Computer Games Technology

Module Code : AG1181A
Module Title  : Masters Project

Principal Domain : Institute of Arts, Media and Games
Principal Division : Arts and Games      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 60
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 1 or 2     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 25/06/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites :  
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules :  
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : Euan W Dempster (E513556)

Brief Description
Select, plan, conduct and write up a research based investigation for the Masters Project. The project will include the selection of appropriate research and experimental methods, the collection and analysis of data/information and the evaluation and communication of findings.

Aim
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with an opportunity to conduct an independent Masters level research project from concept through to completion.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to :
1. Select and evaluate an appropriate topic for Masters level research and identify key sources in the literature.
2. Refine and scope the selected topic into a challenging but achievable project aim.
3. Apply appropriate research methods to the investigation.
4. Critically evaluate the research method and findings in the context of the field of study.
5. Construct a coherent and cogent dissertation to report the findings of the investigation.

Indicative Content

1. Project management
Follow and revise, if appropriate, the project plan in light of comments from supervisors.
2. Research Methods
Defining a research question or hypothesis. Utilising different types of research methods including case studies, experimental and comparative studies.
3. Literature Review
Gathering appropriate literature from a variety of sources, carrying out a review of the literature, evaluating the quality and relevance of the literature, development suitable references and bibliography to support the chosen topic.
4. Research Planning
Project planning, task lists, milestones, deliverables, documenting the process and keeping a project log.
5. Ethical and legal issues
Copy & IP rights, data protection, ethical approval requirement and process.
6. Academic Writing
Formal academic writing style, readability, objectivity, reasoned argument, referencing literature and avoiding plagiarism.
7. Investigation
Construct the necessary framework (practical or intellectual) to undertake the investigation of the topic.
8. Collection, analysis and evaluation results
Generate and analyse the results and evaluate against expectation.
9. Construct a draft Dissertation
Prepare outline dissertation, draft chapters and submit for feedback and advice from supervisors.
10. Construct and submit the final Dissertation
Taking into account the feedback received from the draft, construct a structured dissertation explaining all facets of the investigation ensuring it meets the required presentation standards and format and submit by due date.

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Students will be supported by a series of lectures and seminars and will be individually mentored by subject specialists. The students will identify and progress a direction for enquiry relevant to their programme of study. Students will design their research methods in discussion with their supervisor and will conduct their research independently, guided by their supervisor as required and appropriate. The student will produce a dissertation reflecting the work carried out and will also give a presentation of their work.

Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 600 hours
Tutorial/Seminar : 24 hours
Assessment : 480 hours
Independent : 96 hours

Assessment

Portfolio 1 Process and Dissertation
Weighting             : 100%
Workload              : 480 hrs
Issue Week          : 1
Submission Week : 17
Return Week        : 24
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : Euan W Dempster (E513556)


 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information


Additional Tutors :
Colin Cartwright (C510749)

Supportive Reading
Rudestam, K.E. and Newton R.R 2000 Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process Sage Sage Publications: UK
Sharp, J A, Peters, J, & Howard, K 2002 The management of a student research project Gower: Aldershot
Berry, R 2000 The research Project: How to write it Routledge: UK

Specialist Resources
Virtual Library including ACM Digital Library, IEEE etc. Specialist hardware and software as specified in proposal.

Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Symbolic,Aural,Diagrammatic,Reading,Writing,Professional

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Communication,Problem Solving,Research,ICT Skills,Self Evaluation,Planning,Professionalism

Module Code : CE1184A
Module Title  : Artificial Intelligence for Games

Principal Domain : School of Computing and Engineering Systems
Principal Division : Computing and Engineering Systems      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 15
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 1     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 25/06/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites :  
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules :  
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : David J King (D510514)

Brief Description
This module intoduces students to Artificial Intelligence, specifically in Computer Games

Aim
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with a critical understanding of the basic features and techniques used to implement AI in a game or entertainment product.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to :
1. Develop a critical understanding of AI techniques and technologies.
2. Evaluate the use of AI technologies and techniques in computer games.

