Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to employ multiple 3-D frameworks and libraries, build a graphical user interface (GUI) and develop complex 3-D software with documentation generated using applicable tools.
It applies to programmers who support the design, development and programming of 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
1. Define 3-D software requirements and prepare to develop software | 1.1 Establish complex 3-D software requirements and applicable legislative and organisational standards 1.2 Employ integrated development environment facilities and include existing 3-D, audio and physics libraries applicable to games or interactive media production 1.3 Configure a 3-D environment compatible with specified platform using existing library facilities and applicable language 1.4 Research and select applicable frameworks or games engine applicable to complex 3-D software requirements |
2.Use multiple frameworks provided or engines | 2.1 Instantiate virtual objects in complex 3-D environment 2.2 Import complex pre-constructed models retrieved from persistent storage into 3-D environment using scripts and library routines 2.3 Animate 3-D objects required by game play and handle collisions between objects in 3-D environment using code 2.4 Generate code and manipulate 3-D objects texturing and other attributes of models during run-time execution 2.5 Incorporate environmental elements and enhance user experience according to project requirements 2.6 Apply functionality to 3D game objects by modifying or extending existing classes 2.7 Select and use exception handling techniques and confirm program stability in complex 3-D environment that uses multiple libraries |
3. Create complex GUI for 3-D environment | 3.1 Employ integrated development environment facilities and include existing 3-D compatible GUI controls applicable to complex games or interactive media production 3.2 Combine predefined GUI elements and create complex interface for 3-D environment according to project requirements 3.3 Modify scripts and code and customise existing GUI elements according to project requirements 3.4 Write code that processes events raised by complex GUI in 3-D environment 3.5 Create GUI events and modify configuration of complex 3-D environment |
4. Debug and finalise complex 3-D software | 4.1 Use stand-alone debugging tools and tools provided by integrated development environment and examine variables and trace running code across multiple libraries 4.2 Employ debugging facilities according to organisational procedures 4.3 Seek feedback from required personnel and amend as required 4.4 Identify and choose applicable integrated or third-party documentation tools 4.5 Create and maintain code documentation for complex 3-D project using selected integrated or third-party tools 4.6 Obtain final sign-off from required personnel |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:
develop at least one complex 3-D software according to client specifications, on at least one occasion.
In the course of the above, the candidate must:
employ multiple 3-D frameworks, engines and libraries
create mesh primitives using 3-D library routines
generate code and manipulate 3-D objects, including cameras, lights and mesh primitives
use virtual objects in 3-D environments, including:
audio managers
cameras
lights
physics managers
viewports
animate 3-D objects required by game play and:
include animation selection/playback for pre-constructed models
be based on user input
be driven by code
include dynamic camera movement as required by game play
build a complex graphical user interface (GUI) for a 3-D environment
select and deploy documentation tools
create and maintain code documentation using applicable tools
detect logical and coding errors and debug application as required
comply with legislative and organisational standards.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:
processes involved in complex 3-D software development
legislative and organisational standards applicable to development of complex 3-D software
configuration processes for 3-D environments, including:
device selection
game resolution
screen colour depth
output performance including:
anti-aliasing
level of detail
filtering
caustics and refraction
use of scripts and library routines in 3-D software development environments
techniques for using multiple games-oriented libraries
environmental elements in complex 3-D software and impacts on users
handling and debugging techniques used when developing 3-D software for games and interactive media
documentation techniques applicable to 3-D software development process
object-oriented 3-D programming concepts and language
techniques for using a graphical user interface (GUI) to interact with a user.
Assessment Conditions
Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.
This includes access to:
project brief
software, hardware and 3-D equipment required in developing complex 3-D software for games and interactive media
integrated development environment facilities
integrated or third-party documentation tools
technical manuals and materials applicable to complex 3-D software development
existing multiple frameworks, search engines or games-oriented libraries.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
Reading | Interprets and comprehends instructions, briefs, technical and conceptual information to inform job requirements |
Writing | Writes and customises precise code using specialised language, industry-approved coding techniques and programming practices |
Numeracy | Uses whole numbers, decimals and percentages when manipulating measurement, scale, ratio, coordinates, colour, shading and other variables |
Planning and organising | Plans, organises and completes work according to defined requirements and schedules taking responsibility for decisions and sequencing tasks |
Self-management | Sources, analyses and evaluates applications and tools with potential to meet development and coding requirements Takes responsibility for data integrity and management |
Technology | Identifies purposes and uses key features of specific digital systems and tools and operates them to complete complex development tasks |
Sectors
Game development