DPS905 - 3D Game Programming Techniques

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:40:57.577
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:10.027


Subject Title
3D Game Programming Techniques

Subject Description
This course continues the study of game programming techniques begun in DPS901. Topics include modeling, texturing and lighting techniques, force feedback, and
shader programming.

Credit Status
1 credit in the BSD program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • Research and incorporate new features into an existing game program
  • Design and write graphically appealing games that make use of force feedback
  • Code vertex and pixel shader programs using a high level shader language and effect files
  • Justify design decisions when selecting between alternative ways to implement an effect
  • Effectively present detailed technical information to an audience

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
DPS901

Topic Outline

  • Introduction - 5%
    •          Review of the base code
    •         Review of enhancements suggested by former students
  • Modelling Techniques - 15%
    •         Comprehensive camerawork
    •         Relative reference frames
    •         Streaming sound files
    •         Billboards
    •         Skyboxes
    •         Meshes
    •         Collision detection
  • Shader Programming - 20%
    •         Fixed and programmable pipelines
    •         Shader languages
    •         Vertex and pixel shader programming
    •         Effects file framework
  • Lighting Techniques - 15%
    •         Review of basic lighting formulas
    •         Phong and Blinn-Phong
    •         Hemispheric lighting
  • Texturing Techniques - 10%
    •         Mipmaps
    •         Tiling
    •         Multitexturing
    •         Off-screen rendering
  • Shadow Techniques - 10%
    •         Shadow maps
    •         Shadow volumes
  • Force feedback using DirectInput - 10%
  • Topics selected, researched and presented by students - 15%

Mode of Instruction
2 hours interactive lecture per week.
2 hours activity-based learning per week.

Prescribed Texts
None

Reference Material

  • Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 9.0 by Luna; ISBN 1-55622-913-2 published by Word Ware Publishing
  • Programming Vertex and Pixel Shaders by W. Engel published by Charles River Media, Boston, MA. ISBN 1-58450-349-1
  • OpenGL Shading Language by R.J. Rost published by  Pearson Education, Boston, MA. ISBN 0-321-33489-2

Required Supplies
None

Student Progression and Promotion Policy
To obtain a credit in this subject, a student must:

  •     Satisfactorily complete the course project
  •     Pass the final exam
  •     Pass the weighted average of the test and final exam

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+90%  to  100%
A80%  to  89%
B+75%  to  79%
B70%  to  74%
C+65%  to  69%
C60%  to  64%
D+55%  to  59%
D50%  to  54%
F0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXCExcellent
SATSatisfactory
UNSATUnsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation

Course Project 50%
Term Test 20%
Final Exam 30%

Approved by: Mary-Lynn Manton