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    Overview

    An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of computer game design, with an emphasis on technical skills. Topics include game critique, game design, programming, visual design, and interactive storytelling.

    This paper is designed to introduce students to the multi-disciplinary nature of computer game design, with the emphasis on technical skills.

    About this paper

    Paper title Computer Game Design
    Subject Computer Science
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Summer School (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    COSC 202 or COSC 242
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Eligibility

    Students wishing to take this paper will need to have a strong background in computer programming. The prerequisite for this paper is COSC202 or equivalent, at the discretion of the department. If you are interested in taking this paper, and don't have the prerequisites, it is important to contact the course advisers for Computer Science as early as possible.

    Contact

    Computer Science Adviser

    Teaching staff

    Convenor and Lecturer: Dr Lech Szymanski

    Paper Structure

    This is a Summer School paper, run over six weeks, using Unity game engine. Lectures cover planning, ideas, production pipeline, prototyping, games engines and mechanics, UI, AI, testing, 3D graphics, networking. Labs cover Unity game development with topics in programming, game design and elements of graphics and animation.

    Internal assessment is based on assignments working towards a fully developed computer game.

    Textbooks

    Recommended but not required: Jesse Schell, The Art of Game Design.

    Course outline

    View course outline for COSC 360

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    This paper will enable students to:

    • Get familiar with the Unity game engine
    • Learn about technical aspects of computer game development: graphics, collisions, game AI, etc.
    • Have the opportunity to design and develop your own 2D computer game in a team of 3-4 people
    • Learn about various aspects of the game experience
    • Have a chance to participate in a full software development cycle

    Timetable

    Summer School

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Other

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    X1 Monday 15:00-16:50 2-5, 7
    Tuesday 15:00-16:50 2-5, 7
    Wednesday 15:00-16:50 2-7
    Thursday 15:00-16:50 2-7

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    T1 Tuesday 14:00-14:50 2-7
    AND
    U1 Thursday 14:00-14:50 2-7
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