CIS 410/510 GameProg    Game Programming

Course Description

Introduction to theory topics related to game programming, including linear algebra, 3D graphics, lighting, audio, physics, and artificial intelligence.

This course provides an opportunity to build games using a commercial game engine, reinforced by best practices in terms of implementation and project management.

Instructor

Eric D. Wills, Ph.D., eric@cs.uoregon.edu

Lectures and Labs

Prerequisites

• CIS 313 - Intermediate Data Structures
• CIS 314 - Computer Organization
• MATH 341 - Elementary Linear Algebra I (Recommended)

Textbooks and Readings

• (Required)  Game Programming Algorithms and Techniques: A Platform-Agnostic Approach by Sanjay Madhav
• (Free) Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom
• (Free) Game Programming Patterns in Unity with C# by Erik Nordeus

Major Topics

• Game engines: 3 lectures
• Gameplay design: 4 lectures
• Development practices and tools: 2 lectures
• Game programming patterns: 2 lectures
• Linear algebra: 2 lectures
• Lighting/shaders: 1 lecture
• 3D audio: 1 lecture
• Game physics: 1 lecture
• Game AI : 1 lecture

Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Proficiently build games using a modern commercial game engine.
• Demonstrate usage of core game programming topics including linear algebra, 3D graphics, lighting, sound, physics, and artificial intelligence.
• Understand and implement typical game-reward systems to keep players engaged.
• Conduct playtests to identify areas of friction and make iterative improvements to gameplay.
• Understand best practices regarding a typical game-development cycle.
• Proficiently use development tools such as version control, task tracking, and issue tracking.

Acquired Skills

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the following skills:

• be able to implement, debug, and build proof-of-concept games using a modern commercial game engine.
• be able to contribute meaningfully to game programming using techniques from linear algebra, 3D graphics, lighting, audio, physics, and artificial intelligence.
• be able to identify and build reward systems for games.
• be able to conduct playtest sessions and make iterative changes to improve engagement.
• be able to manage a small-team project through a multi-build development cycle (pre-alpha, alpha, beta, final).
• be able to use modern remote team management tools including task tracking, video chat, and instant messaging.
• be able to use modern source management tools including version control and issue tracking.

Course Requirements and Grading

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

Grading Scale

*Eligibility for 'A+' grades will be based on exam scores; only students with exam scores in the top 5% of the course will be considered.