This unit has been introduced as part of the 2016 Course Architectures review of the FIT undergraduate degrees. The unit is intended to introduce students to games programming fundamentals, doing so in the industry standard of C++, as well as cover the mathematical fundamentals underpinning games programming. The provision of this unit will provide an understanding of the fundamentals of programming computer games and provide the foundation for students to take on other programming units, in particular the subsequent games programming unit.

June 2017: Changed 3hr exam to 2hr to meet university policy, effective S1 2018

October 2016: Add FIT2071 (equivalent to FIT1048) as an alternative programming prerequisite for transition purposes.

Introduced for course architecture programs. Effective semester 1, 2016

20/9/2019: Admin - updating exam duration to include additional 10 minutes as per University requirement.

17/09/2020 Admin: Update to include new assessment and teaching approach fields as per Handbook requirements.

A strong knowledge of programming using C++ is essential to students wishing to create and modify effective and efficient games engines, which require high levels of performance and optimisation. This unit builds upon core skills and knowledge in C++ and provides a working understanding of how the language is used in computer game development. The unit also aims to develop a working understanding of the underlying mathematical principles that guide computer games graphics and interactions. Games Development students will apply their C++ skills in several later units as they complete their major, including their capstone project.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the geometric meaning behind vectors and matrices, and create code that demonstrates how these can be applied practically in game programming, including for object movement and collision;
2. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of the programming game loop and how to set it up;
3. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of DirectX, including textures, displaying sprites, animation, text, and rendering;
4. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of physics in the games programming context, including basic movement and interaction;
5. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of Direct 3D rendering, including geometry, models, cameras, textures and lighting.

020103

This unit will further develop object-oriented programming skills with the C++ language, and place them into the Games Programming context. Fundamental games programming design principles will be covered, including formal game structures and the game program loop. A number of specific games programming techniques with C++ will be also covered. These include the use of DirectX, games physics, and advanced 3D rendering, expressing these concepts through game creation using C++ and Microsoft Windows DirectX. Underpinning this will be use of fundamental mathematical principles for working with computer graphics and game interactions. This provides a strong grounding for further study in this area, especially related to games engine development and artificial intelligence.

There is no required textbook in this unit. All required resources will be accessible via the unit Moodle website.

Technological requirements

This unit will use the Microsoft Visual Studio environment for applying the games development coding practices. Visual Studio is available at no cost to students through the Microsoft MSDN / Imagine program. This software will be available to students in FIT laboratories, however having access to this software outside of class time is recommended for undertaking study and working on assignments.

On-campus

Classes will be used to introduce key concepts, but most importantly to demonstrate code development and discuss various considerations of game programming. Other classes will be used for students to put these concepts into practice and obtain help with the key games programming principles.

Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

1. Extended Lab Exercises (weeks 1 - 4): - 15% - ULO: 1, 2, 3
2. Transformations in 3D Space: - 15% - ULO: 1, 2, 3
3. Game Project: - 20% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4. Examination 1: - 50% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

FIT1048 or FIT2071