Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
SIT255 Game Development Patterns
Deakin University Unit Guide
Trimester 2, 2019
06 June 2019
CONTENTS
WELCOME ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
WHO IS THE UNIT TEAM? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Unit chair: leads the teaching team and is responsible for overall delivery of this unit ……………………………………… 2
Unit chair details ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Other members of the team and how to contact them …………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Administrative queries ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
ABOUT THIS UNIT …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Unit development in response to student feedback ……………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Your course and Deakin’s Graduate Learning Outcomes ……………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Your Unit Learning Outcomes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
ASSESSING YOUR ACHIEVEMENT OF THE UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES ………………………………………………………………… 4
Overview ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Summative assessments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
- Summative assessment task 1 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
- Summative assessment task 2 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
- Summative assessment task 3 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Your learning experiences in this Unit – and your expected commitment ………………………………………………………… 6
Scheduled learning activities – campus ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Scheduled learning activities – cloud …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Note ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
UNIT LEARNING RESOURCES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Essential learning resources ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Recommended learning resources …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
KEY DATES FOR THIS TRIMESTER ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
UNIT WEEKLY ACTIVITIES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
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WELCOME
Welcome to SIT255 – Game Development Patterns!
I hope that you enjoy this unit and make the most of the opportunities available to you to learn about the development of
games software, and the algorithms and technologies that support complex agent-based games. I am very passionate about
sharing these fascinating topics with you, to enable you to create software that implements rich and engaging
game systems.
I am here to help you so please do not hesitate to contact me. Again, welcome to this unit and good luck!
Dr Thuong Hoang, Unit Chair
This Unit Guide provides you with the key information about this Unit. For the best chance of success, you should read it very
carefully and refer to it frequently throughout the trimester. Your Unit site (accessed in DeakinSync) also provides
information about your rights and responsibilities. We will assume you have read this before the Unit commences, and we
expect you to refer to it throughout the trimester.
WHO IS THE UNIT TEAM?
Unit chair: leads the teaching team and is responsible for overall delivery of this unit
Thuong Hoang
Unit chair details
Campus: Melbourne Burwood Campus
221 Burwood Highway
BURWOOD VIC 3125
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 3 924 68610
Other members of the team and how to contact them
There are no other members involved in teaching this unit.
Administrative queries
l Contact your Unit Chair or Campus Leader
l Drop in or contact Student Central to speak with a Student Adviser
For additional support information, please see the Rights and Responsibilities section under ‘Resources’ in your unit site
ABOUT THIS UNIT
This unit builds on the outcomes of previous programming and object-oriented development units, investigating software
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design patterns and professional programming techniques used to architect software for games and virtual environments. A
specific focus of the unit is on the entity-based software systems commonly found in game engines, and the artificial
intelligence techniques that support agent-based games. Through studies in this unit students will develop an understanding
of modern game engine software, and an ability to develop, extend and modify such software to create complex game
systems. Students will also gain valuable experience working with modern software development environments and tool sets
used by professional software developers, in a collaborative, project-oriented and design-based learning context.
Unit development in response to student feedback
Every trimester, we ask students to tell us, through eVALUate, what helped and hindered their learning in each Unit. You are
strongly encouraged to provide constructive feedback for this Unit when eVALUate opens (you will be emailed a link).
In previous versions of this unit, students have told us that these aspects of the Unit have helped them to achieve the
learning outcomes:
l The online tutorial videos are highly appreciated by the students.
l The addition of Unreal game engine provides relevant industry skills for the game industry.
They have also made suggestions for improvement, and so this is what we have done:
Managing group dynamics for the first assessment requires additional support from the teaching staff. Weekly progress
report is now required for individual student to demonstrate contribution to the teamwork for the first group assessment.
Clarifications regarding learning portfolio tasks will be implemented.
If you have any concerns about the Unit during the trimester, please contact the unit teaching team – preferably early in the
trimester – so we can discuss your concerns, and make adjustments, if appropriate.
