Modern Game Development
Academic Study Board of the Faculty of Engineering
Teaching language: English
EKA: T520068102
Censorship: Second examiner: Internal
Grading: Pass/Fail
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Autumn
Level: Master
Course ID: T520068101
ECTS value: 10
Date of Approval: 05-08-2025
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Archive
Mandatory prerequisites
Content
This course will introduce methods for modern game development. The course will focus on the Unreal Game Engine (UE) as it’s a commercial product that is used in many AAA games. The course will give a practical introduction to C++ by relating it to C# and Java, languages the students have been using before.
The students will be introduced to the features/tools and the workflow needed to create 3D games and simulations in Unreal, including the concepts of blueprints, user interface, BSP geometry, and the built-in AI tools.
Special emphasis is given to how there are multiple applications of AI in games, including procedural content generation (PCG). Subjects such as: how can AI play games, describe behaviors, generate assets, impact player experience are dealt with.
These subjects will give the student sufficient technical knowledge to design and implement games/simulations in Unreal Engine, including AI/PCG systems.
Recommended prerequisites
Object oriented programming, data structures, linear math, and basic calculus.
Learning objectives - Knowledge
- Understand the structure of classes and methods in C++
- Understand the core functionality of Unreal Engine
- Understand general AI methods
Learning objectives - Skills
- Program classes and methods in C++
- Program more complex data structures in C++ (like lists, stacks, trees)
- Implement game control structures in Unreal Engine
- Debug programs in Unreal Engine
- Use built-in tools in Unreal Engine to implement simple AI techniques
- Deploy an Unreal program in the required operating system
- Implement AI methods based on a description/pseudo-code
Learning objectives - Competences
- Apply the methods of iterative, incremental development in the construction of a game/interactive 3D system
- Translate complex user features into structured, dynamic 3D computer games and simulations Independently being able to implement specific game mechanics
- Apply appropriate AI methods to various contexts
- Build simple 3D environments in Unreal Engine
Teaching Method
The course is divided into appx 5 ECTS of theory with accompanying lessons and 5 ECTS of assignments and project work in laboratories. The projects are made in groups.
The teacher reviews the theory using examples, after which the students, under the teacher's guidance, solve a series of tasks. Academic study preparation is expected between classes, which could be reading academic papers, reading programming resources, watching tutorials, or similar.
Examination regulations
Exam regulations
Examination is held
End of semester
Tests
Exam
EKA
T520068102
Description
The grade is based on an overall assessment of:
- A group report
- An oral group exam based on the report
A group consists of 4 students to the extend possible. An individual exam cannot be chosen instead of a group exam. The basis for the assessment is always individual and individual grades are given
Form of examination
Project report with oral defence
Censorship
Second examiner: Internal
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Student Identification Card - Date of birth
Language
English
ECTS value
10
Additional exam information
The form of examination in the re-examination is the same as in the ordinary examination
Course Responsible
| Name | Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard | mbkj@mmmi.sdu.dk | Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Instituttet |
| Sofie Birch | sbirch@tek.sdu.dk | TEK Fakultetsadministration |
Teachers
| Name | Department | City | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Dockhorn | adoc@mmmi.sdu.dk | Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Instituttet | |
| Marco Scirea | msc@mmmi.sdu.dk | Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Instituttet |