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Main / MainThis is the announcements page for CS679, Computer Games Technology, Spring 2010. Check out the rss feed of this page, if you prefer to get your information that way. Either way, you will be held accountable for the information that appears on this page. This page will be updated frequently. There is also a Google Calendar for this class. In addition to the agenda to the right, and the Main.Calendar page, you can subscribe to it in your own calendar program via ical or xml if your calendar supports it. May 5,2010 by mcorrell (link) Your handin folders should be all set up: /p/course/cs679-gleicher/handin10/DIRECTORYNAME where DIRECTORYNAME is the last names of all of your group members in alphabetical order (e.g. John Doe, Jane Eyre, Jack FoxTrot and Jacob Golf would be "/p/course/cs679-gleicher/handin10/DoeEyreFoxTrotGolf"). Let me know if there are write issues. May 5,2010 by gleicher (link) Are posted at GoldMaster. Make sure to have everything turned in before the Festival of Games! May 3,2010 by gleicher (link) First, I want to congratulate all of the teams. All of the games really came together. While they weren't perfect yet, they had all gotten far enough that we could see what they should be like. And hopefully, you got some useful feedback. But, we're not done yet: you have (about) 1 week to turn your game into a final thing for the Festival of Games, and to produce your documentation. Details on the hand-in requirements are coming soon. But: a part of your process is to consider what you learned from the playtest. In fact, part of the handing will be to describe the feedback that you got, and what (if anything) you did about it. I'd recommend that each team work together to make a list of what you learned at the playtest while its still fresh in everyone's mind. I thought the playtest was really fun. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. (hopefully you weren't too sleep deprived). May 2,2010 by gleicher (link) This week, we'll finish up the game project! On Monday, we'll do playtests so you can get some feedback. Then you'll have about a week to make any adjustments to the game based on that feedback, and prepare the final version and final writeup.
And next week:
May 2,2010 by gleicher (link) On Monday, we'll do playtesting. See Michael C's post for the mechanics of who needs to do what when. The idea of playtesting is for people to get feedback on their games. The idea is that when you're "giving" a playtest, you should be letting the person play, and observing - trying to learn from what they are doing. This year, we are not requiring players to give written feedback about the games. However, each group (as part of their final writeups about their games) will be required to write about what they learned from the playtests (and what they did about it). Details about the final handins will be available soon. April 30,2010 by mcorrell (link) I've posted the playtest information (including the schedule and turn-in details) on the wordpress site. April 23,2010 by mcorrell (link) Playtests will now be on Monday, May 3rd. The poll has been updated to reflect this change, so you'll need to reenter information if you haven't already. Vote by the end of this weekend. April 22,2010 by mcorrell (link) Next Friday we will all take terms playtesting your games. You will have to play each game at least once, and each individual group member will have to demo their game to others at least twice. I've made a poll to help figure out availabilities: Please Vote! April 18,2010 by gleicher (link)
April 15,2010 by gleicher (link) For those of you using Flash, Will Buck has found that the "Essential Actionscript" book can be found online through the library. http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/0596526946/ April 14,2010 by gleicher (link) There are various project opportunities this summer (and/or for the fall). If you're interested let me know. April 14,2010 by gleicher (link) I (think) I have sent P2 grades to everyone. Overall, I am happy with how things turned out. Also, from reading the "post-mortems" I think that people learned some of the intended group-work lessons (which should hopefully translate into better group work for P3) April 11,2010 by gleicher (link) This week (April 12-16) - there will be no required readings or anything relating to lecture, so you can stay focused on your projects):
April 9,2010 by mcorrell (link) Looks like we couldn't secure a conference room, so meet in Prof. Gleicher's office in 6385 CS. April 7,2010 by mcorrell (link) Just as a reminder we will be meeting with each group on Friday in a conference room TBD. Here are the times you all signed up for: 2:30: (McCardell, William Biagioli, Brandon, Smith,
Alex Swast, Tim Nagl, Thomas) If there is an inter or intra group conflict with these times let us know ASAP. April 5,2010 by gleicher (link) Has been delayed a bit - sorry - there was a mixup between Michael and I and I didn't get the information I needed. March 31,2010 by gleicher (link) The week after break will be dedicated to getting the project rolling. The requirements for the planning process are described at GamePlans
March 23,2010 by gleicher (link) Can be read here: http://www.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Courses/Games10/wp/archives/309/general-comment/ Short version: the proposals themselves are all excellent (in terms of the proposals themselves). All earn an A. I have made my comments on all of the games. Remember, you need to do it too. March 22,2010 by gleicher (link) The Critiques are due BEFORE NOON on Wednesday, the 22nd. You can see all of the game design proposals at: http://www.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Courses/Games10/wp/tags/game-proposal/ You should write a comment about each. With the caveat that there is an extra proposal (raja&chris submitted 2), so technically you don't need to comment on the alternate one (but I recommend you treat it as any other.
