spring 2024
INF-3910-8 Computer Science Seminar: GameLab - 10 ECTS

Type of course

The course can be taken as a singular master's-level course.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements: Higher Education Entrance Requirement + Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or similar education. The Bachelor degree must contain a specialization in Computer Science worth the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits.

Application code: 9371 - Singular courses at master's level


Course content

The students will learn the complete cycle of game development from idea to launch by developing a game with user experience and technology good enough that it can be launched as a product.

The students will learn to develop games. The students will choose their own programming languages, game development frameworks, and other technologies in the software stack. The students are encouraged to build on state-of-the-art game engines, SDKs or services for their games.

The course will therefore cover all steps in the game development process:

  • Design: Create a game design and write a design document.
  • Technology: Select and reason about the correct technological choices for the designed game taking into account time, resources, technical performance and user experience constraints.
  • Team: Decide roles and share tasks and responsibilities across a team based on suitable skillset and area of interest.
  • Process: Agree on the software engineering process, milestones and approach to development.
  • Development: Implement a complete game in the allocated time that has the required performance and that provides a usable and fun experience for the player.
  • Business: Launch the game on the target platforms app store with a clear business plan for how and why the game can earn money.

Recommended prerequisites

INF-1400 Object-oriented programming, INF-2300 Computer networks, INF-2900 Software engineering

Objectives of the course

During the semester the students will design, implement and launch their own game. This allows the students to learn and explore a combination of valuable topics such as programming, entrepreneurship, game design and development process.

Knowledge - The student can:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of game design, including game mechanics, gameplay systems, player motivation, and game balancing.
  • Know the game development tools and technologies commonly used in the industry, including game engines, programming languages, 3D modeling and animation software, and audio tools.
  • Be familiar with the principles of user experience (UX) design, including user research, interface design, and usability testing.
  • Understand the importance of playtesting and iteration in game development, including the use of feedback and data to improve the game.

Skills - The student can:

  • Create a Game Design Document that outlines the basic concept, mechanics, and gameplay of a game.
  • Balance game mechanics, level design, and systems to create a fun and challenging game experience for players.
  • Implement game mechanics and systems
  • Design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that enhance the player's experience.
  • Collect and analyze feedback from playtesting sessions and use that feedback to iterate and improve their game designs.
  • Collaborate effectively with other team members to create a cohesive game experience.
  • Deploy a game in a game marketplace.

General competence - The student can:

  • Come up with innovative ideas for game mechanics, level design, storytelling, and other aspects of game development.
  • Think critically and solve game design and technical problems effectively.
  • Work in a team and communicate well with other team members.
  • Manage time effectively to meet project milestones and deliverables.
  • Adapt to new game engines, SDKs, and other technologies, trends, and design practices quickly.
  • Create experiences that engage and delight players.

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

The course lectures will be held by a combination of faculty professors, students and industry professionals and range across topics directly related to the deliverables of the course. The lectures are followed up by individual meetings with student teams in order to follow up and secure understanding and progress over the various stages of the project.

Lectures: 30 hours, Colloquium: 30 hours, Laboratory guidance: 30 hours.


Information to incoming exchange students

This course is available for inbound exchange students.

This course is open for inbound exchange student who meets the admission requirements, including prerequisites. Please see the Admission requirements" and the "Prerequisite" sections for more information.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412.


Schedule

Examination

Examination: Date: Weighting: Duration: Grade scale:
Oral exam 07.06.2024 08:00
2/10 30 Minutes A–E, fail F
Assignment 31.05.2024 14:00 (Hand in) 8/10 A–E, fail F

Coursework requirements:

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements:

Assignments Approved – not approved
UiT Exams homepage

More info about the coursework requirements

Up to3 mandatory assignments.

More info about the assignment

A semester long project, counting 80% of the final grade.

More info about the oral exam

A presentation of the game project, counting 20% of the final grade.

Re-sit examination

It will not be given a re-sit exam for this course.
  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: INF-3910-8
  • Tidligere år og semester for dette emnet