CS 381: Game Engines and the Game Development Pipeline

Sushil J. Louis

http://www.cse.unr.edu/ $\sim$ sushil/class/381/

classroom: SEM257

Catalog Description

CS 381, Game Engines and the Game Development Pipeline
Lecture+Lab: (3+0)
Credit(s): 3

Introduction to the technical elements of modern videogame and the pipeline for assembling them, plus issues of interface design, quality assurance, and business practice.

Prereq(s): CS202 or consent of instructor

This course introduces students to the game development pipeline by teaching students how to design and implement a 3D game engine. The course will cover the following topics. Students will also learn the Python programming language.

Python programming
Python ogre graphics engine
Game engine architecture
Adding 3D models to a Scene
Keyboard interaction
Simple game physics
Simple AI
Interaction design
If time permits
- Sound
- Multiplayer networking

Office hours

MW from 1:30 until 3:30 a.m. and by appointment (sushil@cse.unr.edu)

Course Arrangement

The course has two components: Lecture and Laboratory. Both lecture and lab components are mandatory. Note specifically that the laboratory component is mandatory. All assignments, homework, quizzes, and exams are required.

Textbook

$$: Required: Python Programming tutorial, http://docs.python.org/tutorial/
$$: Required: Python Library reference, http://docs.python.org/library/
$$: Required: Using Python, http://docs.python.org/using/

$$: Required: Python Ogre Tutorials, http://wiki.python-ogre.org/index.php/Tutorials
$$: Required: Ogre Manual, http://www.ogre3d.org/docs/manual/

$$: Required: Blender Wiki Manual, http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Doc:Manual

Important Dates

Exam 1: Tentative: Feb 19, 2014
Exam 2: Tentative: April 9, 2014
Final Exam: Friday May 9, 2014, 2:45 - 4:45 am in SEM231B

Assignments

Assignments require writing programs to integrate and ``glue'' existing and newly created components into a game engine. You will be using the linux boxes in the Engineering Computing Center (www.ecc.unr.edu) in SEM 231. Each programming assignment will come with submission instructions.

The set of assignments will culminate in a 3D game engine that you will use to build an exemplar 3D computer game.

Course Rules

Late programming assignments or exercises will not be accepted
Exams/Tests/Quizzes (if any) are individual efforts. A severe penalty will be given for collusion or other form of academic dishonesty. The usual penalty for academic dishonesty on assignments or an exam is failure in the course.
Assignments are individual efforts. Projects may be done in groups. The rules for grouping and working on projects will be posted on the class website.
For individual assignments, do not show, exchange, or copy code. Using another person's code or having another person "ghost write" a lab will be considered academic dishonesty. For group projects, if you are in a group do not show, exchange, or copy code outside your group.

Preliminary Information on Grading and Assessment

Students will be assigned letter grades. Your grade will be one of A, B, C, D, or F. We will use the +/- grading system.
There will be a number of programming assignments. No late assignments will be accepted.
There will be one or two midterm exams and a final exam. Midterms take place in your regular classroom.
The Final Exam: is on Friday May 9, 2014 from 2:45 - 4:45 in SEM231B
There will be announced and unannounced quizzes.
Note: Failure in either the programming (assignments and projects) component or the lecture component (exercises, quizzes, and exams) will result in failure in the course.

Tentatively, your final grade will be based on:


Item	Final Grade Percentage

Midterm exams (10% each)	$20\%$
Assignments	$60\%$
Final Project	$15\%$
Quizzes and Exercises	$5\%$

Preliminary Course Outline

This outline is approximately in order.


Topic	Textbooks	Lectures

Introduction	All	1
Python Programming	Python Tutorials	4
Python Ogre Intro	Python Ogre Tutorials	2
Keyboard input	Python Ogre Tutorials	2
Camera Movement	Python Ogre Tutorials	1
Game Engine Architecture	Notes	1
Modeling	Python Ogre Tutorials	1
Physics F = ma	Notes	2
Unit AI	Notes	1
Potential Fields for Group Movement	Notes	1
Game Interaction, sound	Notes	2
Game Networking	Notes	2
Brainstorming a game	Larry Dailey	1
Designing and finishing a complete game	None	7

Course Learning Outcomes

Students demonstrate they can integrate existing components to build a 3D game engine
- Strategies and Actions:
  - Lectures, assignments, and projects covering the game engine architecture and existing game engine components in particular python ogre.
- ABET Criteria covered:
  - (a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing, mathematics, science, and engineering.
  - (k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
- Program Objectives covered:
  - (2) Have peer-recognized expertise together with the ability to articulate that expertise as computer science professionals
- Assessment:
  - Programming assignments and projects
  - Test/Exams
Students demonstrate they can learn and use ancillary tools in the pursuit of a broader project goal.
- Strategies and Actions:
  - Point students to online tutorials for Blender - a graphical modeling tool - and ask them to use the tutorials to modify, texture, export, and incorporate 3D models into their developing game engine.
- ABET Criteria covered:
  - (a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing, mathematics, science, and engineering.
  - (k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
- Program Objectives covered:
  - (2) Have peer-recognized expertise together with the ability to articulate that expertise as computer science professionals
- Assessment:
  - Assignments that deal with texturing, modifying, and importing models into python ogre.

Statement on Academic Dishonesty

Cheating, plagiarism or otherwise obtaining grades under false pretenses constitute academic dishonesty according to the code of this university. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and penalties can include canceling a student's enrollment without a grade, giving an F for the course or for the assignment. For more details, see the University of Nevada, Reno General Catalog at http://catalog.unr.edu/.

Statement of Disability Services

Any student with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me or the Disability Resource Center (Thompson Building, Suite 101) as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations.

Statement for Academic Success Services

Your student fees cover usage of the Math Center (784-443 or www.unr.edu/mathcenter/ ), Tutoring Center (784-6801 or www.unr.edu/tutoring-center ), and University Writing Center (784-6030 or http://www.unr.edu/writing-center). These centers support your classroom learning; it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is the sign of a responsible and successful student.

Statement on Audio and Video Recording

Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded.

Communications

If I need to communicate with the class as group I will post a message on our class web page. You are required to check the class web page and your email every day.

About this document ...

CS 381: Game Engines and the Game Development Pipeline

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Sushil Louis 2014-01-21