Indicative Content

1. AI in Games
Introduction and overview of AI in Games.
2. Pathfinding
2D and 3D pathfinding, the A* algorithm, alternative algorithms, limitations and constraints of different algorithms.
3. Common AI Techniques
Finite State Machines, Rule Based Systems, Scripting
4. GAs - Genetic Algorithms
Biological inspiration. Populations of chromosomes, fitness, genetic operators, selection, applications to NPC behaviour
5. ANN - Artificial Neural Networks
Biological inspiration. Neurones, weights, activation functions, learning algorithms, Perceptrons, BackProp, Multi-layered ANN, applications to NPC behaviour
6. Emergent Behaviour
Flocking, flocking rules (cohesion, alignment, separation), field of view, obstacle avoidance, leader following
7. Decision Making
Fuzzy logic, probability theory. Applications to Control, Threat assessment, Classification
8. Intelligent Agents
Properties of agents (intelligence, learning, autonomy, benevolence, collaboration etc); Types of agents (reactive, interface, information, multiagent systems. Agent architectures. Emulating human cognition and behaviour applied to NPCs
9. ALife
Goals and behaviours, cognition, training, social interaction, use of ANNs and GAs, applications to NPCs

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Student will obtain a series of lectures and seminars.

Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 150 hours
Lecture : 12 hours
Supervised Practical Activity : 12 hours
Assessment : 60 hours
Independent : 66 hours

Assessment

Coursework 1 Coursework
Weighting             : 65%
Workload              : 39 hrs
Issue Week          : 1
Submission Week : 17
Return Week        : 19
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : David J King (D510514)

2 Presentation 2 Group Presentation
Weighting             : 25%
Workload              : 15 hrs
Issue Week          : 1
Submission Week : 5
Return Week        : 10
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : David J King (D510514)

Reflective Log 3 Weekly Blogs
Weighting             : 10%
Workload              : 6 hrs
Issue Week          : 1
Submission Week : 12
Return Week        : 14
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : David J King (D510514)
 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information
Students will produce an application that demonstrates a practical use of AI techniques and a report on the process which will also demonstrate their understanding and critical evaluation of AI techniques and technologies in computer games. They will also be formed into small grups to research a topic and make a presentation. They will also produce a blog of their individual practical activities each week.

Additional Tutors :
C. Suheyl Ozveren (C510588)

Supportive Reading
Byl, P 2004 Programming Believable Characters for Computer Games Charles River Media.
Bourg, MD and Seeman G 2004 AI for Game Developers O'Reilly
Jones, MT 2003 AI Application Programming Charles River

Specialist Resources
PCs with Matlab software

Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Symbolic,Diagrammatic,Computer Based,Reading,Writing

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Problem Solving,Research,ICT Skills,Self Evaluation,Planning,Quantitative

Module Code : AG1100A
Module Title  : Console Game Development

Principal Domain : Institute of Arts, Media and Games
Principal Division : Arts and Games      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 15
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 2     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 25/06/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites :  
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules :  
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : Henry S Fortuna (H510669)

Brief Description
Console Game Applications Development

Aim
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with : The techniques necessary to develop and critically evaluate a prototype 3D computer game/graphics application using the capabilities of a game console.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to :
1. Evaluate console system architecture and performance with specific reference to 3D issues.
2. Develop and critically evaluate techniques for use in the programming of 3D games.
3. Analyse, critically evaluate and use development tools.
4. Critically evaluate Console Game Development techniques
5. Design, create and critically evaluate a console game application

Indicative Content

1. 3D Overview
Overview of the main concepts used in 3D console game programming.
2. 3D Matrix Transformations
Evaluation of matrix transformations for 3D game programming in the context of a games console.
3. Graphics Pipeline
Evaluation of the graphics pipeline used for a console
4. Console 3D Hardware
Evaluation of the console hardware used for user input/output.
5. Console 3D Software
Evaluation of console libraries used for 3D object creation and manipulation.
6. 3D Game Engine
Evaluation of the functionality of a 3D console game engine.
7. 3D Object Creation
Evaluation of tools needed for creating 3D game objects.

