Application
This unit applies to script writers, concept artists, storyboard artists, designers and other personnel working in the game development industry.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify story components | 1.1 Identify creative concepts for script 1.2 Identify game genres and story components for script development |
2. Develop script components | 2.1 Develop script structure consistent with genre and game design brief 2.2 Develop script components for main plot and background stories and level or mission stories consistent with genre and game design brief |
3. Write draft script | 3.1 Write script synopsis 3.2 Write draft script for main characters and interactions using structure and components previously determined according to the brief 3.3 Write draft script for background stories and level/mission stories using previously determined structure and components according to the brief 3.4 Develop character and narrator dialogue 3.5 Initiate storyboards for draft scripts in required format |
4. Review script based on feedback | 4.1 Present synopsis and storyboards to client and relevant personnel for feedback 4.2 Collate and respond to comments and feedback 4.3 Revise scripts and storyboards consistent with feedback 4.4 Undertake focus testing with intended audience |
5. Write final script | 5.1 Collate and respond to comments and feedback from focus testing 5.2 Rewrite script synopsis where required 5.3 Rewrite script or dialogue where required 5.4 Initiate revised storyboards where required 5.5 Present final script in agreed format to client and colleagues |
Required Skills
Required skills
analytical skills to apply creative reasoning to determine the appropriate writing style consistent with the game design brief
communication skills to:
conduct focus testing
liaise with personnel, clients and target audience representatives to obtain feedback on scripts
design and writing skills to write:
background stories and level or mission stories consistent with the game design brief
character profiles, setting profiles and plot profiles
dialogue for scripts
script synopses
scripts for interactive games
planning and organisational skills to make timely and efficient modifications to scripts consistent with time lines and client requirements
technical skills to use file saving, storage and version incrementing protocols.
Required knowledge
budgeting and scheduling considerations for game development
components that drive script narrative and engage the target audience
copyright and intellectual property requirements in Australia and other markets for proposed game
focus testing processes and procedures
game genres and narrative structures
industry formats for game scripts
research methods for:
keeping abreast of competitors work in developing stories and scripts for games
obtaining factual information as a basis for character, location and narrative development
sourcing owners of copyright and intellectual property used in the development of games
script structures and character profiling for interactive games
script writing techniques and requirements for interactive games
seeking permission from copyright owners for use of protected elements in scripts
storyboarding techniques.
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: write scripts consistent with game design brief and client requirements identify the contribution of script writing to narrative development and engaging game play communicate and liaise with relevant personnel in the development of scripts to meet client and audience requirements and specified quality level. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: reference materials for script writing internet access for research purposes range of state of the art computer games across all platforms and genres range of games consoles and hand-held game devices computer hardware, software, games engines and file storage copyright and intellectual property legislation OHS legislation and enterprise policy appropriate learning and assessment support when required modified equipment for people with special needs. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: case studies work samples or simulated workplace activities observation verbal questioning, such as an interview written or interactive computer-based test or quiz fault-finding exercises reports or logbooks. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support. In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Creative concepts may be derived from: | brainstorming comics current events film and television scripts focus group sessions game design briefs global trends historic events literature political activities re-interpretation of factual events social phenomena. |
Game genres may include: | adventure alternative reality ancient casino cyberpunk educational edutainment fantasy first person shooter flight shooter flight simulation futuristic god simulation massively multi-player online game massively multi-player online role-playing game medieval modern multi-player post-apocalyptic puzzle racing shooter racing simulation real-time strategy role-playing game science fiction side-scrolling shooter single player sports strategy, including: action strategy turn-based strategy tactical combat. |
Story components may include: | celebrity activities character motivations character profiles comics and graphic novels cultural aspects cultural traditions environmental aspects or locations of story fairytales film and television historical events novels and short stories performing arts: ballet dance opera sporting activities ‘what if’ scenarios. |
Background stories may include: | cinematics (cut scenes) experiences, events and missions occurring prior to game action that have a bearing on the proposed game narrative |
Script synopsis may consist of: | concise outlines of story narrative, including: character story and motivation climax or cliffhanger key interactions along the way objective of the story plot profile resolution - what is gained or lost secondary plotlines drama outline for cinematics (cut scenes) executive summary flowcharts one-page narrative synopsis one paragraph synopsis one sentence synopsis pitch version of synopsis. |
Storyboards may include: | animatics (technical previsualisation) computer-generated illustrations existing comic strips, comic books or graphic novels hand-drawn illustrations illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of previsualising a motion picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence, including website interactivity photomatic (photographic storyboard) thumbnails. |
Relevant personnel may include: | animators concept artists game-play designers graphic designers instructional designers modellers motion capture technicians other writers producers programmers project manager sound engineers team members technical director other specialist or technical staff. |
Feedback may involve: | seeking, accepting and responding to comment, critique and suggestions from: clients colleagues target audience representatives. |
Focus testing may include: | actively seeking suggestions to improve script and narrative components and provide engaging game play presenting storyboards and components to colleagues for comment and feedback presenting storyboards to representatives of the target audience for comment and feedback. |
Sectors
Game development
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.