mshah.ioCourse ScheduleCourse Information
Administrivia | Games and Game EnginesGame Genres, Game Applications, and Game LoopsD Language Review and Q&AIntroducing SDL: Dub Setup and SDL BasicsSDL Basics 1: 2D Graphics Basics and FramerateGame Object and Component PatternSprite Animation, Bitmap Fonts, and State MachinesEngine Support Systems 1 - Resource Managers and File SystemsEngine Support Systems 2 - Gameplay Systems & ScriptingGame AudioGame Math 1 - VectorsGame Math 2 - MatricesGame Structure 1 - Scene Tree, Scene Structure, SerializationGame Scene Structure 2 - CameraPutting it all togetherExam -- no classNo ClassNo ClassNo ClassNo ClassTiles and BitsFinal Project Group Activity with Engine StudyPhysics EnginesDevices, GUI, and Command Pattern2D Rendering TechniquesGameplay SystemsSystems programming - Parallelism/ConcurrencyWork day/Flex day and brief intro to SIMDwork day / mini-topic (e.g. profiling code or Fibers) or Reserved for Tentative Industry Guest SpeakersCourse Wrap up and work day


Module 2 - Game Genres, Game Applications, and Game Loops - 2025-Jan-14

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

Slides and Class 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.

Audio/Video Recording

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.

Readings

    Please use the following resources 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.

  1. Architecture, Performance, and Games
    • (Game Programming Patterns Text)
  2. The Game Loop - Sequencing Pattern
    • (Game Programming Patterns Text)
  3. Write Games, not engines
    • (Theme of this lecture)
  4. Your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Nth Game Engines
    • (Nice video to go with the above reading)
  5. (Game Engine Architecture 3rd Edition) Chapters 7
    • Game Loops
  6. (Game Coding Complete 4rd Edition) Chapters 7
    • Game Loops
Please do not redistribute or host any materials without e-mailing me first. Thank you for your time!