Need advice on Dissertation

[Chronictank]

Time of the year is coming up when i gota start thinking about my dissertation, I am doing a BSc in Computer Science
But i have no idea what to do, what i dont want to do is the usual database linked to a webpage crap that the other 200 odd people are going to submit.

I was thinking about making a computer game, but employment wise i dont see how this will do me any favours on my CV. It also looks pretty straight forward.

Any ideas from people in the know about what looks good on a CV?
i dont mind learning new things, but i want to try keep to software as my course has been mainly software based

Thanks in advance

 

[DocWolfe]

Game programming aint straight forward :| unless you've done some modules on it at uni.

I did mine on Real Time Security and I basically made a prototype online banking system, with an n-tier architecture and stuff. Using multiple servers to provide secure information in a confidential manner to a client.

For a Computer Science dissertation you want something a little more comple than a simple database driven website, any arsehole could make one of them. Dont try and do something really ambitious because you probably will end up not finishing it, especially if you are using alot of technologies you aren't used to.

What sort of programming languages have you learn at uni etc?

If you're serious about game programming you can go two routes... write your own graphics engine and concentrate on that: comanies would be impressed with this.

Or you could use a pre built engine and concentrate on an original game concept, like those guys who are making Portal for HL2 did. Anything using relatively new stuff, like game physics would be impressive, since thats what companies want. A mate of mine wrote a simple 3d pool game, that modelled real game physics and stuff like that for his dissertation.

But like I say unless you have been taught in uni, its really hard to understand the way 4d vectors and matrix transformations translate into a working game.

I would recommend using C# and DirectX, but if you've been taught using something else go with it.

I was initially planning to apply for Rare, and program games, but it's a bit out of my league at the moment, as the modules I chose weren't games programming orientated, but this is what they want in their FAQ.

I need to come up with an idea for my project, which area would you as employer find most relevant and interesting?

Gameplay/game mechanics
Graphics
AI
Physics
Audio
Cutting edge methods/game content tools

 

[Jeremiah]

If its Java you've been taught at Uni, I'd recommend a project using OSGi - its a really hot topic in the home networking industry just now, and they are just crying out for people with experience using it!

 

[Chronictank]

Game programming aint straight forward :| unless you've done some modules on it at uni.

I did mine on Real Time Security and I basically made a prototype online banking system, with an n-tier architecture and stuff. Using multiple servers to provide secure information in a confidential manner to a client.

For a Computer Science dissertation you want something a little more comple than a simple database driven website, any arsehole could make one of them. Dont try and do something really ambitious because you probably will end up not finishing it, especially if you are using alot of technologies you aren't used to.

What sort of programming languages have you learn at uni etc?

If you're serious about game programming you can go two routes... write your own graphics engine and concentrate on that: comanies would be impressed with this.

Or you could use a pre built engine and concentrate on an original game concept, like those guys who are making Portal for HL2 did. Anything using relatively new stuff, like game physics would be impressive, since thats what companies want. A mate of mine wrote a simple 3d pool game, that modelled real game physics and stuff like that for his dissertation.

But like I say unless you have been taught in uni, its really hard to understand the way 4d vectors and matrix transformations translate into a working game.

I would recommend using C# and DirectX, but if you've been taught using something else go with it.

I was initially planning to apply for Rare, and program games, but it's a bit out of my league at the moment, as the modules I chose weren't games programming orientated, but this is what they want in their FAQ.

First of all, thanks for taking the time to do the post its much appreciated.
I have done no game modules at all, so i think making my own gfx engine is a little out of my league (i dont know the first thing about vectors and the maths involved), i refuse to do the database thing as EVERYONE does it :/. I was looking through last years dissertations and 9/10 were database ones.
The reason is my course is very database heavy as thats currently where the demand is in industry.
I havent leant any languages properly, but know basic C++, Perl, Visual Basic, SQL and Oracle. I want to try avoid re-learning a completely new language if possible so Java is out the window.

Dont get me wrong, i didnt say doing games is easy. i said it was pretty staight forward from all the articles and guides i have read (making the game using pre-made gfx engines). But seeing as im not going into the gaming industry it has no real use for me employment wise.
But i think i would enjoy making a game :s
decisions decisions

 

[Lamp]

An Argument for the Return of Punched Cards and the Annihilation of the PC