Overview
In Computer Science 369: Practical Game Programming, you will develop cross-platform 2D games using C/C++ and the Allegro 5 library. This hands-on course blends game programming fundamentals with modern techniques, covering everything from sprite animation and collision detection to artificial intelligence (AI), multithreading, and shaders. By the end of this course, you will have built multiple games across genres (action, RPG, puzzle, etc.) and gained skills applicable to indie or AAA development.
Outline
COMP 369 consists of the following eight units:
- Unit 1: Introduction to Game Programming
- Unit 2: Essentials of Game Programming with Allegro
- Unit 3: Using Graphics in Games
- Unit 4: Programming Sprites in Allegro 5
- Unit 5: Programming Backgrounds for Computer Games
- Unit 6: Game Design and Development Fundamentals
- Unit 7: Advanced Topics in Practical Game Programming
- Unit 8: Game Development Projects
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- set up a C/C++ game development environment with Allegro 5 in Windows, Linux, or macOS.
- design games using industry-standard workflows, such as Game Design Documents (GDDs), prototyping, and playtesting.
- implement core game mechanics, including sprites, animations, transformations, input handling, collision detection, and scrolling backgrounds.
- integrate advanced features into games, including multithreading, custom GLSL shaders, networking for multiplayer games, and AI.
- optimize and polish games for performance, user experience (UI/UX), and audio quality.
- publish a complete game project with marketing fundamentals.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 369, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on each assignment and the final exam.
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 20% |
| Assignment 2 | 20% |
| Assignment 3 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Participation | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To
receive credit for the COMP 369 challenge registration, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least
D (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the project and the challenge exam.
| Activity | Weight |
| Project | 50% |
| Challenge exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
The project will be tailored and assigned individually to each student who challenges this course and must be completed before requesting the examination.
Challenge for credit course registration form