GAM 374: Game Engine Programming I

Instructor Information

Preferred Contact: for all lecture, homework or advising matters

Berthiaume@cs.depaul.edu

Use the following only for chat/text when you need a quick help

Skype: andreberthiaume

Discord: Andre#5368

Course Description

Students will implement simple 3D game engine: basic game loop, simple event managers, rendering operations, primitive interactions including collisions, input / output management including game UI, analog controllers, and sound. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the coding skills needed for robust, efficient, and portable implementation. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 372 and GAM 325.

Textbook

None required. However we assume that students will reference books and notes from prior classes (Particularly GAM 372 and GAM 325) and many other books will be recommended as reference based on specific topics covered.

Course Objectives

Student will implement the basic components of a simple game engine for 3D environment:
- External resource management
- Game loop structure and staging of the various tasks to be taken
- Implementing various features for game elements such as input event management, time management, collisions, terrain, particles effects, etc.
Student will build on the practices from previous classes to create a robust, flexible and effective code base for their game engine:
- Students will use of proper coding practices and software design to create the game engine starting from very minimal support libraries.
- Students will manage their own project timeline which includes task assessment, project planning and time management.
Students will also produce the relevant documentation for the benefit of users of their game engine
- Students will create proper documentation of their source code and as well as create relevant examples/tutorials.

Student will learn about document generation tools (such as Doxygen or others) and associated plug-ins.

Important Note: The material generated in this class will serve as a basis for the continuing class, GAM 377 Fundamentals of Game Programming II.

Agenda

This class will be conducted as a mixture of standard lectures, class discussions and code reviews. The emphasis will be on discussions on the status of individual projects. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the progress of their project and how best to tackle the various problems they encounter with the planning and programming elements. Lectures will be given on relevant topics as they are needed.

Grading

The class work will consist regular progress report and final delivery of a game engine and specified 3D game. The final grade will be computed as follow:

Class and forum participation: 5%
Project planning and weekly communication/reports: 20%
Game engine functionality, coding practices and documentation 70%
Project post-mortem self-assessment questionnaire and related class discussion: 5%

Please note that all submissions are expected to compile and execute properly. Any submission that fails to compile or won't execute or crashes repeatedly and/or consistently will be graded as a 0. If this occurs on the final submission, you will receive an F for the class.

Also note that all student works are subject to be showcased, reviewed and/or critiqued in class at any time. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a collegial and professional manner at all times.

The final score will be converted to letters based on the following schedule: Note: this scale may be adjusted based on overall class performance.

Percentage Grade	Letter Grade
>= 93	A
>= 90	A-
>= 87	B+
>= 83	B
>= 80	B-
>= 77	C+
>= 73	C
>= 70	C-
>= 67	D+
>= 63	D
>= 60	D-
< 60	F

Incompletes

Incompletes will be granted only in the most extreme circumstances and only if the student has already completed the vast majority of the project. Students must formally request an incomplete by filling out an Incomplete Grade Request Form.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

You are expected to have read and understand DePaul’s policy on Academic Integrity (http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/). It is part of this syllabus; follow it.

Important note: Communication with your peers is an essential part of the course experience. The nature of programming demands extensive amounts of discussion and exchange of ideas with you class mates. The plagiarism policy is not intended to hinder or prevent this type of activity. . There is a significant difference between genuine exchange of ideas and wholesale plagiarism. If in doubt, ask the instructor for clarification.

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at: cdm.depaul.edu/enrollment.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at: csd@depaul.edu.

Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296

Additional Policies

Class Discussion: Student participation in class discussions will be measured in two ways. First, students are highly encouraged to ask questions and offer comments relevant to the day’s topic. Secondly, students will be called upon by the instructor to offer comments related to the reading assignments. Students must keep up with the reading, assignment and project to participate in class discussion.
Attitude: A professional and academic attitude is expected throughout this course. Measurable examples of non-academic or unprofessional attitude include but are not limited to: talking to others when the instructor is speaking, mocking another’s opinion, cell phones ringing, emailing, texting or using the internet whether on a phone or computer. If any issues arise a student may be asked to leave the classroom. The professor will work with the Dean of Students Office to navigate such student issues.
Civil Discourse: DePaul University is a community that thrives on open discourse that challenges students, both intellectually and personally, to be Socially Responsible Leaders. It is the expectation that all dialogue in this course is civil and respectful of the dignity of each student. Any instances of disrespect or hostility can jeopardize a student’s ability to be successful in the course. The professor will partner with the Dean of Students Office to assist in managing such issues.