March 18,2010 by gleicher (link) David Gagnon suggested that I pass this along to you: BTW: You might want to pass this on to your students.
There is a game design group forming on campus. Really, its just folks that are making games who gather to critique and share ideas. The 3rd meeting is this friday at 9am in 138 teacher education building.
March 16,2010 by gleicher (link) We'll begin the game project by having pairs of people create design proposals. You will be assigned your partner in class on Wednesday, 3/17. Your proposal is due on Monday 3/22 - in addition to the written proposal, you will need to give a 5 minute "pitch" in class on 3/22. Instructions for the design proposals (including samples from last year) are: GameProject.Proposals. On Wednesday 3/24 we'll critique the proposals. Everyone will have to write critiques of everyone else's proposal before class. Rules on critiques are at GameProject.Critiques March 16,2010 by gleicher (link) http://www.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Courses/Games10/wp/archives/217/project-2-handin-directions/ Since I was slow in getting you these directions, I'll let you be slow in getting them back to me. I will not penalize people who turn things in a little late (like before the end of break). March 12,2010 by gleicher (link) Take a breath and a bow after project 2! It’s clear a lot of work went into all of them. It was really cool to see what people came up with. Thanks for giving good demos for Dr. Brennan. For Monday, David Gagnon will come back to discuss game design again. On Wednesday, well, I’m not sure what will happen. I will probably ask you to read an article about experimental gameplay. (you might just read it for fun). We’ll also assign the design part of the game project and assign partners. On Friday, there will be no class so that you can meet with your partner and work on your game design. There might be a “watch this video” assignment. Finally, I have not given you the instructions for the final handins on Project 2 yet. They will come next week – basically I will want you to answer some questions about your experience. Since I was so slow in getting it to you, I’ll let you be equally slow in getting it back to me. March 4,2010 by gleicher (link) Tim Swast was curious if anyone else wanted to particpate in the PyWeek game jam: Something similar people might like to try out would be the PyWeek Game Programming challenge (http://www.pyweek.org/). It’s probably got much fewer competitors than the Global Game Jam, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
I likes smack-dab on our spring break (theme voting starts 3/21, competition starts 3/28 and ends 4/4), which means it won’t conflict with any projects (for this class at least). I’ve known about this contest for a few years now, and a lot of neat stuff has come out of it. I just never had time, since it usually conflicted w/ school (or I signed up and just forgot about it until the day after the due date…).
If you're interested, contact Tim. You'll be doing a lot of game development for the rest of the semester, but if you want a warmup exercise, this could be a good opportunity. Plus, you'll get to hack in Python which is always fun. March 3,2010 by gleicher (link) A box of 3D glasses has arrived. We can give 1 set to each group. We will give these out on Friday. If you'd like to have your group's glasses sooner, contact the TA. February 28,2010 by gleicher (link) Here is the plan between now and Spring Break:
The Monday after break (April 5th) will be the "project kickoff" when we'll announce teams (this will make more sense after the project is explained) February 28,2010 by gleicher (link) For Monday, March 9th, we'll have another reading about game design (with required commenting). Its a bit more reading (and you have a project going on), so you might want to start early. The assignment is here. February 28,2010 by gleicher (link) I posted some thoughts on the project as a comment on the Project 2 description. In particular, about using game engines. February 26,2010 by gleicher (link) It makes things a lot easier for us if rather than posting links to word documents, you put the text of you documents right on the collaboration site. So unless you have a good reason not to, please put the text online (not just a link). BTW: you can probably copy and paste from Word right into the Wordpress posting. Or, check out "Windows Live Writer" which is a nice (and free) way to edit the posts locally, and then publish them. February 26,2010 by gleicher (link) A reminder that your planning document is due today. It should be a POSTING on the collaboration site. (remember, when you post, it stays hidden until Michael or I approve it). Because of the delay in getting glasses to you, you might want to change your plan once you see what the 3D technology can do. Because of this, it is OK for you to post a plan before class (the deadline), and update it later today (after class, when you can have an opportunity to experiment with glasses). February 26,2010 by gleicher (link) It seems there was an error in ordering the 3D glasses, so we only have the 5 pairs (+5 pairs of clip-ons). The other 20 pairs will arrive next week. Until the new pairs arrive, we'll figure some way to make sure people can get access to them. We cannot reschedule the demo session on the 12th (because of visitors who are coming), but we'll work out an extended deadline or some way to account for the delays. February 23,2010 by gleicher (link) For Monday, March 1st, there is a reading assignment about game design (that requires a comment posting). February 20,2010 by gleicher (link) This week in 679, we'll talk a little more about graphics, start our investigation into design, and keep going with the project.
February 20,2010 by gleicher (link) On Wednesday, Feb 24, we'll re-start our conversation on design by thinking about usability. There is a required reading posted here (that requires you to write a comment before class). February 17,2010 by gleicher (link) Is described here. We'll discuss it in class on Friday. February 15,2010 by mcorrell (link) I've compiled all of the projects with links and descriptions here. February 12,2010 by gleicher (link) This week, we'll finish talking about graphics performance and look at ways to use the graphics hardware to make nice renderings (quickly). We'll also kickoff project 2. You should be reading in RTR (Chapters 12 and 10 are the main ones), and remember the RTR assignment is due on Monday the 22nd.
