There is no hero among you who can pledge that they have never used their computer for playing games. Some of you have been drawn into the study of computer science precisely due to that wish to develop computer games. The history of computer games goes as far back as 1950s, when academics began designing simple games and simulations as part of their computer science research. The current trend of ubiquitous computing and availability of mobile devices puts the entertainment industry at the top of profitability.
In the Computer Graphics course we will make the first steps in visual representation. We will learn how to explain to a computer, which in its essence relies on zeroes and ones, what a triangle is. How it can by using linear algebra and matrix multiplication create such a representation of the triangle that will give us a sense of space, regardless if the screen on which it is displayed is flat. How to turn on lights and shade the triangle accordingly to emphasize the feeling of space. We will take a trip down the graphics pipeline and discover the approaches that enable current games the display of millions of triangles at interactive speeds. We will also make the first steps in the world of animation, where we will learn about the twelve principles of animation which make animated films so lifelike. Basically we will play a lot.
