{\bf Computer Game Design\\

Classes

Monday & Wednesday 3:00-4:30, 1017 DOW

Friday 3:30-4:30, 1017 DOW

Course Overview

In this course we study the technology, science, and art involved in the creation of computer games. The course emphasizes hands-on development of games. We will study a variety of software technologies relevant to games including graphics engines, input devices, data structures, networks, simulation engines, and multi-media design systems. We will also study some of the underlying scientific concepts from computer science and related fields including: simulation and modeling, graphics, artificial intelligence, real-time processing, and game theory. Finally, we will study the art and design principles for developing usable and engaging games including: software engineering, human computer interaction, thematic structure, graphic design, choreography, music and sound effects, and game aesthetics.

The course will include visiting lectures and a variety of projects. The group projects will involve system implementation, but emphasize design and use of existing tools. The final group project will require the students to go through all phases of system conceptualization, specification, design, implementation, and evaluation.

Prerequisites

EECS 281. We assume significant programming experience and knowledge of programming language concepts. We also assume student can learn new programming concepts and systems on their own.

Required Course Materials

There is no required text.

Course home page:

http://www.eecs.umich.edu/~soar/Classes/494/index.html

You will find the class schedule, all assignments, as well as other useful stuff.

We will use CTools for turning in assignments and for class discussions of project.

Attendance

All students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. The Friday sessions are not optional and have the same status as the Monday and Wednesday classes, they are just shorter.

Collaboration and Honor Code

You are encouraged to discuss ideas and techniques broadly with other class members, but not the specifics of assigned problems except as part of group projects. Sharing of code or intermediate designs is expressly prohibited. We expect adherence to the Engineering Honor Code in all assignments. Violation of this policy is grounds for us to initiate an action that would be filed with the Dean's office and would come before the College of Engineering's Honor Council. If you have any questions about this policy, PLEASE do not hesitate to contact Prof. Laird.

It is permissible to use software and materials (bitmaps for example) available from other sources as long as:

o You check with us before doing it.

o Acknowledge explicitly which aspects of your assignment were taken from other sources and what those sources are.

o The materials are freely and legally available.

o The material was not created by a student at the University of Michigan as part of this course this year or in prior years.

All write-ups, reviews, documentation, and other written material must be original and may not be derived from other sources.

Announcements

Announcements regarding homework assignments and other course matters will be made in class. Updates will be added to the class homepage.

Late Policy

To be considered on time, assignments must be turned in at the specified time on the due date. Each student has a total of three late days that can be used throughout the semester. Thus, during the semester a student can turn in assignments so that the total number of days late does not exceed three without any penalty. For example, a student could turn in three different assignments, each one day late, or all assignments on time except one that is three days late. For the final project, late days cannot be shared with other team members.

Once the number of late days exceeds a total of three, late assignments will be assessed a penalty of 1% for each 6 hours it is late (4% per day). Since we provide the late days, we will not grant extensions.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the grade you achieve on four assignments.

Assignment 1 = 5%

Game Review

Assignment 2 = 25%

Arcade Game

Assignment 3 = 25%

3D Game

Assignment 4 = 45%

Final Project

[There will be multiple sub assignments for the final project]

The instructors will also evaluate students on the in-class participation. If a student consistently misses class, that will be grounds for deducting points from the 100 point total.

If you have a problem with the grading on a particular assignment, write a brief (one-paragraph) description of the problem, and hand it in with the assignment for a regrade.