Curricula

Objectives

Objectives (goals):
The main object is to understand the basics of the new game engine, and becoming capable of creating simple games with the engine by porting an existing game from another game engine. Based on the students experience and knowledge with earlier game engines, the steps are taken to teach differences between the engines and provide such a transition that earlier learning can be taken in advantage.

The studen will learn how to find the similar game engine functionalities and produce similar effects / functionalities to the ones made in another game engine.

Learning outcomes:
After completing this course, you should be capable of making complex games with a selected game engine. You will also understand the basic differences and similarities between different game engines.

Course competences:
Game production competence
Software engineering competence

Content

Have you already developed a game on a game engine and want to learn what it takes to get proficient with another engine?

Game industry is a competitive environment these days and you will have an advantage with a knowledge of multiple game engines. Understanding the differences and similarities of game engines gives you the ability to always choose the right tool for the projects ahead.

This course focuses on learn to convert a finalised games to another game engine. This course gets you familiar with another major commercial game engine. After completing this course, you have basic knowledge to start creating games with the game engine.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Public learning materials:
- Unreal Engine API: https://docs.unrealengine.com/5.0/en-US/API/
- Unreal Engine manual: https://docs.unrealengine.com/5.0/en-US/
- C++ programming tutorial: https://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/
- C++ programming tutorial: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/cplusplus/cpp_quick_guide.htm

Other learning material:
- Databases in the learning environment
- Materials in the learning environment

Practicalities and used tools:
- C++ (or C#) as the programming language
- Visual Studio (or similar) as the IDE
- Unreal Engine (or Unity) as the Game Engine
- GitHub as the Version Control System
- Extra reading materials can be found from the web and Books24x7
- Tutorial materials can be found from the web and YouTube
- Zoom is used for lectures
- DiscordApp / WhatsApp / other comms are used for questions, answers and discussions
- All the sessions are recorded and the links are added to the workspace

Teaching methods

Description is subject to change, UPDATES MAY OCCUR.

The primary mode of delivery is a combination of in-class activities on campus and on-line lectures. The lectures will be recorded to support opportunities for 24/7 learning. The in-class activities deepen the learning in the forms of tutorials, individual and group works, reflection and guidance.

A blended model:
- The course can also contain project based learning, learning tasks, knowledge tests, topic specific focus teaching, database use for challenges/problems/tutorials (problem based learning)

Practical training and working life connections

The course might have visiting lecturers and possibly an excursion (virtual or physical).

Exam dates and retake possibilities

There is no exam on this course. Every student reserves a 30 min evaluation slot where they will show the task and project results (portfolio) to verify the skills and knowledge required to pass the course. The evaluation will be carried out with 1-on-1 conversations together with the course teacher. The reservation of the evaluation slots will be made possible through the learning platform.

During the last 2 weeks after classes will be reserved for the 1-on-1 evaluations.

Alternative completion methods

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing.

The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: JAMK Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

One credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work, which means that the load of five credits is approximately 135 hours. The load is distributed roughly the following way:
- Lectures: ~30h
- Weekly tasks: ~20h
- Projects and preparing for lectures: ~40h
- End task / portfolio: ~40h

Content scheduling

General scheduling:
- 2 hours per week for lectures (virtual)

Further information for students

Open studies 2
Edufutura 3

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Sufficient (1): You have basic knowledge of the game engine’s functionalities, pre-existing components, assets and/or example projects, and how they are used in the creation of games. You understand how the selected engine relates to other game engines and how games can be ported to it.

Satisfactory (2): You comprehend and are able to use the game engine’s functionalities, pre-existing components, assets and/or example projects. You are able to partially port a game into the selected game engine.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good (3): You can analyze the game engine’s functionality and pre-existing components, assets and/or example projects in comparison to other game engines. You are capable of extending them by implementing your own game content or functionalities.

Very Good (4): You have a thorough understanding of the game engine’s functionalities, pre-existing components, assets and/or example projects. You are capable of using them to create a ported version of your own game.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): You are capable of evaluating the game engine’s functionality and pre-existing components, assets and/or example projects. You are capable of using them to create a ported version of your own game. You also have in-depth knowledge on some specific part of the game engine.

Prerequisites

You need to posses advanced and transferable skills in game programming and game engines, and therefore this course is not for you are not familiar with modern game development tools and programming.

Sufficient skills in a programming language and another game engine.