Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research the current digital games climate and analyse business opportunities.
It applies to individuals with high-level technical, creative and communication skills working as concept artists, games 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. Determine the Australian digital games industry and development companies | 1.1 Identify both large and small organisations in the Australian digital games industry 1.2 Identify recent projects undertaken by small and large organisations in the Australian digital games industry 1.3 Identify the resources required for the production of a digital game in a small business environment 1.4 Determine the process of subcontracting various production elements to other small businesses |
2. Determine the structure of a game | 2.1 Identify the roles of engineers, artists, game designers, producers and additional staff 2.2 Identify the skills required to occupy each role in a game development team 2.3 Determine the interaction and collaboration between these roles |
3. Investigate the process of starting an independent game development business | 3.1 Identify the major factors involved in starting a small business in the digital games industry 3.2 Identify the legal requirements, environmental impact and sustainability considerations, and financial management of operating a small business 3.3 Identify the legal protection of the small business operator and dissolution procedures for a small business |
4. Evaluate the role of the Australian government and other organisations related to digital game production | 4.1 Identify the role of the Australian government and other organisations affecting the digital games industry 4.2 Identify the influence of the Australian government in game production and marketing 4.3 Determine the effect of rating standards on digital game production and marketing |
5. Review copyright and intellectual property laws | 5.1 Determine copyright and intellectual property laws related to digital game development 5.2 Undertake a review of the current state of national and international copyright pertaining to digital game assets 5.3 Incorporate the conventions of copyright related to the production of a digital game project |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
research the key organisations and types of projects undertaken in the Australian digital games industry
document the resources, roles and skills requirements of a games development team, and the interaction required between team members
research and document the main factors to consider for starting up and operating a small business in the digital games industry, including legal, government, environmental and financial considerations.
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 sources of information about the Australian digital games industry
explain the process of subcontracting
explain various methods that could be used to allow interaction and collaboration between different members of a development team
explain how rating standards affect digital game production and marketing
explain risk and critical-path management
outline copyright and intellectual property laws as they pertain to the development of digital games.
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
relevant legislation, including copyright and intellectual property legislation, and work health and safety legislation.
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, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1-3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 | Interprets, analyses and comprehends information from a range of relatively complex sources, including legislation |
Writing | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1-3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3 | Documents results of research, analysis and reviews to inform analysis of business opportunities and requirements |
Numeracy | 1.3 | Analyses the budgetary requirements for the creation of a digital game in a small business environment |
Navigate the world of work | 3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 | Identifies, confirms and incorporates legislative requirements of business operations |
Get the Work Done | 1.4, 2.2, 2.3, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 | Systematically plans tasks to gather required information to build understanding of the digital games environment Makes critical decisions in complex situations, taking a range of variables into consideration Investigates new and innovative ideas as a means to identify business opportunities |
Sectors
Game development