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Class Game Systems and Engines

  • Presentation

    Presentation

    In this curricular unit, students will be challenged to develop several playable prototypes using different game engines. The main idea of this curricular unit is to help students work on their portfolio by giving them the possibility to create at least three playable prototypes that explore different themes, software and game engines (eg Unity, Godot, Gamemaker, Unreal, among others). It is intended that students understand the specifics of using different game engines and explore different systems, both in the sense of game devices and in the development of interesting gameplay systems in response to briefings. Each project will be a new challenge for students who, in small groups, in a short period of time and with a very limited scope, will have to present creative and original solutions in order to respond effectively to the proposed challenges.
  • Code

    Code

    ULP2533-16951
  • Syllabus

    Syllabus

    Introduction to game engines; Unity, Unreal, Godot, Gamemaker, among others and their specificities; Playable prototype: from creation to interactive experimentation; Gameplay, mechanics, game experience: game loops, core game loop; Originality in the search for creative and effective solutions; Scope, unique selling points.
  • Objectives

    Objectives

    The main objective of this curricular unit is to challenge students to develop, in a short period of time, small playable prototypes that seek to explore proposed themes. The main idea is to recreate an environment and work methodology very similar to a Game Jam to prepare students to look for solutions and overcome challenges in a more autonomous and independent way. Three projects will be proposed with three different themes and each project will have its restriction (ex: developing in a certain game engine or exploring a new game engine for the first time, creating a video game with only one mechanic, etc.) to oblige the students to look for alternatives and effective solutions to respond to the proposed challenges. The groups will be small (2-3 students) and the working time between each project short (1-2 weeks). The prototypes of the three projects will have to be playable in order to enrich their portfolios.
  • Teaching methodologies and assessment

    Teaching methodologies and assessment

    Continuous evaluation: Three practical exercises (100%): Three exercises group during class and at home, with mandatory presentation in the classroom and subsequent discussion. In each exercise, studies will be asked to create a small videogame (build) and a short descriptive document based on a specific topic given by the teacher. Each exercise will be evaluated from 0 do 20 with the arithmetic average of the three grades corresponding to the final evaluation of the curricular unit. Attendance: mandatory attendance of at least 70% of classes. No exam evaluation: The exam is not included in this Curricular Unit as it is not compatible with its specific nature, having therefore been defined by the Scientific Council that only the continuous assessment regime will apply.
  • References

    References

    Baron, D. (2021), Game Development Patterns with Unity 2021 – Second Edition. Packt Publishing. Bates, B. (2004), Game Design - Second Edition. Boston: Thomson Course Technology PTR.  Bradfield, C. (2023), Godot 4 Game Development Projects – Second Edition. Packt Publishing. Fullerton, T. (2008), Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games - Second Edition. San Francisco: Elsevier. Kaitila, C. (2012), The Game Jam Survival Guide. Packt Publishing. Koster, Raph (2013), Theory of Fun for Game Design – Second Edition. Sebastopol: O’Reilly Media, Inc. Marques, G. et al. (2022), Elevating Game Experiences with Unreal Engine 5 – Second Edition. Birmingham: Packt Publishing Ltd. Rogers, Scott (2014), Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design. West Sussex: Wiley. Salen, K. & Zimmerman, E. (2004), Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals. Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press. Zubek, Robert (2020), Elements of Game Design. Mass.: The MIT Press.  
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