Course Overview

Study C++, the powerful programming language used by professional game developers.  Discover how to program 3D graphics with DirectX 9, examining everything from the basics to the use of lighting and textures to add detail.  Learn the fundamental mathematics essential for game development.  Explore the complex world of artificial intelligence in order to make your computer-controlled characters as life-like as possible.  Examine how physics can be used in game design to create accurate and believable car movements, trajectories, and so on.

Pre-requisites

You should have a reasonable familiarity with computers and at least a pass at GCSE level mathematics (or equivalent).  No previous programming experience is required.

Qualification

ICS/GES (Gatlin Education Services) Certificate in Video Game Design and Development

Support and benefits

• Gatlin Education Services, specialists in online certification programmes, have developed all the course material, which is provided entirely through online learning
• Gain a recognised certificate
• Access to a dedicated tutor to mentor and motivate you throughout
• Access to the Gatlin and ICS online Student Communities, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
  

Key topics

• C++ Programming for Game Developers (1)

Learn the basics of the C++ programming language.

• C++ Programming for Game Developers (2)

Explore the more advanced features of this powerful programming language, building on what you learnt in the last unit. Among other things, you will design a 2D game.

• Math Primer

Revise important mathematics necessary for programming.

• Graphics Programming with DirectX (1)

Explore 3D games programming with DirectX, considering everything from texture effects to camera management systems.

• Game Mathematics

Discover how the mathematics you learnt in the ‘Math Primer’ unit applies to video game design.

• Graphics Programming with DirectX (2)

Explore meshes, keyframe animation, skeletal animation, skinning techniques, rendering and blending. Examine collision detection and response.

• Artificial Intelligence for Games Developers

Learn how to feign intelligence in, for example, enemy characters, by careful programming.

• Physics for Game Developers

Learn how to use the principles of physics to simulate gravity and friction in your games, and to create authentic trajectories and kinematics.

Course Code

901

Hours of study

4 years / 500 hours

Technical requirements and fees

Minimum system requirements: Microsoft Windows 98/2000//XP; Pentium III+/AMD Athlon Processor (750MHz); 256 MB RAM; 3D Hardware Accelerator with 128MB on-board memory; DirectX 9.0/OpenGL compliant Disk.

Assessment

In order to demonstrate the skills that you will learn in each module, you will be required to complete one (or multiple) project(s) per module. These projects require you to undertake practical activities similar to those undertaken by professional video game designers. For example, for the C++ Programming for Game Developers (2) module you will create a 2D video game, while for later modules you will design 3D video games that demonstrate a range of skills and techniques.