Introduction to Game Engines

Semester(s) Offered:

Credits: 4

Course Call Number: GAMES-UT 183

Prerequisite(s): (Student must have prior programming knowledge)

Introduction to Game Engines is a course intended for students who already have an understanding of programming fundamentals that introduces concepts, problems, and methods of developing games and interactive media using popular game engines. Game engines are no longer just used for the development of games, they have increasing gained popularity as tools for developing animations, interactives, VR experience, and new media art. Throughout the semester, students will have weekly programming assignments, using a popular game engine. There will be a final game assignment, as well as weekly quizzes and a final exam. The course assumes prior programming knowledge, if students do not have the appropriate prerequisites a placement exam may be taken. There will be an emphasis on using code in a game engine environment as a means of creative expression.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Demonstrate the ability to create simple games in a game engine.
2) Understand and explain the affordances of the game engines and frameworks, which provides the foundation for knowledgeable decisions about which engine to use for future projects based on this understanding.
3) Understand how the scope of a digital game should be constrained in order to make development possible within time and resource limits.
4) Understand how the affordances of a game engine can be used for creative work beyond games.