East Carolina University
Department of Computer Science

CSCI 3550
Introduction to Computer Game Development
Standard Syllabus

Catalog entry

P: CSCI 2530 or CSCI 3200. A broad view of computer game development from an applied computer science point of view. Content creation and the concepts behind the development of story, character, environment, level design, user interface, and sound.

Course summary

This is a course which introduces students to a broad view of computer game development from an applied computer science point of view. The course is designed to expose students to the computer game theory including story and character development. Students then go on to design and develop characters using 3D modeling tools. Computer graphics for game development is explored. The course finishes with the design of a simple computer game.

Course topics

• Game types and categories.
• Story and character development.
• DirectX (or OpenGL) programming.
• Using triangles to create graphical objects and figures.
• Transforming vertices.
• 3D modeling, lighting, and shading.
• Creating 3D models with Blender.

Student learning outcomes

• Compare and contrast the different types and categories of computer games.
• Design and develop story lines for characters and game levels.
• Implement 3D character designs using 3D modeling tools, such as Blender.
• Design and implement simple computer graphics with animation using a graphics rendering engine such as OpenGL or DirectX.
• Develop a simple computer game.

Textbook

No textbook. All course material supplied through web tutorials and resources.

Grading

Grading will be based on two tests, a final exam, and assignments. The tests count 30%, the final exam 20%, and assignments 50%.

Grade meanings