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Students will receive a series of lectures supported by laboratory work.

Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 150 hours
Lecture : 12 hours
Supervised Practical Activity : 24 hours
Assessment : 60 hours
Independent : 54 hours

Assessment

Coursework 1 Project
Weighting             : 100%
Workload              : 60 hrs
Issue Week          : 18
Submission Week : 35
Return Week        : 39
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : Henry S Fortuna (H510669)


 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information
None

Additional Tutors :

Supportive Reading
Sony 2003 Linux For Playstation2 Reference Guides/manuals Sony: Japan
T Akenine-Möller, E Haines, & N Hoffman 2008 Real Time Rendering (3rd Edition) AK Peters


Specialist Resources
Computer with Windows based PCs, Console Development Kit.

Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Computer Based,Reading,Writing

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Problem Solving,Research,ICT Skills,Planning,Professionalism

Module Code : AG1161A
Module Title  : Game Design and Development

Principal Domain : Institute of Arts, Media and Games
Principal Division : Arts and Games      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 30
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 2     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 02/05/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites :  
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules : AR1130A 
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : Euan W Dempster (E513556)

Brief Description
To be part of a team that will design and propose a game idea and produce a prototype game, suitable to be presented for funding. This will include being actively involved in the concept development and game design as well as taking a less technical role in its development.

Aim
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with experience in designing and developing a video game as part of a group.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to :
1. Design and propose a video game as part of a group.
2. Play an active part in a development team
3. Contribute to the management and direction of a development team
4. Reflect upon the individual roles in the development team
5. Reflect upon the team's ability to meet the challenges set to it and to suggest remedies for future projects

Indicative Content

1. Game Development Approaches
concepts, design, development, publishing, genres, delivery technologies.
2. Concept Design
concept creation, creativity, terminologies, core design, game description, presentation, market.
3. Games Markets
historic development, consoles, PC, handhelds, mobile phone, sociology of gaming, psychology of gaming, costs & profits, target countries.
4. Detailed Game Design
gameplay, interactivity, balance, immersion.
5. Human Aspects of Game Design
fun, HCI, age, gender, psychology/mental physiology, developers, morality, legality.
6. Technical Design
hardware, software development technologies, engines, run-time environments, interface technologies.
7. The Development Team
roles, responsibilities, meetings & minutes, The Producer, artists, musicians, coders, testing & QA, inter-personal communication, team-building.
8. Game Architecture
game loop, object oriented modelling, event modelling, mapping between documents, databases, networking.
9. Level Design
space, time, lighting, sound, the level designer (person), the level designer (software).
10. Publication
rolling out, market cycles, costs reclamation, the future of the publisher-developer.

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment
This module is a group project, so that 90% of the scheduled time is spent on active enquiry and project work. As part of a team, the students have to appreciate the roles of the other members and how to get the best out of the students who have different skills and motivations. This is an exercise in collaborative learning where the students will use a commercial quality game engine. The teams are given a broad brief, in order to allow them as much freedom as possible to express themselves creatively and technologically. The module is set up to be as true to ‘Industrial experience’ as possible and to allow them to make mistakes and remedy them. They are given lectures on the design of games and possible ways of going about such a project but the final say in how they do anything is down to the group themselves.

Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 300 hours
Lecture : 20 hours
Supervised Practical Activity : 40 hours
Unsupervised Practical Activities : 40 hours
Assessment : 120 hours
Independent : 80 hours

Assessment

Coursework 1 Project
Weighting             : 60%
Workload              : 72 hrs
Issue Week          : 18
Submission Week : 35
Return Week        : 39
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : Euan W Dempster (E513556)

2 Essay 2 Project
Weighting             : 40%
Workload              : 48 hrs
Issue Week          : 18
Submission Week : 35
Return Week        : 39
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : Euan W Dempster (E513556)

 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information
Teams have to demonstrate their finished prototype in Semester 3 as well as handing in team documentation and an individual reflective report.

