Dec 04, 2024  
College Catalog 2023-2024 
    
College Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ITCS 1950 - Introduction to Game Development

Credit Hours: 4.00


Prerequisites: None

(formerly ITCS 2913)

ITCS 1950 introduces principles of game programming through hands‑on creation of simple games with a current games‑centered programming language. Major topics include syntax, data structures for games, designing game worlds with objects (OOP), sprites, audio playback, player input, animation, collision detection, simple physics, basic AI (Artificial Intelligence) and game engines. Both text‑based and graphics‑based games are examined.

Billable Contact Hours: 4

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OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the gaming industry.

Objectives:

  1. Identify and report on employment opportunities related to the gaming industry.
  2. Research various industries to identify situations where game programming may be appropriately applied as a solution to a business problem.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the basic concepts of gaming programming.

Objectives:

  1. Design programs according to program specifications.
  2. Create solutions to assignments which include.
    1. Repetition statements.
    2. Decision statements.
    3. Sequence statements.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to manipulate data in a gaming environment.

Objectives:

  1. Create solutions using data structures to represent game components.
  2. Create solutions utilizing objects to replicate multiple instances of games elements.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to implement graphics and animation in simple games.

Objectives:

  1. Employ sprites and text.
    1. Place sprites and text on the screen in appropriate places.
    2. Update text messages such as score.
    3. Move sprites to add movement to game objects.
    4. Detect collision between game objects.
  2. Demonstrate their ability to program in the two-dimensional coordinate system.

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to create programs to demonstrate course competencies.

Objectives:

  1. Create code and test a text-based adventure game.
  2. Create code and test a basic graphics-based collision detection game.
  3. Create code and test a text-based or graphics-based game using the computer as one of the players (computer logic).

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES (CDO)
  • Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
  • Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
  • Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
  • Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
  • Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.
CDO marked YES apply to this course:
Communication: YES
Critical Thinking: YES
Information Literacy: YES
Quantitative Reasoning: YES
Scientific Literacy: YES

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
Note: Based on the text Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Second Edition, Michael Dawson, Thompson, Course Technology, Boston (2006)

Unit 1:

  1. The World of Gaming
  2. Introduction to the Development Platform

Unit 2:

  1. Working with Data Types, Variables and Simple I/O
  2. Branching, Loops, and Program Planning

Unit 3:

  1. Manipulating Strings
  2. Working with Files and Directories

Unit 4:

  1. Utilizing Lists
  2. Implementing Dictionaries

Unit 5:

  1. Functions
  2. Reading From and Writing to Data Files

Unit 6:

  1. Simple Objects
  2. Object Oriented Programming

Unit 7:

  1. Graphical User Interface in Games Development
  2. Collision Detection

Unit 8:

  1. Sound
  2. Animation

Primary Faculty
Schleis, George
Secondary Faculty
Kohl, Martin
Associate Dean
Evans-Mach, Patrick
Dean
Balsamo, Michael



Primary Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088



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