The course covers the theory and practice of game engine software development, bringing together topics that range from large-scale software architectures and modern game programming paradigms to the design and implementation of subsystems for rendering, collision, physics animation. Through practical lab exercises and group projects, the students will get technical hands-on experience in C++ game development, including the use and development of supporting tool pipelines.
The course text book is "Game Engine Architecture" by Jason Gregory, published by AK Peters in 2009. You will be expected to have this book and read the chapters as we work our way through it.
On completion of the course students are expected to be able to:
During the semester, students should complete four problem sets, one topical presentation and a final project. Problem sets can be done in pairs, and the presentation and final project in groups up to 4 people in size. Students discuss final project ideas with instructor in week 7, demonstrate the project in week 12 and turn in a report on the project before exams start. Everything that has to be turned in, should arrive no later than at 23:59 on the due date, or else incur 10% penalty for each additional day, including weekends and holidays.
| Assignment | Description | Material | Assigned | Due | Weight | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROB1 | First Problem Set | Chapters 1-3 | Fri Jan 20 | Tue Jan 31 | 5% | |
| PROB2 | Second Problem Set | Chapter 5 | Mon Feb 6 | Tue Feb 14 | 5% | |
| PRESENT | Presentation | Existing Game Engines | Tue Jan 17 | Fri Feb 17 | 10% | |
| PROB3 | Third Problem Set | Weeks 6-8 | Thu Mar 8 | Fri Mar 16 | 5% | |
| PROB4 | Fourth Problem Set | Weeks 9-10 | Mon Mar 26 | Wed Mar 28 | 5% | |
| PROJECT | Final Project | “New” Game Engine | Fri Feb 24 | Fri Mar 30 | 30% | |
| Total 60% | ||||||
The course has a dedicated online forum where students can post questions, comments and useful information. Note that everyone should register, in their own name, on this forum before posting (simply go to the address below to register).
| Host | Forum Name | Our Board |
|---|---|---|
| ProBoards | http://ruclasses.proboards.com/ | Game Engine Architecture 2012 |
Please note that there is a 70% attendance requirement for the Tuesday and Friday classes. You must pass this attendance limit in order to take the exam. Please inform the instructor if this is hard for you for some reason such as scheduling conflicts or sick leave.
| Part of Course | Total Weight |
|---|---|
| Participation | 10% |
| Problem Sets | 20% |
| Topical Presentation | 10% |
| Final Project | 30% |
| Final Written Exam | 30% |
| Total 100% | |