February 12,2010 by gleicher (link) The next assignment (due Monday, Feb 22nd) is posted at Main.RTRAssignment. It is basically to check to make sure you've been reading/learning along with the graphics performance lectures. On Monday, we'll talk about approximation and image based stategies for improving graphics performance. (things in Chapters 10 and 12 of the book). Wednesday, will be more on image based rendering, possibly moving on to lighting. February 12,2010 by gleicher (link) The "optional activity" for today did not materialize. So, take the day off after your hard work in completing the first Assignment! Or, use it as an excuse to play a game. But when you do, pay attention to the design and technology issues. February 7,2010 by gleicher (link) This week in 679, you'll be wrapping up your first project and we'll be learning more about graphics performance. While your work will mainly be on the project, you should be reading in Real-Time Rendering (chapters 12, 14, 10) - there will be an assignment given out at the end of the week.
February 5,2010 by gleicher (link) The project 1 page has been extended with more details about the handin instructions and deadlines. February 4,2010 by mcorrell (link) The project folders should be up in /p/graphics/public/html/Courses/Games10/proj1/FOLDERNAME. The name of your folder is the two last names of the people in your group, in alphabetical order. So if you are Jane Smith and your are working with John Doe, your foldername will be DoeSmith. Let me know if you can't access your handin folder. February 2,2010 by gleicher (link) We'll meet in 1358 CS on Friday during class time. We might move to the new, larger lab at the end of the hall, but lets start in 1358. Its cozy, but its our assigned space. February 1,2010 by gleicher (link) I realize that I told you the RTR book wasn't essential, but I'm changing my mind a little. Its such a good book. Here are the relevant readings for the current discussion:
So, I'd recommend you read some of the early chapters for a review of graphics. We'll use 12, 14, and some of 10 and 15 for our conversation on graphics performance. Then we'll come back to 4, 7,8,9, 11, 16 and 17 later in the semester. January 30,2010 by gleicher (link) This week, our lectures will discuss graphics performance (how to draw fast). The reading and other work is purposely kept light so that you can focus on your flocking project.
January 30,2010 by gleicher (link) Over the next 2 weeks, we'll be talking about graphics performance and tricks. The main readings will be in the Real-Time Rendering book, and are described here. You'll be responsible for the readings, but we'll make sure you've done the readings by giving you an assignment (after the project). January 28,2010 by gleicher (link) It turns out that the CSL cannot install Chrome in the Windows Lab: Chrome's directory structure is fixed, and they cannot adapt it to use the roaming profiles. What they did say was that you can install it yourself. It just gets deleted when you log out. I have not tried this. January 24,2010 by mcorrell (link) We've put together a tutorial to help you put your processing.js code on the web: ProcessingJS January 23,2010 by gleicher (link) The project 1 announcement is posted here. It should be enough to get started. The code for painless processing.js, and some of the details on handing things in will be coming soon. January 23,2010 by gleicher (link) It turns out that if you try to post a comment with links in it, the system might think its spam, and require an administrator to "approve" it. So if you post a comment and it doesn't show up, don't panic. If it doesn't show up for a while, ping the TA and remind him to check the moderation queue. January 23,2010 by gleicher (link) Our first real week of class!
January 23,2010 by gleicher (link) The first reading (graphics) is posted on the collaboration site here. Please read it and comment before class. January 22,2010 by gleicher (link) The actual material and assignment will be coming soon (I promise!) but until then, here are some things to get you started:
You can pick a partner for this project before class on Monday, or we will assign you a partner in class. Actually, if you pick a partner, we might randomly re-assign you. Details are coming, but basically, we will ask you to have a basic version alive by next friday (the 22nd) and the final thing due the week after that. Also, a colleague has some magic scripts that make it much easier to use and deploy processing.js. We will make it available to you soon - look for a message from the TA this weekend. January 22,2010 by gleicher (link) I'm still getting things organized, but please do the reading assignment described here for Monday, Jan 25. January 21,2010 by gleicher (link) If you are going to miss class, let the instructor and TA know. We are going to keep track. If you are going to miss class tomorrow (January 22nd), please pick a project partner who is not going to miss class. January 20,2010 by gleicher (link) Is detailed here. There isn't much to it. But you will be able to say you got college credit for playing a game. January 18,2010 by gleicher (link) The CS679-2010 web is now alive! There isn't as much here as you might expect. Come to the first class (Wednesday, Jan 20th, 2:30pm) to find out what is happening. By the way, if you haven't seen the course announcement, it is at http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~gleicher/Web/Courses/Games10Announce January 4,2010 by gleicher (link) This is a message to make sure the announcement system is working. |