Description:

This course will provide an opportunity for students to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to create 3D multiplayer games. Topics include 3D models of players, vehicles, items, and structures; audio and music; graphical user interfaces and menus; UV wrapped textures and skins; environmental effects; and outdoor terrain. 3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $20 to $50.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of the client-server environment to develop client-server scripts for games.
2. Communicate visually the story with creative game play features.
3. Create 3D models.
4. Create 3D structures with interiors to illustrate game play.
5. Record music and audio effects that enhance the story and atmosphere of the game world.
6. Create textures for skins.
7. Create UV-wrap textures.
8. Integrate art and models into a game world effectively.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Overview of 3D Game Development
   A. Define the industry
   B. List the elements of 3D games
   C. Conceptualize the Torgue engine

II. Relevant Programming Topics
   A. Master programming editor UltraEdit-32
   B. Demonstrate how the software controls the computer
   C. Reinforce basic programming concepts

III. 3D Concepts
   A. Describe the coordinate system in 3D terms
   B. Construct models
   C. Program rendering and transformation of images

IV. Game Programming
   A. Create games with effective use of Torque Script
   B. Build the game structure

V. Game Play
   A. Compare client and server design issues
   B. Recognize and implement changes to make the game play effective

VI. Networking
   A. Implement good messaging techniques
   B. Describe the master server concept

VII. Common Scripts
   A. Compare and contrast common code base and control code
   B. Describe when to use which technique

VIII. Textures and Skins
   A. Utilize the major features of a paint program or an imaging program
   B. Employ UV unwrapping and skinning processes
   C. Search for possible sources of textures for game objects

IX. Graphical User Interface (GUI) Elements
   A. Define and employ common GUI controls
   B. Edit using the Torque GUI editor

X. Terrains
   A. Apply real-life terrains to the game environment
   B. Employ concepts of fidelity, spread, and freedom of terrain

XI. Model with Milkshape 
   A. Describe modeling techniques
   B. Apply UV Mapper to the model
   C. Explain what techniques work for different parts of character
models
   D. Describe the issues of vehicle modeling
   E. Decide which items and weapons should be modeled and which
techniques should be used

XII. Structures
   A. Demonstrate the use of Quark
   B. Compare and contrast the use of Computer Graphic Simulation (CGS)
models vs. low-poly models

XIII. Game World Environment
   A. Describe environmental aspects that can be modeled
   B. Explain why they are important

XIV. Programming Sound
   A. Edit sounds for 3D games
   B. Describe when and where to use sound effects

XV. Sound and Music
   A. Explain why music is important in the game
   B. Describe how music is added
   C. Explain when music should be used

XVI. The Game Mission
   A. Discuss the importance of the requirements specifications
   B. Create the game mission using the Mission Editor

XVII. The Game Server and Client
   A. Program the server-side
   B. Create event triggers
   C. Program the client code

XVIII. The End Game
   A. Test the game
   B. Host the game servers

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Examinations         50% 
Projects/Assignments 50% 
  Total:            100%

Grade Criteria:
  A =  100% - 90%
  B =   89% - 80% 
  C =   79% - 70%
  D =   69% - 60% 
  F =    0  - 59%   

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.