Programming For Games

Description

Introduction to the techniques for developing games and real-time graphics applications with a modern API.

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide the student with: the ability to design, develop and critically games and interactive 3D graphics applications.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1.  Use and critically evaluate appropriate software developments tools to create a 3D computer game/graphics applications.

2.  Analyse computer game rendering and simulation problems in order to make efficient use of API functions.

3.  Design, implement and critically evaluate a 3D application which uses the programmable pipeline demonstrating efficient use of API features.

Indicative Content

1 Application Development:

The game loop, C++ and Windows programming model within a graphics application framework.

2 Graphics Concepts:

Review and evaluation of game engines, graphics API’s coordinate systems and the programmable pipeline.

3 Buffers

Overview of buffers and resources within the context of the programmable pipeline.

4 Lighting

Overview of lighting and shading methods within real-time computer graphics.

5 Texturing

Overview and evaluation of texturing techniques within the context of the programmable pipeline.

6 Header 6

Overview and evaluation of models, model formats and processes needed to load 3D assets into module framework.

7 Render to texture

Overview and evaluation of Render to texture as an indispensable component of the programmable pipeline for advanced graphics techniques.

8 Tesselator and Geometry Shader

Dedicated programmable pipeline stages, an evaluation of their uses and implementation.

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Students will receive a series of lectures supported by practical laboratory sessions. In the laboratory sessions sample applications will be provided with the intention that students developed and extended these applications to explore relevant issues and topics using directed worksheets. Underpinning theory and concepts will be introduces in lectures and further reinforced through the practical sessions. Students develop and test their coursework application during the latter part of the laboratory sessions.

Teaching and Learning Work Loads