ICTGAM503
Create a complex 3-D interactive computer game


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use original and innovative ideas, and industry-standard production techniques, to create functional games according to a specific design brief.

It applies to individuals who support the design, development and programming of interactive 3-D media, and digital games, as part of a larger development 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 the required game assets in a team environment

1.1 Obtain the project brief and other relevant documents

1.2 Identify the game production assets required to meet the creative and production requirements, and technical specifications

1.3 Discuss the formats of assets, and issues of asset integration, with the appropriate personnel

1.4 Determine the sequence for the development of a beta-version prototype for testing game play

1.5 Create a schedule for production and testing

1.6 Determine strategies for monitoring production progress against the schedule

2. Identify the capability of game-engine software and tools and make a selection in a team environment

2.1 Identify and review the range of industry-standard game-engine software and development tools available

2.2 Assess the software and tools related to the specified game concept and play requirements

2.3 Discuss considerations for the selection of game-engine software with the relevant personnel, to ensure that the selection will meet the specified outcomes

2.4 Select the game-engine software and development tools

3. Create or acquire the required assets for a game in a team environment

3.1 Establish an environment for a project that supports sharing of project assets produced by team members

3.2 Review the attributes of the assets required in a game project related to the chosen game engine

3.3 Create or acquire the visual assets for a games project

3.4 Customise asset attributes to suit the game design, and chosen game engine

4. Use game-engine software and development tools in a team environment

4.1 Collaborate in the use of tools, and features, of software relevant to the game-production process

4.2 Create, modify or access scripts or code to combine assets, and achieve agreed project goals

4.3 Create and check game-play elements, according to the creative and technical requirements

4.4 Test and run the game prototype as a presentation, to ensure that sequences meet the creative, production and technical requirements

5. Evaluate the game prototype in a team environment

5.1 Demonstrate the initial prototype to the relevant personnel

5.2 Evaluate against criteria, including the achievement of a creative and user-friendly product

5.3 Discuss and agree on required changes

5.4 Assist, if required, in tests and user trials

5.5 Evaluate the feedback from user trials

5.6 Confirm the endorsement from relevant personnel to develop the prototype into a complete product

6. Transform the prototype into final publication

6.1 Make the necessary changes, as indicated by user trials

6.2 Integrate all game elements, as required by the specifications

6.3 Make final checks to ensure that all sequences conform to the navigation design

6.4 Assemble a final publication for distribution

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

determine required game assets

apply a variety of strategies for game trialling and testing

apply original and innovative approaches to the creative developmentof a 3-D game

implement game development and production strategies

maintain the integrity of the design brief and game design document

communicate, collaborate and participate in a team environment

transform the prototype into final publication.

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 basic programming techniques

summarise the capabilities and constraints of game engines

discuss the process used for computer games development, including specific terminology

provide a detailed summary of current game-play hardware and software products

explain risk and critical path management

outline technical constraints that hardware imposes on:

graphics requirements

code development

creative visual design.


Assessment Conditions

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:

computer hardware and software

games engines

file storage

the internet for research purposes.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


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

1.2, 2.1, 4.2, 4.3, 6.2, 6.3

Interprets and comprehends a large range of textual and diagrammatic information, to inform instructional, technical and conceptual requirements

Writing

4.2, 5.5, 5.6, 6.4

Uses correct spelling and grammatical structures, clear language, and technical terminology when explaining technical and design requirements

Oral Communication

1.3, 2.3, 5.5, 5.6

Elicits information using effective listening and open questioning techniques

Speaks clearly and concisely, converting highly technical language and terminology into plain English, when providing feedback and other information

Numeracy

1.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

Uses whole numbers, decimals and percentages when manipulating software, to achieve the required technical and design components

Defines timeframes in accordance with the schedule requirements

Interact with others

3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6

Cooperates and collaborates with others as part of routine activities to achieve team results, and to confirm that the outcomes meet the requirements

Get the work done

1.1-1.6, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.4, 5.1-5.6, 6.1-6.4

Actively sources, analyses and evaluates applications, tools, and assets for the potential to meet creative requirements

Understands the purposes, and uses key features, of specific digital systems and tools, and operates them effectively in order to complete design tasks

Uses creativity and initiative in game design

Plans, organises, and completes work according to defined requirements and schedules, taking responsibility for decisions, and sequencing tasks to achieve efficient outcomes

Uses a systematic process to evaluate work and to implement improvements


Sectors

Game development