Additional Tutors :
GRANT CLARKE (G203195)
Ken Fee (K514050)

Supportive Reading
Andrew Rollings & Dave Morris 2003 Game Architecture and Design - a new edition New Riders
Shay Sayre & Cynthia King 2003 Entertainment & Society: audiences, trends and impacts Sage
Salen F., Zimmerman E. 2004 Rules of Play : Game Design Fundamentals MIT

Specialist Resources


Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Aural,Diagrammatic,Computer Based,Reading,Writing,Collaboration,Professional

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Communication,Enterprise,Team Work,Problem Solving,Research,ICT Skills,Self Evaluation,Planning,Interpersonal,Leadership,Professionalism

Module Code : AG1102A
Module Title  : Game Programming for the PC and XBox

Principal Domain : Institute of Arts, Media and Games
Principal Division : Arts and Games      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 15
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 2     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 25/06/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites :  
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules : AR1132A 
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : Mathew Bett (M513207)

Brief Description
Development of games and graphics applications for PC and XBox

Aim
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with : The ability to create and critically evaluate games and graphics applications for PC and XBox platforms using advanced techniques

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to :
1. Use and critically evaluate advanced development techniques to create a 3D computer games or interactive graphics application
2. Analyse and critically evaluate computer games rendering and simulation problems and select or devise appropriate solutions.
3. Develop and critically evaluate 3D graphics software through efficient and effectove use of the programmable graphics rendering pipeline

Indicative Content

1. Sound and Music
Programming sound and music within a game application
2. Texture and Lighting
Management of texture data, blending and filtering. Directional, point and spot lights. Alpha and frame buffer blending. Light, bump and environmental mapping. Fogging.
3. 3D models and meshes
3D model formats, loading, rendering and manipulation. 3D animation.
4. Stencilling
2D and 3D effects using stencilling hardware
5. Shading
Using the programmable graphics pipleine through vertex and pixel shaders to rpdocue advanced graphical effects
6. Putting it all together
Creating an interactive 3D graphics application with some advanced features using directX
9. Animating Models


Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Students will receive a series of lectures supported by practical laboratory work.

Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 150 hours
Lecture : 12 hours
Tutorial/Seminar : 12 hours
Unsupervised Practical Activities : 12 hours
Assessment : 60 hours
Independent : 54 hours

Assessment

Project 1 Project
Weighting             : 100%
Workload              : 60 hrs
Issue Week          : 18
Submission Week : 35
Return Week        : 39
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : Mark Shovman (M513959)


 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information
None

Additional Tutors :

Supportive Reading
Miller, T 2003 Managed Directx 9 Kick Start: Graphics And Game Programming Sams: Indiana.
Luna, F.D. 2003 Introduction To 3D Game Programming With Directx 9 Wordware Publishing.
Eberly, D. 2000 3d Game Engine Design. Morgan Kaufmann.

Specialist Resources


Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Symbolic,Diagrammatic,Computer Based,Reading,Writing

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Communication,Problem Solving,Research,ICT Skills,Self Evaluation,Planning,Quantitative,Professionalism

Module Code : CE1151A
Module Title  : Mathematics for Computer Games

Principal Domain : School of Computing and Engineering Systems
Principal Division : Computing and Engineering Systems      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 15
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 1     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 27/06/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites : Knowledge of vector algebra, coordinate geometry, calculus, elementary physic 
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules :  
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : Sirichai Chongchitnan (S515831)

Brief Description
This module covers the basic mathematics necessary for graphics and computer games.

Aim
To develop the mathematical techniques involved in creating realistic computer graphics and games.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to :
1. Apply 2 and 3-dimensional vector/matrix transformation techniques to typical computer graphics problems in the area of computer games.
2. Use Newton's laws of motion in one and two dimensional models and use the concepts of momentum, work and energy to solve problems.

