Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Games Engineering
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SET09121
Module leader: Peter Chapman
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Computer Science
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Two years programming experience in a high-level language – such as Java, C# or C++ - up to and including object-orientation and design patterns. Experience in programming with C++. SET07106 Mathematics for Software Engineering. SET08119 Object-oriented Software Development Underpinning mathematical knowledge for games, physics, or graphics.
Description of module content:

The module focuses on the development of a games engine through a series of lectures and lab exercises, with the aim being to produce a game with said engine. The lecture content follows five broad themes with lectures undertaken in each theme:1. Workflow, repository, and project management.2. Game design fundamentals.3. Game engine architecture and coding approaches.4. Game asset management.5. 2D physics.6. Artificial intelligence for games.7. Additional game engine features.8. Quality assurance and testing.The practical labs focus on the technical development of a game engine. Twelve topics are covered:1. Git Workflow and CMake.2. Introduction to SFML (Build Pong).3. Entity Management (Build Space Invaders).4. Tile Engine (Build a Maze Game).5. Physics (Build a Platform Game).6. Resource Management7. AI: Steering and Pathfinding.8. AI: Behaviours.9. Deployment and Testing.10. Performance Optimisation.11. Networking.12. Scripting.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Design, develop and evaluate a games engine through robust software engineering techniques.

LO2: Examine and evaluate modern software development, deployment, and testing procedures.

LO3: Examine game design principles and procedures.

LO4: Demonstrate a working knowledge of the technical components of a games engine.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Peter Chapman
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 The lectures cover the content of the module, using interactive techniques and discussions. Core ideas from the games engineering are introduced.
Face To Face Tutorial 20 In the tutorials, you have an opportunity to apply the knowledge from the lectures on a series of exercises. In the later weeks, you will also have the opportunity to develop your game, and gain valuable formative feedback on your work.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 160 With your group, you will work on your game and the other practical exercises outside of scheduled hours. You will be directed towards additional reading and resources so that you can develop your ideas past the module content.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 10 3~4 Week 7 , WORDS= 1500 words A continuation of the your game development, this is the technical overview of your plan. It will cover items such as assets needed, competitors, inspirations, and game mechanics.
Portfolio 75 1~2~3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 8 pages/40hours In this final report, you will give the technical details of your achievement, along with explanations for any deviations from your Game Design Document. There will also be an individual reflective report, where you discuss how the project ran, what you have achieved, and what you could have done differently.
Oral Presentation 5 3~4 Week 3 HOURS= 10 minutes You and your team will give a pitch for your game. It will cover the high level details of your game, and what you plan to create.
Oral Presentation 10 1~2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 20 minutes You will have the opportunity to showcase your game to the module team, allowing them to play it. You will also explain known bugs and issues, and what you would do to develop the game further.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SET09121 Games Engineering
 

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