Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:28 AM AWST

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Create audio for digital games

Create audio for digital games

Unit of competency
National Code
ICAGAM414A
State Code
D7801
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/07/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/10/2011
Field of Education
100701 - Audio Visual Studies
Original Release Date
06/10/2011
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce and manipulate audio assets for computer games using a variety of tools.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research and document game audio requirements
  • 1.1 Explain the evolution of audio hardware and audio formats
  • 1.2 Provide a historical perspective on how audio has become integrated into computer games
  • 1.3 Identify current trends and speculate on the future of game audio
2. Research and document the use of audio in computer games
  • 2.1 Identify the different methods for using audio in computer games
  • 2.2 Explore the role of music in creating mood and atmosphere
  • 2.3 Explain how sound effects and vocals are used within computer games
3. Source existing sound effects, music tracks and voice recordings
  • 3.1 Find sources of sound effects, music tracks and voice recordings
  • 3.2 Create and maintain a small collection of audio assets
  • 3.3 Identify different audio formats
  • 3.4 Differentiate between compressed and uncompressed audio formats
  • 3.5 Identify different genres of music
  • 3.6 Develop an awareness of audio copyright laws and royalty free audio
4. Record and manipulate audio for a game
  • 4.1 Record character voices, music and sound effects
  • 4.2 Develop a sound track for a game using audio editing
  • 4.3 Use audio-editing software to rearrange audio samples and apply audio effects
  • 4.4 Select appropriate sample format and bit rate
  • 4.5 Normalise audio samples to make volume uniform
  • 4.6 Trim audio samples
  • 4.7 Apply audio effects
  • 4.8 Export audio to a suitable format
5. Create sound effects or music for a game
  • 5.1 Identify digital sound waveforms
  • 5.2 Apply basic music theory to simple music-creation tool
  • 5.3 Determine suitable musical notation
  • 5.4 Identify and use musical creation tools
  • 5.5 Compose a simple piece of music for a game
  • 5.6 Create various sound effects for a game
6. Research audioprogramming libraries
  • 6.1 Compare and contrast functional capabilities of audio-programming libraries
  • 6.2 Explain the use of channels and mixing
7. Integrate sound, music and vocals into a computer game
  • 7.1 Play a mixture of cached and streaming audio sources
  • 7.2 Integrate sound effects in response to different events
  • 7.3 Incorporate ambient music into sections of the computer game
  • 7.4 Locate and play positional audio sources
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.

Audio formats may include:
music, such as mp3, ogg, xm, s3m, it, mod and midi
sound effects, such as wav, raw and voc.
Genres may include:
dance
jazz
pop
rap
rock
techno
trance.
Copyright laws may include:
Australian Copyright Act 1968
international copyright laws.
Audio-editing software may include:
Audacity
Music Editor Free
Power Sound Editor
Wavosaur.
Digital sound waveforms may include:
noise
pulse
sine
square
triangle.
Basic music theory may include:
bass or treble clef
notation, such as semi-quavers and quavers
notes
scales and chords
timing.
Music-creation tools may include:
FL Studio
Garage Band
MusicShake.
Audio-programming libraries may include:
Audierre
Bass Library
DirectSound
FMOD
Open_AL
SDL_Mixer.
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:
record sound sources
generate sound effects
compose simple music tracks
manipulate audio assets with suitable tools
use audio programming libraries in a game.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
computer hardware
microphone and headphone sets
input device, e.g. keyboard and mouse
output device, such as monitor and speakers
digital audio editing software, games engines and file storage
copyright and intellectual property legislation
OHS legislation and enterprise policy
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 audio that has been included in a games project
verbal or written questioning concerning aspects of game audio, including:
evolution of audio hardware and use of audio in computer games
tools and techniques used
capabilities of audio libraries.
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
AUT73 ICTGAM414 Create audio for digital games Unit of competency