OVERVIEW

Activities in this unit of study are constructed to facilitate the design, development, and analysis of existing tools used for game development. This unit will explore software selection, language selection, and technical tools used in the creation of interactive applications andvideo games.

TOPICS

• Middleware and 3D engines
• Level editors (e.g. Unity Editor)
• Physics engines (e.g. PhysX)
• Sound editing tools
• Dynamic libraries

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explain the function and purpose of physics engines.
2. Identify contemporary game development tools.
3. Explain the function and purpose of middleware and 3D engines.
4. Explain the function and purpose of level editors.
5. Write scripts that perform specific functions.
6. Apply vector math within the project development process.
7. Explain the purpose of dynamic libraries.
8. Explain the function and purpose of sound editing tools.
9. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various languages used in game programming.
10. Evaluate middleware, level editors, graphics, video, and sound editing tools

OUTLINE

Gaming Engines

1. What is a game engine?
2. Middleware
3. 3D engines

Resource development tools

1. Graphic file formats and editors
2. Video file formats and editors
3. Sound file formats and editors
4. Asset file formats

Level Editors

1. Function and purpose
2. n-game level editors
3. Popular level editors

Physics Engines

1. Collision detection
2. Dynamic simulation: rigid body and soft-body

Libraries

1. What is a software library: Purpose and examples
2. Dynamic versus Static