Your course and Deakin’s Graduate Learning Outcomes
GLO1 Discipline knowledge
and capabilities:
appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession
GLO2 Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change
GLO3 Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information
GLO4 Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment
GLO5 Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems
GLO6 Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions
GLO7 Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds
GLO8 Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse
communities and cultures in a global context
Each Deakin course has course learning outcomes which explain what the Deakin Learning Outcomes mean in your
discipline. Learning in each unit builds towards the course learning outcomes.
Your Unit Learning Outcomes
Each Unit in your course is a building block towards these Graduate Learning Outcomes – not all Units develop and assess
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every Graduate Learning Outcome (GLO).
These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this Unit
At the completion of this Unit, successful students can:
Deakin Graduate
Learning Outcomes
ULO1 Apply knowledge of advanced programming language features, software patterns and game
architectures to create complex game software systems.
GLO1, GLO5
ULO2 Employ standard algorithms and data structures to design software solutions to game
development problems.
GLO1
ULO3 Analyse, modify and extend complex computer code to meet functional and user
requirements.
GLO4, GLO5
ULO4 Work collaboratively and contribute effectively in team-based development environments,
to achieve specified goals and objectives within given timeframes.
GLO2, GLO7
ASSESSING YOUR ACHIEVEMENT OF THE UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Overview
In brief, these are the assessment tasks for this Unit (details below):
Game development project (Stage 1 (group) – 30%, Stage 2 – 30%) 60%, learning portfolio 40%
Summative assessments
(tasks that will be graded or marked)
NOTE: It is your responsibility to keep a backup copy of every assignment where it is possible (eg written/digital reports,
essays, videos, images). In the unusual event that one of your assignments is misplaced, you will need to submit the backup
copy. Any work you submit may be checked by electronic or other means for the purposes of detecting collusion and/or
plagiarism.
When you are required to submit an assignment through your unit site (accessed in DeakinSync), you should receive an email
to your Deakin email address confirming that it has been submitted. You should check that you can see your assignment in
the Submissions view of the Assignment folder after upload, and check for, and keep, the email receipt for the submission. - Summative assessment task 1
Game Development Project – Stage 1 (group)
Brief description
of assessment
task
Using the Unreal engine, design and implement an entity-based software product that
facilitates agent-based games.
Detail of student
output
Students will work collaboratively in small development teams and using prescribed
development tools and practices, to produce computer software implementing data
structures and algorithms appropriate to achieving the design and functional requirements
of the software product, given specific constraints and pre-conditions.
This is a group assessment task requiring teamwork to produce a single software artefact.
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Grading and
weighting
(% total mark for
unit)
30%. Students will receive both a mark and a grade for this assessment task.
This task assesses
your achievement
of these Unit
Learning
Outcome(s)
1, 2, 4
This task assesses
your achievement
of these Graduate
Learning
Outcome(s)
1, 2, 5, 7
How and when
you will receive
feedback on your
work
Students may seek formative feedback on their solution design and implementation during
weekly studio classes and/or online studio sessions. Students will receive summative written
and/or audio feedback on their submission when task grades are released. Students
are expected to seek formative feedback as needed based on their self-assessment of their
progress toward the learning objectives.
An individual weekly progress report from each team member is also required to justify
contribution to teamwork.
When and how to
submit your work
All submissions are made via a dropbox on the unit site (accessed in DeakinSync) and the
final deadline for submissions is 5:00PM AEST on the Friday of Week 6 (23 August 2019). - Summative assessment task 2
Game Development Project – Stage 2 (individual)
Brief description of
assessment task
Students will extend a computer game product developed within the Unreal engine, to
design and implement an agent-based game that demonstrates autonomous agent
behaviour.
Detail of student
output
Students will apply object-oriented design methodologies and artificial intelligence
methods to create a software product that implements intelligent autonomous agents in
the context of an agent-based computer game.
Students will work independently using prescribed development tools and practices, to
produce computer software implementing data structures and algorithms appropriate to
achieving the design and functional requirements of the software product, given specific
constraints and pre-conditions.
This is an individual assessment task that builds upon and extends the learning outcomes
of the Stage 1 assessment task.
