Assessor Resource

ICTGAM414
Create audio for digital games

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce and manipulate audio assets for computer games, using a variety of tools.

It applies to individuals who support the design, development and programming of basic digital games as part of a larger development team.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research and document game audio requirements

1.1 Explore the evolution of audio hardware and audio formats

1.2 Provide a historical perspective on how audio has become integrated into computer games

1.3 Identify current trends and consider their impact on the future of game audio

2. Research and document the use of audio in computer games

2.1 Identify the different methods for using audio in computer games

2.2 Explore the role of music in creating mood and atmosphere

2.3 Explain how sound effects and vocals are used within computer games

3. Source existing sound effects, music tracks and voice recordings

3.1 Find sources of sound effects, music tracks and voice recordings

3.2 Create and maintain a small collection of audio assets

3.3 Identify the different audio formats

3.4 Differentiate between compressed and uncompressed audio formats

3.5 Identify the different genres of music

3.6 Develop an awareness of audio copyright laws and royalty-free audio

4. Record and manipulate audio for a game

4.1 Record character voices, music and sound effects

4.2 Develop a sound track for a game using audio-editing

4.3 Use audio-editing software to rearrange audio samples, and apply audio effects

4.4 Select an appropriate sample format and bit rate

4.5 Normalise the audio samples to make volume uniform

4.6 Trim the audio samples

4.7 Apply the audio effects

4.8 Export audio to a suitable format

5. Create sound effects or music for a game

5.1 Identify digital sound waveforms

5.2 Apply basic music theory to simple music-creation tool

5.3 Determine the suitable musical notation

5.4 Identify and use musical creation tools

5.5 Compose a simple piece of music for a game

5.6 Create various sound effects for a game

6. Research audioprogramming libraries

6.1 Compare and contrast the functional capabilities of audio-programming libraries

6.2 Explore the use of channels and mixing

7. Integrate sound, music and vocals into a computer game

7.1 Play a mixture of cached and streaming audio sources

7.2 Integrate the sound effects in response to different events

7.3 Incorporate the ambient music into sections of the computer game

7.4 Locate and play the positional audio sources

Evidence of the ability to:

research game audio requirements

locate and obtain suitable audio resources

record and manipulate audio

generate sound effects

compose simple music tracks for a game

use audio programming libraries in a game.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe audio-editing tools

discuss and explain different audio formats and their application to games

discuss and explain the capabilities of audio-programming libraries

explain copyright as it applies to audio recordings

discuss music-creation tools and their relation to music theory.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the game development field of work, and include access to:

appropriate computer hardware, software and peripheral devices

digital audio editing software

games engines and file storage

copyright and intellectual property legislation.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research and document game audio requirements

1.1 Explore the evolution of audio hardware and audio formats

1.2 Provide a historical perspective on how audio has become integrated into computer games

1.3 Identify current trends and consider their impact on the future of game audio

2. Research and document the use of audio in computer games

2.1 Identify the different methods for using audio in computer games

2.2 Explore the role of music in creating mood and atmosphere

2.3 Explain how sound effects and vocals are used within computer games

3. Source existing sound effects, music tracks and voice recordings

3.1 Find sources of sound effects, music tracks and voice recordings

3.2 Create and maintain a small collection of audio assets

3.3 Identify the different audio formats

3.4 Differentiate between compressed and uncompressed audio formats

3.5 Identify the different genres of music

3.6 Develop an awareness of audio copyright laws and royalty-free audio

4. Record and manipulate audio for a game

4.1 Record character voices, music and sound effects

4.2 Develop a sound track for a game using audio-editing

4.3 Use audio-editing software to rearrange audio samples, and apply audio effects

4.4 Select an appropriate sample format and bit rate

4.5 Normalise the audio samples to make volume uniform

4.6 Trim the audio samples

4.7 Apply the audio effects

4.8 Export audio to a suitable format

5. Create sound effects or music for a game

5.1 Identify digital sound waveforms

5.2 Apply basic music theory to simple music-creation tool

5.3 Determine the suitable musical notation

5.4 Identify and use musical creation tools

5.5 Compose a simple piece of music for a game

5.6 Create various sound effects for a game

6. Research audioprogramming libraries

6.1 Compare and contrast the functional capabilities of audio-programming libraries

6.2 Explore the use of channels and mixing

7. Integrate sound, music and vocals into a computer game

7.1 Play a mixture of cached and streaming audio sources

7.2 Integrate the sound effects in response to different events

7.3 Incorporate the ambient music into sections of the computer game

7.4 Locate and play the positional audio sources

Evidence of the ability to:

research game audio requirements

locate and obtain suitable audio resources

record and manipulate audio

generate sound effects

compose simple music tracks for a game

use audio programming libraries in a game.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe audio-editing tools

discuss and explain different audio formats and their application to games

discuss and explain the capabilities of audio-programming libraries

explain copyright as it applies to audio recordings

discuss music-creation tools and their relation to music theory.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the game development field of work, and include access to:

appropriate computer hardware, software and peripheral devices

digital audio editing software

games engines and file storage

copyright and intellectual property legislation.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Explore the evolution of audio hardware and audio formats 
Provide a historical perspective on how audio has become integrated into computer games 
Identify current trends and consider their impact on the future of game audio 
Identify the different methods for using audio in computer games 
Explore the role of music in creating mood and atmosphere 
Explain how sound effects and vocals are used within computer games 
Find sources of sound effects, music tracks and voice recordings 
Create and maintain a small collection of audio assets 
Identify the different audio formats 
Differentiate between compressed and uncompressed audio formats 
Identify the different genres of music 
Develop an awareness of audio copyright laws and royalty-free audio 
Record character voices, music and sound effects 
Develop a sound track for a game using audio-editing 
Use audio-editing software to rearrange audio samples, and apply audio effects 
Select an appropriate sample format and bit rate 
Normalise the audio samples to make volume uniform 
Trim the audio samples 
Apply the audio effects 
Export audio to a suitable format 
Identify digital sound waveforms 
Apply basic music theory to simple music-creation tool 
Determine the suitable musical notation 
Identify and use musical creation tools 
Compose a simple piece of music for a game 
Create various sound effects for a game 
Compare and contrast the functional capabilities of audio-programming libraries 
Explore the use of channels and mixing 
Play a mixture of cached and streaming audio sources 
Integrate the sound effects in response to different events 
Incorporate the ambient music into sections of the computer game 
Locate and play the positional audio sources 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTGAM414 - Create audio for digital games
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ICTGAM414 - Create audio for digital games

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: