Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, and implement, a design for complex 3-D characters for games.
It applies to individuals with high-level technical, interpretive and communication skills and may be applicable to concept artists, game designers, games programmers, animators and other personnel working in the game development industry.
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. Clarify work requirements | 1.1 Identify the design requirements based on the project brief and documents 1.2 Using the design requirements, conceptualise the appropriate characters for the game environments, design, level specifications and genre 1.3 Gather and analyse the reference materials to help with the design, and visualisation, of 3-D character models 1.4 Ensure that any missing requirements are considered and included in the design |
2. Conceptualise 3-D character design | 2.1 Document the design decisions that are made before, and during, the design conceptualisation 2.2 Outline the key attributes of the character 2.3 Examine the design considerations and generate the concept art for the 3-D characters |
3. Identify software tools that can be used to create 3-D characters | 3.1 Identify texturing tools, including painting, shading and texturing software and 3-D modelling tools |
4. Create complex 3-D characters | 4.1 Create base 3-D character models 4.2 Refine and polish the character models to a near finalised state 4.3 Create and map, the textures to apply to the 3-D character models 4.4 Refine the textures and apply shaders 4.5 Check the integrity and modify the 3-D characters until they meet the design requirements 4.6 Present the 3-D model to the relevant personnel |
5. Present the finished 3 | 5.1 Present the finished 3-D characters to the relevant personnel 5.2 Report on how the design decisions have met the 3-D character's design requirements |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
plan and manage the design process for creating 3-D character models according to a design brief
incorporate the design specifications and create complex 3-D character models
produce and deliver documentation, showing evidence of concepts creation and design decisions.
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:
summarise budgeting and scheduling considerations for game design
discuss the process used for computer game development
summarise the current game-play hardware and software products, including any technical constraints imposed on design and development
explain the technology and human resources required in the process of creating a game, and outline the team members’ respective skills.
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.
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 | 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 4.5 | Interprets analyses and comprehends briefs, instructions and conceptual information, to inform the design of environment specifications Interprets and comprehends a large range of diagrams, icons, symbols, text, numbers and letters necessary to use complex design software |
Writing | 1.4, 2.1, 2.2 | Communicates software and graphics requirements and code development to others, using correct spelling and grammar, plain English, and industry terminology |
Oral Communication | 2.2, 2.3, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2 | Speaks clearly and concisely, converting highly technical language and terminology to plain English, when providing information Elicits information using effective listening and open questioning techniques Provides practical advice, support and feedback to colleagues and management |
Numeracy | 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 | Uses whole numbers, decimals and percentages relevant to measurement, resolution aspect ratio, pixel ratio, scale, coordinates, colour, shading, and other attributes/variables in the application of digital effects |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 4.1-4.6, 5.1, 5.2 | Plans, organises and completes work according to project brief and schedules, sequencing tasks to achieve efficient outcomes Actively sources and analyses reference materials to support 3-D character design Uses creativity and initiative in 3D character design and creation Uses systematic, analytical processes in routine and non-routine situations to identify potential quality issues or problems, evaluate options and choose solutions Uses the key features of specific digital systems and software to complete design and creation tasks |
Sectors
Game development