Module COMP41215: Game Development

Department: Computer Science

COMP41215: Game Development

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the wider process of game development, and specifically on the creative side of game development, and the impact of technology and platform on game development.

Content

• The game development process, from idea to sales.
• Roles of game development teams in a global development environment.
• The game production pipeline.
• Game content development across sites and system platforms.
• Game psychology.

Learning Outcomes

• An advanced level of understanding of the theory, principles and practice of game development.
• Obtain an understanding of how platforms and technology affect game development.
• Understand the related issues in developing games: sound, communication, creativity, artistry, etc.

• The technical process and industry-standard approach to game development teams, content and psychology issues.
• Advanced theoretical and practical appreciations of modern approaches to the software engineering required for gaming applications, including process technologies.
• Apply current best technical practices of software engineering in a manner appropriate to the game development domain.

• Achieve a practical solution through the integration of a number of technologies, many of which may be very rapidly changing.
• Confidently conduct oral presentations, perform time management and develop and promote their own ideas.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be a combination of lectures, tutorials and individual development work in practicals and laboratory exercises. All these activities will be customised to support the requirements of the summative report.
• Summative report demonstrating a good understanding of the concepts to develop a modern computer-based game. The report will include examples of how platforms and technology affect game development.
• Specific instances in an example system will be examined to cover relevant issues in developing games such as sound, communication, creativity and artistry.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Staged written feedback and/or formative exercises.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University