Course Curriculum
TERM 01
Introduction to Game Programming
In the first term, students will start by learning the fundamentals of game programming by focusing on the C++ programming language. We will introduce basic C++ syntax as well as advanced C++ techniques.
By the end of the term, students will have enough knowledge to create their very first C++ game.
Learn how to:
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Understand important game programming concepts used in development
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Master the basic syntax of the C++ programming language
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Create a simple C++ game from scratch using your acquired knowledge
Weekly Breakdown
- Game Programming Concepts
- Variables and Operators
- Conditionals
- Loops
- Functions
- Classes and Objects
- Pointers, References and Dynamic Memory
- Arrays
- Inheritance & Polymorphism
- Templates
- Game Loop
- Putting It All Together
*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input
TERM 02
Game Programming with Unreal
Next, students will be introduced to the Unreal Engine 4 editor and will see how the editor interacts with C++ code while building levels and gameplay elements. Blueprints will be introduced as another way to visually add logic to your games.
You'll build a simple game with input, collision, basic AI, User Interface and audio.
Learn how to:
- Understand the basic features of the Unreal Engine 4 editor
- Build levels containing materials, terrain, and gameplay elements
- Start building a game with a fully interactive character
Weekly Breakdown
- Second Semester Introduction / UE4 Projects
- Unreal Engine Classes
- Source Control
- Unreal Engine C++
- Blueprints
- Input and Collision
- Graphics and Materials
- Terrain and Environment
- Basic AI
- User Interface
- Audio
- Putting It All Together
*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input
TERM 03
Intermediate Game Programming
In the final term, students will tackle some more advanced uses of the Unreal Engine for a more complete picture of developing Unreal games, including character animations, particle effects, serialization, loading and streaming levels.
You'll finish the course by developing your own fully playable game from scratch.
Learn how to:
- Fully explore the Unreal animation and cinematics systems
- Understand how saving, loading and serialization work
- Fully flesh out your game started in the second semester
Weekly Breakdown
- Third Semester Introduction / Project Review
- Saving and Loading
- Particle Systems
- Animation
- Events and Delegates
- Memory Management
- Level Loading and Streaming
- Serialization
- Sequencer
- Profiling and Optimization
- Paper 2D
- Putting It All Together
*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input
Mentor of Game Programming
Meet Firas
At an early age, Firas knew the future was in his hands. As a matter of fact, he took it with him wherever he went. A Gameboy he received as a gift for his eighth birthday was his introduction to the wonderful world of gaming, and he knew immediately he wanted to make video game when he grew up. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Computer Science, Firas got his first gig in the games industry at Silicon Knights. Hired on an AI programmer, he fell in love with the making AI and gameplay systems come to life.
Soon after he joined Ubisoft and has had the privilege of working with some of the best developers in the industry releasing titles such as Far Cry 3,4 & 5, Assassins Creed 3, Your Shape, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, FarCry Primal, and Watchdogs 2.
