What This Document Is
This document provides a foundational overview of the CMPS 20: Game Design Experience course at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Specifically, it focuses on introducing students to the XNA framework – a development environment used for creating games. It appears to be a set of lecture slides outlining the course structure, expectations, and the technologies students will be utilizing. The material is adapted from previous iterations of the course, indicating a well-established curriculum.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students enrolled in, or considering enrolling in, CMPS 20. It’s particularly valuable at the beginning of the course to understand the overall objectives, grading breakdown, and required materials. Aspiring game developers will find this helpful for grasping the scope of game design principles taught within the course and how they translate into practical application using a specific game development platform. It’s also useful for anyone wanting insight into the course’s approach to team-based game development.
Topics Covered
* Course logistics and administrative details (office hours, contact information)
* Fundamentals of game programming concepts
* Introduction to game Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques
* Object-oriented design principles and their application to game development
* The role of a content pipeline and art integration in game creation
* Teamwork and collaborative project development
* Overview of the XNA game platform and its capabilities
* Course assessment and grading criteria
What This Document Provides
* A detailed breakdown of the course’s weighting – homework, exams, and the term project.
* A timeline for the major milestones of the quarter-long team game project.
* A list of recommended textbooks and supplementary reference materials.
* Information regarding available resources, including a course website and Twitter feed.
* An outline of the key objectives students will achieve throughout the course.
* An introduction to the XNA platform and its potential for game deployment across multiple devices.