Grading and
weighting
(% total mark for
unit)
30%. Students will receive both a mark and a grade for this assessment task.
This task assesses
your achievement
of these Unit
Learning
Outcome(s)
1, 2, 3
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This task assesses
your achievement
of these Graduate
Learning
Outcome(s)
1, 4, 5
How and when
you will receive
feedback on your
work
Students may seek formative feedback on their solution design and implementation
during weekly studio classes and/or online studio sessions. Students will receive
summative written and/or audio feedback on their submission when task grades are
released. Students are expected to seek formative feedback as needed based on their
self-assessment of their progress toward the learning objectives.
When and how to
submit your work
All submissions are made via a dropbox on the unit site (accessed in DeakinSync) and the
final deadline for submissions is 5:00PM AEST on the Friday of Week 12 (4 October 2019). - Summative assessment task 3
Learning Portfolio
Brief description
of assessment
task
This task requires students to produce and curate a set of artefacts that evidence and
demonstrate their learning of prescribed topics relevant to the development of commercial
computer games. The portfolio will be developed over the course of the unit, evidencing
learning across a range of topics and problem contexts. The portfolio is an individual learning
task.
Detail of student
output
Students will prepare a comprehensive portfolio of learning artefacts, presented in an
electronic medium, including (but not limited to) code samples, development notes,
documentation, reports and reflections.
Grading and
weighting
(% total mark for
unit)
40% electronic portfolio. Students will not receive a grade or mark for this task. The mark will
be incorporated into the final unit mark according to the weighting given.
This task assesses
your achievement
of these Unit
Learning
Outcome(s)
1, 2, 3
This task assesses
your achievement
of these Graduate
Learning
Outcome(s)
1, 4, 5
How and when
you will receive
feedback on your
work
Students will receive ongoing formative feedback, guidance and advice during tri-weekly
portfolio reviews, conducted during scheduled studio sessions (campus-based or online), or
by appointment with teaching staff. Students will receive summative written and/or audio
feedback on their final submission within the unit site, when unit marks are released.
When and how to
submit your work
Students will be required to undertake regular tri-weekly reviews of their portfolio, which will
be conducted during scheduled studio sessions (campus-based or online), or by appointment
with teaching staff. Submission of the completed portfolio will be made via a dropbox on the
unit site (accessed in DeakinSync) and the final deadlines for submission is 5:00PM AEST on
the Friday of Week 12 (4 October 2019)
Your learning experiences in this Unit – and your expected commitment
To be successful in this unit, you must:
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l Read all materials in preparation for your classes or seminars, and follow up each with further study and research on the
topic;
l Start your assessment tasks well ahead of the due date;
l Read or listen to all feedback carefully, and use it in your future work;
l Attend and engage in all timetabled learning experiences as follows:
Scheduled learning activities – campus
1 x 3 hour studio session per week.
Scheduled learning activities – cloud
1 x 3 hour scheduled online studio session per week.
Learning within this unit requires students to actively participate in a variety of different learning activities, including a major
project-based assessment undertaken in two sprints, which span the trimester. Within this context, students will spend an
average of 150 hours undertaking the learning and assessment activities within this unit. This should include the minimum 33
hours of intensive studio activities or equivalent independent study and guided learning activities. Students should also
spend on average 10 hours per week on software design and code implementation activities, as well as reading and
discussions. This is a hands-on, practically oriented course requiring a regular, ongoing commitment from students.
The unit is taught using a project-oriented and design-based learning (PODBL) pedagogy and constructive alignment of
assessment and learning activities. Weekly studio sessions will be used to frame the development project, to guide and
support students (both in teams and individually) throughout the project sprints, and to undertake specific learning activities
to connect and engage students with the learning required within this unit. Students will develop a portfolio of artefacts to
evidence their learning and the major project assessment task (completed in two stages) is used as the focus of learning
activities, and as an opportunity for students to apply their learning in a professional context. This project is undertaken in
two major sprints, such that the solution to Stage 2 builds upon the solution to Stage 1. Students will be provided with an
alternative solution to the Stage 1 task after the task deadline, which may be used during Stage 2, should they wish.
