Videogame Programming

Objectives

This course presents the basic topics to develop 2D video games with Unity. Thus, the students learn how to use the components of the engine, how to design different levels and screens, scripting to implement the behaviour and mechanics of the player and the enemies, animations from sprite sheets, or the addition of audio effects among others, in order to create fully functional 2D games.

Learning outcomes

• Implements videogames using programming languages and game engines.
• Integrates 2D and 3D environments to create suitable interfaces for games.
• Applies basic knowledge on Physics to develop video games.
• Uses the Unity game engine and understands its main features.
• Applies his/her knowledge for solving problems in complex or professional and specialised work areas that require the use of creative and innovative ideas.

Competencies

General skills

• Desire to take part in lifelong learning, innovate, create value and acquire new knowledge.

Specific skills

• Analyse, design and implement applications for the web, mobile devices, video games or general purposes, using programming languages ​​and development tools.
• Assess and use game engines, applying basic concepts of mechanical physics for video game development.
• Design, model and animate 2D and 3D characters and environments through the use of digital tools.

Content

• Introduction to Unity
• Creation of arcade games: sprites, the logics, management of different scenes, audio, UI, etc.
• Interaction with the elements of a scene: player and enemies, controllers, animations, etc.
• Scripting and programming of advanced features
• Other topics: data persistency, local multiplayer, split screen, etc.

Evaluation

The evaluation is done as follows:

• Practical exam 1 (individual): 30% of the final mark
• Practical exam 2 (individual): 30% of the final mark
• Project. 2D video game (groups of 2 people): 30% of the final mark (20% project + 5% oral presentation + 5% documentation)
• Course follow-up (individual): 10% of the final mark

Delivering the project has to be accepted by the lecturer to pass the course. In case of failing, the student will have the opportunity to take an individual exam to recover up to the 40% of the grade (one of the exams + course follow-up). The minimum mark of this 2nd chance exam must be greater than or equals to 3.5 to pass the course.

Methodology

Class sessions are split into the introduction of theoretical concepts by the lecturer and their use in practical examples by the students, with the assistance of the professor. Students must complete the proposed homework and study the theoretical contents at home in order to complete their learning on the topics of the course.

Bibliography

Key references

• Geig, M., Tristem, B. (2015). Sams Teach Yourself Unity® Game Development in 24 Hours (2 ed.). Sams.
• Ferrone, H. (2021). Learning C# by developing games with unity 2021 : kickstart your C# programming and Unity journey by building 3D games from scratch. Retrieved from https://ucercatot.uvic-ucc.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UVIC/1nl2ep/alma991001042743406718
• Thorn, A. (2016). Unity 5.x by example : an example-based practical guide to get you up and running with Unity 5.x. Retrieved from https://ucercatot.uvic-ucc.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UVIC/1nl2ep/alma991001109177406718

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.