Computer Game Development Project (DADIU)
Course content
The purpose of this course is to teach the art and science of creating computer games.
During the course, students will be creating their own sub-engine part that will be integrated into the games being produced. The engine that must be designed and implemented has to add something new. For instance, one may implement algorithms to support data-driven character animation or procedural generation of terrain or worlds. The particular requirements for what the engine needs to solve change from year to year.
This course is given in collaboration with the Danish National
Academy of Digital Interactive Entertainment (DADIU).
Students from different universities and art schools are taught
together in 3 phases: Joint curriculum, Game Workshop, and
Graduation Game. Computer Science students are given the role of
game programmer, possibly lead programmer.
The course is particularly relevant for students wishing to work with computer game creation after their studies.
MSc Programme in Computer Science
Having completed this course, the student will have
Knowledge of
- The theoretical basis for creating computer games.
- Different aspects and phases of the game development process.
- The key elements for successful teamwork.
- A concrete game implementation platform and development environment.
Skills to
- Analyse and select the best algorithms and/or data structures for solving a given problem in a computer game.
- Implement complex program components for game logic, visual presentation, and/or player interaction.
- Evaluate, and possibly optimize, the performance of a computer game.
Competences to
- Cooperate with a game production team as a game programmer.
- Participate in inter-disciplinary teamwork with multiple member roles, both technical and artistic.
- Take professional responsibility for a well-defined component or aspect of a large software development project.
A mixture of lectures and group work on 2-3 game productions.
Notes
It is recommended that you have passed all the mandatory courses
in the first year of the MSc programme before taking DADIU (i.e.
AP, AADS, ML and ACS).
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is
recommended.
You must be enrolled in the MSc programme in Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen.
Part of the activities take place off-campus at various locations in Copenhagen. We strongly recommend active participation in course activities planned and executed in conjunction with Filmskolen.
Examples of feedback in DADIU:
- Process evaluation – approximately once a week in relation to a task. This type of feedback is non-technical.
- Peer reviews – part of the competence development students will conduct peer-review of each other’s code. This is technical feedback.
- Evaluation of content– at the end of DADIU the programmers will meet an experienced game industry programmer who will evaluate the process and technical solutions.
- ECTS
- 30 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Oral examination, 30 minutes (no preparation time)
- Type of assessment details
- The oral presentation (30 min. without preparation) at DIKU.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
-
Same as the ordinary exam
Criteria for exam assessment
See Learning Outcome
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 60
- Preparation
- 240
- Practical exercises
- 60
- Project work
- 464
- English
- 824
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NDAK15004U
- ECTS
- 30 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
2 blocks
- Placement
- Block 1 And Block 2
- Schedulegroup
-
The course runs full-time in the fall semester; it is not possible to follow other courses concurrently.
- Capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
- Studyboard
- Study Board of Mathematics and Computer Science
Contracting department
- Department of Computer Science
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
- Kenny Erleben (5-726c757580476b7035727c356b72)
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Kursusinformation for indskrevne studerende