ICAGAM410A
Develop 3-D components for interactive games

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design and create 3-D components within a games environment.

Application

This unit applies to concept artists, game designers, games programmers, animators and other personnel working in the game development industry.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm component requirements within game context

1.1 Identify definition and purpose of 3-D components with examples

1.2 Identify context of component design within game design document

1.3 Create list of required components

2. Identify component integration methods within game architecture

2.1 Discuss component format, file extensions and the ramifications of choice

2.2 Establish methods of component loading and usage

3. Establish content creation pipeline

3.1 Finalise required component list

3.2 Discuss hardware and software required for the creation of 3-D components and assets

3.3 Discuss methods of file archiving and naming of components and assets

3.4 Establish deadlines for component creation

4. Integrate components for testing and analysis

4.1 Identify evaluation methods for quality assurance

4.2 Ensure that produced components meet the established quality requirements

4.3 Make changes to components as required by testing and evaluation

4.4 Submit finalised assets with archiving format outlined in assignment brief

Required Skills

Required skills

initiative and enterprise skills to:

create components and assets suitable for project theme

demonstrate creativity in the production of a consistent, repeatable style between 3-D components

planning and organisational skills to:

establish clear goals and deadlines to achieve project and assignment outcomes

meet project deadlines and criteria

teamwork skills to:

contribute as a functioning member of a productive team

ensure that individual assets are delivered on time

technical skills to:

resolve basic hardware, software and other technical issues

use correct file formats and archiving procedures.

Required knowledge

current game hardware and software products

game-engine architecture and methods used in component importing

processes and techniques related to:

creation of 3-D objects within industry standard modelling software

use of industry formats for the development of 3-D models and objects.

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:

generate 3-D components for games

follow a clearly defined schedule and production pipeline for assets.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

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:

evaluation of work samples or simulated workplace activities and fault-finding exercises

verbal or written questioning to determine candidate's knowledge of:

game-engine architecture and methods used in component importing

current game hardware and software products

review of reports and 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.

3-D components may include:

3-D landscapes

buildings, walls, houses and other structures

character models

graphical user interface (GUI) widgets

items and collectables

light sources and effects

trees, shrubs and bushes

vehicles.

Component design may involve:

development time line constraints

researching current video game products and the components implemented

limitations of available technology

using game engine or interactive media architecture.

Format may include:

Direct X

Ogre

OpenGL

eXtensible markup language (XML).

Software may include:

After Effects

Avid

Blender

Combustion

D2 Nuke

Digital Fusion

Final Cut Pro

Flame

Flint

Fusion

Illustrator

Inferno

Inferno

Lustre

Photoshop

Premier

Renderman

Shake.


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.