Course Syllabus

This experimental version of the Game Engines class is organized around the theme of Game Platforms -- all of the hardware, software, and other systems on top of which individual videogames are built. We'll examine platforms from the past (including topics like analog video signal generation) to help us understand and build platforms for the future (including cloud-backed geo-referenced augmented reality).

Course Staff

Instructor: Adam M. Smith ("Adam"). amsmith@soe.ucsc.edu
Office hours Thursdays 2pm-4pm E2-269 (faculty office) 

TA: Lucas Ferreira ("Lucas") lferreira@ucsc.edu
Office hours Mondays 2:30pm-3:30pm E2-480 (TA room)

When possible, ask questions here on Canvas for others to see.

Lecture

Tuesdays/Thursdays 11:40am - 1:15pm in Soc Sci 2 179

Lab

Tuesdays 2pm-5pm Rachel Carson College Mac Lab 101
(important stuff happens at the start, leave when you are comfortable)

Grading Criteria

30% reading responses (~20 assignments). Most readings will be assigned in class each day and due before the start of the next class meeting.

40% programs (~6 lab exercises). Most programs are assigned in Lab on Tuesday and due the second Thursday after assignment.

30% creative project (~3 weeks). Project components will be announced later.

Mapping from percentages to letter grades will be determined by the course staff after all scores have been computed at the end of the quarter.

Earning a 0% in any category will lead to failing the class automatically.

Late Policy

Reading responses and lab exercises: 75% credit (multiplicatively) for submissions late up to one week, 50% after that up until the start of Finals Week. After that, 0% credit is given.

Creative project materials: 0% credit for late submissions without previous arrangement.

Course Outline

See course schedule (visible to public, share with your friends).

Lab Platform

PICO-8 Fantasy Console from Lexaloffle Games (http://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php). Free license keys are now available from the course staff (ask in lab or at the end of a lecture).

Textbook

Game Engine Architecture, Second Edition by Jason Gregory [pdf] (http://gameenginebook.com/)

DRC Statement

UC Santa Cruz is committed to creating an academic environment that supports its diverse student body. If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations to achieve equal access in this course, please submit your Accommodation Authorization Letter from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to me privately during my office hours or by appointment, preferably within the first two weeks of the quarter. At this time, I would also like us to discuss ways we can ensure your full participation in the course. I encourage all students who may benefit from learning more about DRC services to contact DRC by phone at 831-459-2089, or by email at drc@ucsc.edu.