Indicative Content

1. Application of Vectors
Geometry of the line and plane.
2. Transformation Matrices
Homogeneous coordinates, coordinate transformation matrices in 2 and 3-dimensions. Projections.
3. Quaternions
Algebra of quaternions with application to rotation effects.
4. Kinematics
Motion in a straight line. Newton's laws of motion. Momentum and impulse.
5. Collisions of Bodies
One and two-dimensional elastic and inelastic collisions. Work and energy.
6. Projectiles
Motion of a body projected in two dimensions under the influence of gravity in the absence of air resistance.
7. Circular Motion
Motion of a body in both horizontal and vertical circles.

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The module will be delivered by a mixture of lectures and tutorials. The learning outcomes will be assessed by an end-of-term examination paper.

Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 150 hours
Lecture : 24 hours
Tutorial/Seminar : 12 hours
Assessment : 60 hours
Independent : 54 hours

Assessment

Open Book Examination 1 2 hr Open Note
Weighting             : 70%
Workload              : 42 hrs
Issue Week          : EP
Submission Week : EP
Return Week        : 20
Associated Learning Outcomes : 1,2
Assessment Tutor : MATTHEW CRAVEN (M515261)

2 Portfolio 2 Tests
Weighting             : 30%
Workload              : 18 hrs
Issue Week          : 6
Submission Week : 10
Return Week        : 12
Associated Learning Outcomes : 1,2
Assessment Tutor : MATTHEW CRAVEN (M515261)

 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information
None

Additional Tutors :

Supportive Reading
Egerton, P A and Hall W S 1998 Computer graphics Mathematical First Steps. Prentice-Hall
Jefferson B and Beadsworth T 2000 Introduction to Mechanics Oxford University Press
Hoggar S G 1994 Mathematics for Computer Graphics. Cambridge University Press

Specialist Resources
Computer projection facilities, whiteboard

Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Symbolic,Aural,Reading,Writing

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Communication,Problem Solving,ICT Skills,Quantitative

Module Code : AG1101A
Module Title  : Programming Games

Principal Domain : Institute of Arts, Media and Games
Principal Division : Arts and Games      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 15
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 1     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 25/06/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites :  
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules : AR1132A 
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : Mathew Bett (M513207)

Brief Description
Introduction to the techniques for developing games and graphics applications

Aim
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with the skills and techniques to develop and critically evaluate games and interactive 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 games/graphics applications.
2. Design, implement and critically evaluate a 3D application which uses the 3D fixed function pipeline which demonstrates efficient use of API features.
3. Analyse computer game rendering and simulation problems in order to make efficient use of API functions

Indicative Content

1. Applications Development
The games loop, C++ and Windows programming model, multitasking and multithreading, resources, menus, GDI and graphics. Optimisation, debugging and testing.
2. Games Concepts
DirectX and COM, bitmapped graphics, colour, bitmaps, offscreen surfaces, biltter, rotation and scaling, windowed mode. Drawing lines, 2D clipping, wireframe polygons, 2D transformations, matrices and timing.
3. Game Input
Mouse, keyboard, joystick and force feedback
4. 3D Graphics Fundamentals
The fixed function transformation pipeline, world, view and projection transformation, viewing frustum and clipping planes. Setting up world, view and projection matrices, strided vertices, vertex buffers and viewports.
5. Rendering 3D Primitives
Direct3D rendering sequence, primitive rendering options, primitive types. Basic lighting, virtual cameras.
6. Textures
Applying textures to primitives
7. Putting it all Together
Creating a simple 3D demonstration game and animations using DirectX.

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Students will receive a series of lectures supported by practical work.

Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 150 hours
Lecture : 12 hours
Tutorial/Seminar : 24 hours
Assessment : 60 hours
Independent : 54 hours

Assessment

Portfolio 1 Project
Weighting             : 100%
Workload              : 60 hrs
Issue Week          : 1
Submission Week : 17
Return Week        : 20
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : Mark Shovman (M513959)


 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information
None

Additional Tutors :

Supportive Reading
Miller, T 2003 Managed Directx 9 Kick Start: Graphics And Game Programming Sams: Indiana.
Luna, F.D. 2003 Introduction To 3D Game Programming With Directx 9 Wordware Publishing.
Eberly, D. 2000 3d Game Engine Design. Morgan Kaufmann.

