Computer Games Software Development

About the course

The growth of the games industry continues apace particularly in the games console market. At the same time, the growth of the mobile, set-top box and downloadable games markets represents a significant opportunity for small developers. Many of the world's best selling games originate in the UK and there is a huge demand for talented individuals to work in games development. A significant number of our graduates are employed in the games industry.

What you will learn

The courses provide an in-depth study of all the components of game development, production, finance and distribution, with an emphasis on programming. You will be able to: program in Visual C++ and OpenGL to produce 2D and 3D games; use software development kits to produce games for video consoles; incorporate sound effects and music into games; create and animate 3D player models; understand the importance of physics in realistic game-play; apply a range of artificial intelligence techniques; understand the legal and professional issues of game production.

Special features

• We focus on practical work and attempt to deliver the theory to support that work in a practical way.

• Our games team is passionate about games and will help you to develop a portfolio of your work.

• Our USERlab is a truly unique facility and you will work with it, both as subjects in our work with commercial developers and as experimenters when you come to evaluate your own games. The USERlab earned a “Special Thanks” in the credits for Sony’s WRC5: Rally Evolved.

Careers and professional development

Many of the world's best selling games originate in the UK and there is a huge demand for talented individuals to work in games development. You will be well prepared for working in the games industry, but equally the formal programming skills developed through this course will serve you well in any area of computing.

Mode of attendance: Full-time