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COSC 4324 Computer Game Development I is the first course in a two-course sequence that students typically take in the fall (COSC 4324) and spring (COSC 4325) semesters of their senior year. It is a required course for students majoring in Computer Game Development. 

COSC 4324 is an introductory course in graphics and game programming using C++ and Microsoft Windows. Prior programming experience, especially in Java or C++, is required. No prior graphics or game programming experience is required. Students can work in the game laboratory on campus or use their own personal computers for this course.

Through lectures and assignments students learn basic coding skills in C++, elementary concepts in computer graphics, mathematical concepts associated with computer graphics, 3D modeling, audio and game programming. A primary focus of the course is on the development of games in outdoor 3D environments. Indoor environments are covered in COSC 4325 Computer Game Development II. 

In addition to providing students the skills needed to create 3D games, the knowledge gained from this course is readily adaptable to other industries requiring 3D graphics software development. For example, using the skills learned in this course and COSC 4325, a student can work effectively as a graphics developer in the simulation industry. The successful computing professional in the game industry will likely work on many types of applications in addition to games during their career.

The two-course sequence (COSC 4324 and COSC 4325) is designed to give students the skills and opportunity to create a full featured 3D game to add to their portfolio of work – the concluding semester project in COSC 4325 is a student designed and created game. A portfolio of work is very important when seeking a job in the game industry since it demonstrates a student’s knowledge and skill.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

• Create interactive graphics applications in C++ using one or more graphics application programming interfaces.
• Create programs that demonstrate 3D geometrical transformations.
• Create programs that demonstrate use of interactive audio in graphics applications.
• Create programs that implement visibility detection.
• Create programs that demonstrate authoring and importing of 3D models into a graphics application.
• Create 3D models for use in graphics applications software.

Course Prerequisites: COSC 2336