Video Game Technology and Design

Short Description:

Part design and part technology, the course will cover the process of commercial video game development including such topics as rendering, animation, AI, UI, and asset management on the engineering side, and game design, narrative, character design, multiplayer dynamics, critical analysis and the creation and testing of a design document from the game design perspective. It will also cover the business of game development. Students will be expected to work individually as well as collaborate on the design and prototype of an original video game and game systems.

Prerequisites:

• Knowledge of graphics programming (CS W4160 or CS W4170 or equivalent) OR
• Experience and access to animation tools (Maya, Softimage, StudioMax, etc.) OR
• Ability and coursework as a writer or designer OR
• Permission of the instructor.

Grades Breakdown:

• 10% Game Critiques
• 15% Class Participation
• 15% Short Assignments
• 25% Design documents and formal progress reports
• 35% Final project (design and prototype of an original video game)

Syllabus:

The syllabus is subject to change. We may change the order of the classes or make minor adjustments to the content as the class progresses. Assignments, readings, and references will be posted to the syllabus as the class progresses.

Click here for syllabus

TA Info:

• Pablo Duboue   -    pablo(at)cs.columbia.edu
  725 Shapiro building (a.k.a. CEPSR)
  Office hours by request.
  

Class Discussion Board:

There is a class discussion board here

Team Listing:

The class will be divided into teams of four. A link to each team's site will be placed here.

Play:

As an example of a classic game using simple, free, and available technology look at this JavaScript version of Frogger