Computer Graphics for Video Games

April 17, 2002

Check the "Direct3D Textbook" link at the bottom of this page to see the book I will be using for the remainder of the class. You are not required to buy this book, but those of you who are serious about learning Direct3D may wish to do so.

Important Information

• Course Information Sheet
• Software Setup

Course Schedule

1. (March 9) Introduction, C Setup and Review, Data Structures
   • Recommended Readings
     1. An introduction to C. Ignore sections 9, 11, and 12.
     2. A short introduction to lists.
     3. Textbook: Appendix B (pp 907-910) - Installing DirectX and Using the C/C++ Compiler
   • Homework #1
   • Solutions to Homework #1
2. (March 16) Graphical, Event-driven Environments
   • Recommended Readings
     • Textbook Sections
       1. The Components of a Game (pp 16-21)
       2. Multitasking and Multithreading (pp 51-54, focus on "Event Model")
       3. The World's Simplest Windows Program (pp 58-65 )
       4. The Main Event Loop / Making a Real-Time Event Loop (pp 84-90)
       5. Handling Important Events (pp 143-161)
   • Homework #2
3. (March 23) Vectors and Matrices
   • Required Readings
     1. Textbook Appendix C: Math and Trigonometry Review (pp 911-924)
   • Recommended Readings
     1. Textbook Sections on Transformations (pp 432-457)
   • Homework #3
   • Solutions to Homework #3
4. (March 30) 2D Shapes and Bitmaps
   • Recommended Readings
     • Textbook Sections
       1. Sections on GDI (pp 166-184)
       2. Most of Chapter 7 (Direct Draw Basics) (287-368)
       3. Clipper Fundamentals (pp 332-344)
       4. Drawing Lines (pp 402-411)
       5. Solid-Filled Polygons (pp 458-477)
   • Homework #4
5. (April 6) Creating 2D and 3D Characters
   • Guest Lecturer - Rhett Davis
6. (April 13) Putting it Together: A 2D Game
   • Spacewar Game
7. (April 20) Cancelled
8. (April 27) Views and Visibility
   • Required Readings
     1. Lecture Notes (Handout)
   • Recommended Readings
     1. Textbook Appendix D: C++ Primer (pp 925-947)
     2. Direct3D Text: Chapters 11-13 (pp 413-588)
   • Homework #8
9. (May 4) Shading and Textures
10. (May 11) Putting it Together: A 3D Game

Useful Links

• Buy Course Textbook
• Buy Direct3D Textbook used in course.
• HSSP Web Site