Experimental Systems

This module will explore mixed reality and experimental technology for games, critically understanding the theoretical backing of mixed reality interactions, risks and techniques. Implementation will be performed using suitable game development engine, appropriate tools and hardware, for a mixed reality platform.

Module code: GDEV50018

Dtib Industrial Placement

Module code: PLAC00002

Senior Collaborative Games Development

Students will work in a senior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other seniors to effectively support and lead a team including level 5 students, to make a vertical slice of a game.

Module code: GDEV60033

Mobile Games Development

This module focusses on the theory and practice of developing for mobile. The processes required to converting a game to mobile but also the requirements to implement the theory behind mobile game development to an indie project from initial idea generation. A strong focus on app store optimisation (ASO) too, with an aim to develop a clear understanding of monetisation mechanisms, acquisition, and retention.

Module code: GDEV60025

Multiplayer Games Development

This module concerns the development of multiplayer games, covering specific methods and techniques at the forefront of multiplayer games.

Module code: GDEV60028

Games Development Project

The Games Development Project module gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth piece of research testing and analysis or a high-quality artefact, ready for their portfolio. You can focus your studies on your career aspirations. Whether it's stylised game characters, stalking AI monsters, procedural environments, immersive level design, or a concept for futuristic vehicles. The project allows you the opportunity to work with a supervisor and tailor the project to you. Your supervisor will be your guide and project manager. Supporting you in your journey to create a highly developed outcome with industry standard software whilst receiving lectures on portfolio development and employability.

Module code: GDEV60001

Procedural Content Generation

Games Development and Procedural Content Generation is a crucial combination of skills. Not only for the developer in the creation phase but also the understanding of PCG tools and the wise choices made to invest time and money into such tools to enhance the workflow of the studio. In this module we investigate the development of PCG and VFX methods in various software with a technical focus on tool development.

Module code: GDEV60029

Prototyping For Technical Designers

Prototyping for Technical Designers will help you launch your Technical Games Design portfolio. In this module you’ll produce Technical Games Design projects within leading Game Engines. You’ll projects will be supported by excellent Technical Design Documentation and presented by demo reels.

Module code: GDEV60031

Advanced Game Artificial Intelligence

Advanced Game Artificial Intelligence explores game AI from an architectural perspective. How do you develop systems that bring together many simpler techniques into a larger complex architecture. Studying this module will give an appreciation for the field of AAA AI game development and practical insight into how to chieve similar results.

Module code: GDEV60009