Feature
Advanced Game Programming
Award: TBC
Duration: 32 weeks, Part-time
Learning Format: Instructor-led lectures/workshops & guided practical sessions
Fees: £1800 (£1485 Ex-VAT)
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Overview
The Advanced Game Programming course provides a thorough and rigorous examination of the concepts underlying 3D
games and comparable simulations. Topics include the fixed function and programmable graphics pipelines, realistic
lighting techniques, smooth animation, artificial intelligence, advanced physics modelling, software component design
for real-time game applications, and much, much more. As you work your way through the programme, you will build a suite
of commercial-quality proprietary tools and engine components. On completion of the Advanced Game Programming course you
will have a strong portfolio of your work for demonstration to game studios across the globe!
The Advanced Game Programming course includes the following modules:
Graphics Programming with DirectX 9 - Module II
In this module you will explore more advanced 3D graphics programming concepts and study key topics in game engine architecture.
You will examine mesh optimization and hierarchical animation techniques, the use of level of detail (LOD) algorithms to improve
application performance, skeletal animation systems for realistic character and tree animation, collision detection and response,
spatial partitioning data structures for fast rendering and intersection testing, and much more.
Artificial Intelligence for Game Developers
Although the field of artificial intelligence is vast, there are some fundamental techniques and data structures that are
used time and again in almost every game application that incorporates AI. This module focuses on the most important data
structures and algorithms that you as a game developer will need to understand if you wish to include intelligent Non-Player
Characters (NPCs) in your games. As you progress through the course, you will develop your own extendable AI class library.
This library will serve as the foundation for incorporating sophisticated artificial intelligence into your current and future
game development projects.
Game Mathematics
This module focuses on the fundamental mathematics used in modern game engine development and combines key elements from the
fields of geometry, trigonometry, and linear algebra to give you insight into the mathematics used by all game developers when
making realistic computer games. This course is very theory focused and it is highly recommended that you have completed our
Foundation in Game Programming course before attempting this module, since the graphics programming course includes a more rapid,
code-focused practical examination of basic game maths.
Physics for Game Developers
By applying the laws of physics, you can realistically model almost everything in a computer game that bounces around, flies, rolls,
slides, or isn't sitting still. This allows you to create compelling, believable content for your games, simulations, and animations
and enrich your games with physics-based realism. Topics will range from basic Newtonian physics to vehicle modelling to spring-mass
systems.
