Overview

The aim of this unit is for students to understand, select, design, implement, and utilise game engine components to develop 2D and 3D games that demand innovative and varied approaches, accommodating complex and unique design challenges.

Requisites

Prerequisites
COS20007 Object Oriented Programming

OR
SWE20004 Technical Software Development
OR
COS30014 Object Oriented Programming in C++ *
OR
COS30043 Interface Design and Development

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of fundamental game development concepts, including game design, mechanics, and user experience, and apply this knowledge to solve complex development challenges.
  • Understand and apply the various stages of the game development lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to deployment.
  • Explain the theory of game engines and their mechanisms, using this knowledge to select and adapt engine components for complex game scenarios.
  • Develop proficiency in a game programming language and utilise relevant development environments.
  • Demonstrate creativity and innovation in the development of 2D/3D game concepts and the implementation of gameplay experiences.
  • Employ problem-solving skills and critical thinking to design, develop, and debug unique games and algorithms.
  • Collaborate effectively within teams, using collaborative tools to plan, manage, and deliver game projects on time, and solve complex, team-based problems in game development that require coordinated, innovative approaches.

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Lecture		 1.00  12 weeks  12
Online
Lecture		 1.00 12 weeks 12
On-campus
Class		 2.00  12 weeks  24
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		 8.50  12 weeks  102
TOTAL     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Report Individual  10 - 20%  1,2,3 
Assignment Individual/Group 30 - 40%  1,2,3,4,5,6,7 
Major Assigment Individual/Group 40 - 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Content

  • Game Engine Types and Programming Languages.
  • Improving Game Performance through Efficient Memory Management and Data Structures to optimise game performance, particularly in scenarios that demand innovative resource allocation and management strategies.
  • Implementing Game Logic and applying critical thinking to solve complex challenges without clear-cut solutions.
  • Developing and Programming 2D and 3D Games integrating complex, adaptive solutions.

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.