This course emphasizes the practical aspects of creating computer games through a combination of block week lectures and a term long group project. Lectures will cover most aspects of game development including topics such as game architecture, graphics, AI, sound and physics simulation. The remainder of the term will be devoted to a group project where teams of students will work to create a fully functional driving game.

Students interested in taking CPSC 585 are advised that admission into this course requires permission of the department. In addition, admission may be competitive if the number of students interested in taking the course exceeds the number of available spaces. To express interest in taking the course, submit a brief statement of interest, not exceeding 250 words, describing:

• Why you wish to take the course;
• Why you believe that you are a good match for the course; and
• A copy of your unofficial academic record.

Statements of interest should be submitted to Ben Stephenson (sent by email, either or in the body of the message or as a PDF attachment) no later than Friday November 27, 2026 at 4:30pm. Early submission is strongly encouraged.

Note that this course consists of lectures during block week and a full term project. Students must attend every block week lecture to receive a passing grade in the course. In the winter of 2027, block week runs from Monday, January 4, 2027 to Friday, January 8, 2027. Classes run all day (9:00am to 5:00pm) each class day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Will CPSC 585 be online or in-person?

  The course will be fully in person.

• Is there a minimum grade point average for enrolling in CPSC 585?

  No, students are admitted based on a combination of academic record (including grade point average) and their statement of interest. A strong statement and strong performance in courses that are most relevant can overcome an overall grade point average that isn't as high as you might like it to be.

• Are there any exams in this course?

  CPSC 585 does not have any written exams. Your grade in the course will be determined from the game that you create, including its intermediate milestones.

• Do I have to be in the Games Concentration in order to take CPSC 585?

  CPSC 585 is open to all students who have successfully completed its prerequisite course, CPSC 453. One does not have to be in the Games Concentration.

• Are there courses other than CPSC 453 that I have to complete before enrolling in CPSC 585?

  The formal prerequisites for CPSC 585 are CPSC 453 and consent of the department. However, while they are not formally required, I strongly encourage students to complete SENG 300 and CPSC 457 before enrolling in CPSC 585 as these courses develop skills that are particularly beneficial in CPSC 585.

• Can I request specific group members?

  No. In this course the instructor represents the publisher and the students represent the developers. As a developer in industry you will have little, if any, control over who you work with. We will simulate that by assigning the teams without considering requests for specific groupings from students.

• When will admission decision be announced?

  I anticipate making some admission decisions in August so that students can make informed choices about their fall-term courses. It may not be possible to admit all students that have expressed interest in the course at that time because some students that want to take CPSC 585 will be taking CPSC 453 during the fall term immediately before it and I need to wait until those students are done (or very nearly so) CPSC 453 before I can fairly adjudicate their requests to enroll in the course.

• Will I get a spot in the course?

  It is impossible to know how many students will want to take CPSC 585 in 2027 until the application deadline has passed. In some years the course has filled to capacity and I have been forced to turn away a small number of students. In other years I have been able to admit all qualified students.

• I have a question that isn't in this list. How can I get it answered?

  Send an email to ben.stephenson at ucalgary.ca.