Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design technically feasible games and document production requirements.
It applies to individuals who generate and develop a game idea through to documentation of the mechanics and design. They communicate the vision for a game to the rest of the team.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify project requirements | 1.1 Confirm objective and outcomes of a game proposal or brief in consultation with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify factors that may impact game’s design 1.3 Clarify target audience to determine format and delivery platform of the game in discussion with relevant personnel |
2. Research games and generate ideas | 2.1 Identify and source a full range of genres, in consultation with relevant personnel 2.2 Select and play different genres as a source of inspiration, including traditional and state of the art games 2.3 Search game literature to identify various games’ objectives and game theory 2.4 Generate a range of ideas for game designs that are technically feasible, respond to the proposal or brief, and provide creative solutions to design issues 2.5 Discuss ideas and creative solutions in collaboration with relevant personnel |
3. Select a game genre | 3.1 Identify a range of game genres with potential to meet the game brief, and present to relevant personnel for consideration 3.2 Select the game genre that meets the creative, technical and production requirements of proposal or brief in consultation with relevant personnel |
4. Draft game design document | 4.1 Propose a game concept that is original and compelling for users 4.2 Establish game strategy outcomes 4.3 Develop the structure of the game and document all elements, including style and game mechanics 4.4 Develop criteria to determine the scope of a prototype game sequence to be used in the development phase 4.5 Confirm the proposed prototype can test effectiveness of the game-play elements 4.6 Develop a register of game assets in consultation with relevant personnel 4.7 Use various presentation techniques to present a draft game design document for feedback from other team members |
5. Finalise game design document | 5.1 Review game design objectives based on feedback on the draft game design document 5.2 Discuss and confirm additional requirements or modifications to the game design with relevant personnel 5.3 Specify game production requirements, including appropriate testing strategies 5.4 |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
research and generate ideas for games
design games which:
are original and compelling for the user
are technically feasible
meet requirements of the game proposal or brief
document all game aspects including strategy outcomes, style, mechanics and game assets
specify a prototype game sequence that effectively tests game-play elements
specify testing strategies
present and discuss design specifications.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain the objectives and theories that underpin some common games
identify and describe common traditional and digital game genres
describe technical parameters of various platforms and their influence on game design
explain the term 'game mechanics' in relation to game design
list and describe strategies to test the function and operation of games
describe formats for documenting and presenting game designs.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
game proposals or briefs on which designs can be based
equipment and facilities for games design.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1-1.3, 2.1- 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2-4.4, 5.1, 5.4 | Selects and critically analyses information from a variety of sources to clarify details and inform concept development Integrates detailed information and ideas from a variety of sources |
Writing | 1.1, 1.3, 4.1-4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 5.1, 5.4 | Uses text, diagrammatic and visual formats to develop detailed specifications and final documentation of game design analysis |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 4.6, 4.7, 5.2 | Participates effectively in spoken interactions using language and features appropriate to the audience Uses questioning and listening strategies to confirm project requirements and elicit relevant feedback |
Numeracy | 5.3 | Uses estimation and other assessment skills and knowledge to incorporate financial and timeline calculations into production specifications |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 4.6, 4.7, 5.2 | Collaborates with others throughout all stages of the design process Selects and uses appropriate practices and protocols to communicate with a range of audiences |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.2-2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.7, 5.1-5.4 | Adopts a methodical and logical approach to planning, organising and implementing tasks required to meet requirements Generates complex creative ideas in alignment with the design brief Takes responsibility for analysing information and making decisions to ensure designs meet all requirements Uses digital tools to assist with game design |
Sectors
Visual Communication – Digital Content and Imaging