ICAGAM508A
Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop complex 3-D software for games or interactive media.

Application

This unit applies to games programmers working in the game development industry.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Build complex 3-D applications using multiple frameworks provided or engines

1.1 Employ integrated development environment facilities to include existing 3-D, audio and physics libraries suitable for games or interactive media production

1.2 Configure a 3-D environment compatible with a specified platform by using existing library facilities and appropriate language

1.3 Instantiate virtual objects in a complex 3-D environment

1.4 Import complex pre-constructed models retrieved from persistent storage into a 3-D environment using scripts or library routines

1.5 Use code to animate 3-D objects required by game play

1.6 Use code to handle collisions between objects in a 3-D environment

1.7 Use code to manipulate the texturing and other attributes of models during run-time execution

1.8 Incorporate environmental elements to enhance user experience

1.9 Select and use appropriate exception handling techniques to ensure program stability in a complex 3-D environment that uses multiple libraries

2. Create a complex graphical user interface (GUI) for a 3-D environment

2.1 Employ integrated development environment facilities to include existing 3-D compatible GUI controls suitable for complex games or interactive media production

2.2 Combine predefined GUI elements to create a complex interface for a 3-D environment

2.3 Modify scripts or code to customise existing GUI elements for a complex interface

2.4 Write code that processes events raised by a complex GUI in a 3-D environment

2.5 Use GUI events to modify the configuration of a complex 3-D environment

3. Debug a complex 3-D application

3.1 Use stand-alone debugging tools or tools provided by an integrated development environment to examine variables and trace running code across multiple libraries

3.2 Employ debugging facilities, such as log windows or files to detect logical and coding errors

4. Use documentation tools

4.1 Identify and choose suitable integrated or third-party documentation tools

4.2 Create and maintain code documentation for a complex 3-D project using selected integrated or third-party tools

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to interpret documentation and images to inform implementation of game specifications

communication skills to:

check and confirm brief requirements

communicate clearly using speech and text

communicate technical requirements related to software development, graphics requirements and code development to supervisors and other team members

give constructive feedback

literacy and numeracy skills to read briefs, game documentation, scripts, storyboards, scenarios, images, and technical and conceptual information

planning and organisational skills to:

refer decisions to a higher project authority for review and endorsement

balance talent, experience and budget

delegate tasks and responsibility appropriately

establish clear roles and goals to achieve required game development outcomes

meet project deadlines

problem-solving skills to recognise and address quality issues and problems

teamwork skills to:

contribute to and work in a collaborative team

realise a unified game-play vision

technical skills to:

implement programming solutions for specified problems

resolve basic hardware, software and other technical issues associated with game.

Required knowledge

complex 3-D application development

debugging techniques

documentation techniques

object-oriented 3-D programming concepts

object-oriented 3-D programming language

techniques for using a GUI to interact with a user

techniques for using multiple games-oriented libraries.

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:

employ multiple 3-D frameworks or libraries

build an appropriate GUI to develop complex 3-D applications with documentation generated by appropriate tools.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

suitable 3-D equipment, software and hardware

technical manuals

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

observation of game production activities

verbal questioning or interview concerning aspects of game development, including:

capability of game engines and software tools to meet the requirements of the brief

evaluating game prototypes from technical, design and game-play perspectives

game testing and trialling procedures

maintaining integrity of the design brief and game design document

risk assessment and critical path planning

translating design and technical specifications into working game prototypes.

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, audio and physics libraries may include:

bullet

direct sound

directX

FMOD

Irrlicht

newton

OGRE

openGL.

Configure a 3-D environment must include:

device selection

game resolution

screen colour depth

output performance such as:

anti-aliasing

level of detail

filtering

caustics and refraction.

Language may include:

C#.net

C++

Java

Small Talk

VB.NET.

Virtual objects must include:

audio managers

cameras

lights

physics managers

viewports.

Pre-constructed models refers to:

3-D mesh data containing predefined animation sequences that are retrieved from persistent storage using script or code

developed in-house

purchased third party.

Animate must include:

animation selection/playback for pre-constructed models

based on user input

driven by code

dynamic camera movement as required by game play.

Objects may include:

cameras

lights

pre-constructed meshes.

Environmental elements may include:

audio

render filters

simulated physics

tactile feedback.

Integrated development environment may include:

Code Warrior

Code::Blocks

Eclipse

J-Edit

Visual C++

Visual Studio suite.

Documentation may include:

architecture documentation

code comments

design documents

in-code documentation

internal module documentation

release documents

requirement documents

test documents

user manuals.


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.