CS 161 - Introduction to Computer Game Development

5.0 Credits
Fundamentals of computer game programming, including a survey of computer game categories and platforms, major game components, an overview of the game development process, and an introduction to game graphics programming using the Windows API. S/U grade option.
Prerequisite One programming course with a grade of 2.5 or higher or instructor permission.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Categorize games according to common game genres.
Describe diverse game components.
Enumerate the general computer game platforms and the strength and weaknesses of each.
Describe the game development process.
Prepare a design document for a simple game.
Describe some basic concepts, features, and techniques of graphics programming including the representation and display of points, colors, lines, polygons, and bitmaps, the translation, scaling and rotation of images, sprite creation and animation, scrolling, and simple collision detection.
Create an optimized game that includes geometric transformations, multilevel scrolling, sprite animation, and collision detection using Visual Basic.NET and the Windows GDI+ (Graphics Device Interface).
Independently research an aspect of computer game development.
Describe general characteristics common to all games.
Complete a project as part of a team or group programming effort.
Present a reasoned opinion on a current social controversy involving the nature of computer games.