Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:32 AM AWST

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Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media

Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media

Unit of competency
National Code
ICAGAM508A
State Code
D7812
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/07/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/11/2011
Field of Education
020103 - Programming
Original Release Date
04/11/2011
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop complex 3-D software for games or interactive media.
Notes
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
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.
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.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUT83 ICTGAM508 Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D568 ICA50211 Diploma of Digital and Interactive Games Qualification
D567 ICA50111 Diploma of Information Technology Qualification