Students will investigate professionally relevant game software development problems within this unit (which comprise
many sub-problems) and engage with various learning activities presented in the unit resources to develop understanding of
these problems, an ability to work with existing solution algorithms and software patterns, and the capacity to develop novel
solutions within these contexts. Students will apply their knowledge of game software development design patterns to a
widely-used game engine, such as Unreal Engine, to produce an agent-based game product. CloudDeakin will be used as a
central repository for learning resources and collaborative learning environments, such as discussion forums. Students will
also be required to use specific software development and team communication tools, which will either be freely available
online or provided by Deakin. Links to some external learning resources will also be provided in the unit site.
Students who attend situated learning activities (campus-based or online studio sessions) will be guided through learning
activities by teaching staff, although the onus of participation and contribution is on the student. All students will also be
required to participate in team-based collaborative activities such as meetings and discussions, using CloudDeakin or
approved team communication tools.
Note
At Deakin,
l Lectures are referred to as classes (definition: a general meeting for all students, for which students do not need to
register and where students are engaged through presentations and learning activities)
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l Tutorials, workshops and seminars are referred to as seminars (definition: more interactive meetings for smaller groups
of students).
l For the complete list of agreed definitions for learning experiences, see the Course Design and Delivery Procedure.
UNIT LEARNING RESOURCES
Your unit learning resources are available in your unit site accessed in DeakinSync.
Essential learning resources
There is NO prescribed text book for this unit. Resources with links to appropriate reference material are provided on the
unit site.
Students who elect to use their own computer to undertake the development and communication tasks in this unit will be
required to install and manage specified software on their computer. This software will be freely available, or provided by
Deakin University. Links to software downloads will be provided on the unit site, or through Deakin’s Software Catalogue.
Recommended learning resources
The digital library on the unit site has many useful resources for this unit. There is also extensive material of high quality
available on websites such as AIGameDev.net. Students should be aware that costs incurred in accessing such sites are the
student’s responsibility.
Students will be directed to specific additional and recommended reading within written resources provided on the unit site,
although it is expected that students will also conduct self-directed reading and study to identify and utilise appropriate
reference material to support their learning.
KEY DATES FOR THIS TRIMESTER
Trimester begins (classes begin) Monday 8 July 2019
Intra-trimester break (a short break during trimester) Monday 12 August – Sunday 18 August 2019
Trimester ends (classes cease) Thursday 26 September 2019
Study period (examination preparation period) Monday 30 September – Friday 4 October 2019
Examinations begin Monday 7 October 2019
Examinations end Friday 18 October 2019
Inter-trimester break (the period between trimesters) Monday 21 October – Friday 8 November 2019
Unit results released Thursday 7 November 2019 (6pm)
UNIT WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Week Commencing Learning Topics Assessment activity
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1 8 July 2019 Entity-based Game Design
Entity Patterns
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 1
2 15 July System State Decomposition
Game Processes
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 1
3 22 July Controlling Game Processes
Component Patterns
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 1
4 29 July Entity Lifetime
Entity Management Patterns
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 1
5 5 August Visualising Game Processes
Execution Monitoring and Debugging
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 1
Intra-trimester
Break
12 August No Classes This Week
6 19 August Embodied Agents
Game AI Design
Submission of Game Development
Project – Stage 1
7 26 August Sensing and Perception
Observer Pattern
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 2
8 2 September Event-driven Systems
Message Passing Patterns
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 2
9 9 September Finite State Machines
State Machine Patterns
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 2
10 16 September Agent Behaviour
Movement-based Behaviour
Ongoing development of Game
Development Project – Stage 2
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11* 23 September Agent Coordination
Blackboard Patterns
12 30 September Submission of Game Development
Project – Stage 2
Submission of completed Learning
Portfolio
Intra-trimester break: Monday 12 August – Sunday 18 August 2019 (between weeks 5 and 6)
*Friday 27 September: AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday – University closed