Specialist Resources


Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Symbolic,Diagrammatic,Computer Based,Reading,Writing

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Communication,Problem Solving,Research,ICT Skills,Self Evaluation,Planning,Quantitative,Professionalism

Module Code : AG1160A
Module Title  : The Games Marketplace

Principal Domain : Institute of Arts, Media and Games
Principal Division : Arts and Games      Weighting : 100%

Level : 11
SCQF Credits : 15
Status : Approved School Executive
Semester : Semester 1     Academic Session : 2012/3
Last Updated : 25/06/12 By Wendy Robb

Pre-requisites :  
Co-requisites :  
Replaced Modules :  
Prohibited Combinations :  


Module Tutor : Iain Donald (I514506)

Brief Description
Professional issues associated with the games Industry.

Aim
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with a detailed and critical understanding of the game and interactive entertainment industry, its global significance and the terminology and techniques used to develop and market games.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to :
1. Critically evaluate the various forms of gameplay and their interrelationship with game designs and the player experience.
2. Explain and critically evaluate the terminology used in game development in the context of a lifecycle model.
3. Critically evaluate methods used to develop and market computer games and other entertainment products.
4. Synthesise and evaluate a games development and marketing proposal.

Indicative Content

1. The Games Industry
Overview, sources of information, market information, economic impact, comparative market size and growth.
2. History of Computer Games
Overview, pre-history (before 1959), in the beginning (1960-1969), success and failure (1980-1989) and console wars (1990- ).
3. The Games People Play
Understanding the relationship between the game and user; games and social/cultural values; games and individual uses and needs.
4. Personal Games Technology
Personal and other computers, game consoles and devices, handheld devices and other appliances, Internet and networks, arcade and location based entertainment, digital entertainment and social reification; the social and political uses of games.
5. Structure of the Industry
Publishers and distributors, game developers, software tool developers and other suppliers, service and support suppliers, industry organisations, pressure groups and government regulations.
6. Game Development Lifecycle
Overview, concept phase, design phase, development phase, publishing phase and alternative development models.
7. People, Roles and Professional Expectations
Design and development, quality control, support and management, careers and career development, working with others, individual and company management.
8. Legal and Financial
Protecting yourself, intellectual property rights, other computer related laws, funding the business, exit strategy, dealing with publishers, casual copying and piracy.
9. Individual and Company Ethics
Conduct, responsibilities, authority and power, descrimination, marginalisation.
10. Social and Cultural Ethics
Representation and culture, nationalism, stereotyping, gender issues, violence, sexual content, racism.

Statement on Teaching, Learning and Assessment


Teaching and Learning Workloads :

Total : 150 hours
Lecture : 24 hours
Tutorial/Seminar : 12 hours
Unsupervised Practical Activities : 24 hours
Assessment : 60 hours
Independent : 30 hours

Assessment

Examination 1 Examination
Weighting             : 100%
Workload              : 60 hrs
Issue Week          : EP
Submission Week : EP
Return Week        : 23
Associated Learning Outcomes :
Assessment Tutor : Iain Donald (I514506)


 
 
 


Additional Assessment Information


Additional Tutors :
GUEST
GUEST
GUEST

Supportive Reading
Mencher, M. 2003 Get in the Game: Careers in the Game Industry New Riders Publishing
Crane, A and D Matten 2003 Business Ethics Oxford University Press
Advice on current published and online reading materials will be issued during Week 1 of the module.

Specialist Resources
Standard computer laboratory with internet access, games library and range of magazines.

Teachability Issues for this module are :
Oral,Visual,Reading,Writing,Professional

Key Transferable Skills for this module are :
Communication,Enterprise,Research,ICT Skills,Self Evaluation,Planning,Interpersonal,Professionalism