The ETH game programming laboratory: A capstone for computer science and Visual Computing

Robert W. Sumner, Nils Thuerey, Markus Gross

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Visual Computing bachelors/masters program at ETH Zurich provides an internationally renowned degree in computer science with a specialization track in computer graphics. A new project-based game development course serves as a capstone to the program by reinforcing core computer science concepts and specialized topics in Visual Computing. Additionally, students learn design principles and obtain a better understanding of the interplay between the desires of game design and the realities of technical implementation. Finally, students practice crucial "soft skills" such as team work, effective communication, time management, and leadership. This article details the course goals and structure, presents three case studies of student-made games and the effect of the class on the students, and evaluates the overall class design. We hope that this document presents a compelling argument in favor of game development as a capstone to computer science and also provides useful insights for other academics wishing to incorporate game development into the computer science curriculum.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 3rd International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, GDCSE 2008
Pages46-50
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event3rd International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, GDCSE 2008 - Miami, FL, United States
Duration: 27 Feb 20083 Mar 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings - 3rd International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, GDCSE 2008

Conference

Conference3rd International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, GDCSE 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMiami, FL
Period27/02/083/03/08

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