Module 2 - Game Genres, Game Applications, and Game Loops - 2026-Sep-04
Overview
In this module we discuss the core idea of a game loop and how to structure it in code.
- Game vs Game Engine
- Game Genres influence on Game Engine Design
- Game Loop
- Game Application
Key Resources/Readings
The following resources are listed (roughly) in order to supplement this lecture. You may choose to read 1 or more of these before/during/after the lecture to fully immerse into the material.
- Architecture, Performance, and Games ((Game Programming Patterns Text))
- The Game Loop - Sequencing Pattern ((Game Programming Patterns Text))
- Sim, Render, Repeat – An Analysis of Game Loop Architectures ((Slides) GDC 2006 talk on game loops)
- Write Games, not engines ((Theme of this lecture))
- Your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Nth Game Engines ((Nice video to go with the above reading))
- (Game Engine Architecture 3rd Edition) Chapters 7 (Game Loops)
- (Game Coding Complete 4rd Edition) Chapters 7 (Game Loops)
Slides and Module Content
Please note: Your in-class activity is graded. Your first attempt will be graded. You can use your notes and slides if you like. You have 1 week from the date of this module opening to complete the in-class activity. In-class activities are completed individually.
Note: Audio/Video recordings are made in a best effort in case you have to miss class or you would otherwise like to re-watch a portion of lecture. Occassional recording errors (e.g. missing sound, corrupted video, etc.) may occur, and I apologize in advance if a recording is not able to be made available. That said, it is the expectation that you are coming to class in-person. :)
Audio/Video Recording
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