KV4010 - Introduction to Games Development

What will I learn on this module?

This module will be a core module for Games development programme. This module aims to develop students introductory level skills in game development using an industry standard game engine. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of scripting including variables, functions and operators, and program flow control, along with more advanced aspects such as player controllers and game modes. Students will use these concepts to implement gameplay functionality and interaction using an industry standard game engine. Assessment will be 100% based on the creation of a playable prototype within the game engine.

This module will prepare students for later modules such as Games Design, Game Programming 3 and 3D Graphics Programming as well as the placement in your third year. Most of the Game studios are looking for individuals who can work with open-source game engine such as Unreal Engine, Unity Engine etc. During ‘Introduction to Games Development’ you will work through a series of exercises, making use of Northumbria’s state-of-the-art computer games labs. You will also learn about version control (GIT repository or Unreal Engine source control) and development lifecycle (pre-production, production, and post-production)

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, workshops, and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to
tackle a series of guided exercises. You will work on these during workshops in Northumbria’s CIS building computer labs, which are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

This modules timetable will include one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour workshop session every week. The lecturers will support you with problem-solving and debugging strategies as well as by explaining concepts and principles. During these sessions, you will receive feedback on your work. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lecture and seminar materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the university library offers support for all students through providing electronic resources. Outside teaching sessions, lecturers can be contacted for advice or questions by email or in person during published available times.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
ML01 – Investigate games industry trends, tools and practices using scripting to inform game design and development project outcomes.
ML02 – Research and investigate game design and development theories and technologies related to scripting within a visual interface. (KU1 & KU3)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
ML03 – Engage with appropriate techniques, software, tools, and procedures in the design and development of a scripted game product.
ML04 – Demonstrate competence in the design, prototyping, version control and practical development of game products.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
ML05 – Experiment with methods of managing personal workload whilst working towards specified milestones and deadlines for the module.

How will I be assessed?

This module will be assessed by a single individual assignment. Students will develop a prototype for a game using the visual scripting found in industry standard game engines. Students must implement gameplay experiences and interactivity using the visual scripting language. Students will be given a project specification outlining the scope of the project and a genre. Each student will develop a prototype based on that specification using visual scripting techniques.

This assessment will cover all of the learning outcomes for the module.

Feedback from the assessment will be delivered by email. Ongoing feedback and guidance will be available through the practical sessions and by individual email and informal staff contact.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will be a core module for Games development programme. This module aims to develop students introductory level skills in game development using an industry standard game engine. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of game scripting including variables, functions, operators and program flow control, along with more advanced aspects such as player controllers and game modes. Students will use these concepts to implement gameplay functionality and interaction using an industry standard game engine. Assessment will be 100% based on the creation of a playable prototype within game engine using visual scripting in a variety of implementation types.

Course info

UCAS Code G416

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Computer Science

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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