ISE390 Computer Game Development
Course Information
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:20 - 3:40 PM
Location: Computer Science 2112
Contact Information:
Instructor: Dr. Geoffrey Gardner
E-mail: Gardner1@optonline.net
Office hours: 1:20 - 2:20 PM, Tuesday and Thursday
Office location: Computer Science 2110
TA: David Goldstein
E-mail: goldstei@cs.sunysb.edu
Office hours: 3:50 - 5:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday, or by appointment
Office location: Computer Science 2110
Text Books:
Primary Text: LaMothe, Andre. Windows Game Programming for
Dummies. (ISBN: 0-7645-0337-5)
Prerequisites:
CSE 214
C programming ability
Recommended: CSE 328
Software:
Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 with the DirectX SDK, under Windows
NT 4.0
Content:
The goal of this course is to teach the fundamentals of 2D game design
and programming. An important part of the course will be the application
of these fundamentals in a student project to design and demonstrate a
game of reasonable complexity which can be completed within one semester.
Course Topics
1. Game design basics
features that make a good game
2. Windows programming basics
opening a window
graphics
sound
interactive input
creating simple games
3. DirectX usage
DirectDraw for graphics using bitmaps
DirectSound for sound and music
DirectInput for interaction
creating bitmap animation games
4. Game design techniques
Artificial Intelligence
tile maps
path planning
collision detection
physical models
5. Game programming student project
creation and demonstration of a 2D game
The course will follow LaMothe: "Windows Game Programming for Dummies"
and use the software included on the CD. DirectX and MS Visual C/C++ are
installed on the SUNY SB lab computers.
Grades
This is a three credit graded course.
The student project will be the main source of grade determination.
Students may team, but each student must demonstrate a satisfactory contribution.
Homework will be assigned and exams may be given. Your grade will be based
on the game programming skills you demonstrate.
Assignments
Hands on development of game software using Windows and DirectX is critical
to your success in this class. There will be assigned reading and programming
assignments. Don't fall behind in this work. It will be difficult to catch
up with the class. Of particular importance is getting started on your
project and continuing its development. Considerable effort will be required
to complete an acceptible project.
You will submit the programming assignments electronically to the TA
via your account in the Transaction Lab.
Labs
The class is a hands on programming class, so you will require access to
a computer with a Windows and DirectX development environment - available
on the NT workstations located in the Transaction Lab. You can work at
home, but you must demonstrate results at SUNY-SB.
Special Assistance
If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that
may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, I would urge
that you contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services office (DSS),
Room 133, Humanities, 632-6748v/TDD. DSS will review your concerns and
determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All
information and documentation of disability are confidential. If you need
general computer help, you can use the Computer Science Help Desk. Services
offered include setting up an account on a department server, using Windows
NT, using a browser, and connecting to the campus network. The Help Desk
office is located in the SBCS Office - Room 2110.
References
The following list will contain links and references that will be useful
in the course.
* LaMothe, Andre. Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus.
(ISBN: 0-672-31361-8) (DX6)
* DeLoura, Mark. Game Programming Gems. (ISBN: 1-58450-049-2)
* Parberry, Ian. Learn Computer Game Programming with DirectX 7.0.
(ISBN: 1-55622-741-8)
* Kawick, Mickey. Real-Time Strategy Game Programming Using MS Directx
6.0. (ISBN: 1-55622-644-6)
* Root, Michael D.; James R. Boer. DirectX Complete. (ISBN:
0-07-913780-6) (DX6)
* Bargen, Bradley; Peter Donnelly. Inside DirectX. (ISBN:
1-57231-696-9) (DX5)