The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the

Minister for Education and Science. Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999, FETAC now has responsibility for making awards previously made by NCVA.

Module Descriptor

Games Analysis & Design

Level 5 L22055
www.fetac.ie

Level 5 Module Descriptor Summary of Contents

Introduction Module Title
Describes how the module functions as part of the national vocational certificate framework. Indicates the module content. This title appears on the learners certificate. It can be used to download the module from the website www.fetac.ie. An individual code is assigned to each module; a letter at the beginning denotes a vocational or general studies area under which the module is grouped and the first digit denotes its level within the national vocational certificate framework. Indicates where the module is placed in the national vocational certificate framework, from Level 3 to Level 6. Denotes the amount of credit that a learner accumulates on achievement of the module. Describes in summary what the learner will achieve on successfully completing the module and in what learning and vocational contexts the module has been developed. Where relevant, it lists what certification will be awarded by other certification agencies. Recommends the level of previous achievement or experience of the learner. Usually none but in some cases detail is provided here of specific learner or course provider requirements. There may also be reference to the minimum safety or skill requirements that learners must achieve prior to assessment. Describe in 3-5 statements the broad skills and knowledge learners will have achieved on successful completion of the module. Structure the learning outcomes; there may be no units. Describe in specific terms the knowledge and skills that learners will have achieved on successful completion of the module. Provides details on how the learning outcomes are to be assessed. Provides details of the grading system used.

Module Code Level Credit Value Purpose Preferred Entry Level Special Requirements General Aims Units Specific Learning Outcomes Portfolio of Assessment Grading Individual Candidate Marking Sheets Module Results Summary Sheet Appendices Glossary of Assessment Techniques Assessment Principles

Records the marks for each candidate in each assessment technique and in total. It is an important record for centres of their candidates achievements. Can include approval forms for national governing bodies. Explains the types of assessment techniques used to assess standards. Describes the assessment principles that underpin FETAC approach to assessment.

Introduction
A module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to gain a FETAC award. Candidates are assessed to establish whether they have achieved the required standards. Credit is awarded for each module successfully completed. The standards in a module are expressed principally in terms of specific learning outcomes, i.e. what the learner will be able to do on successful completion of the module. The other elements of the module - the purpose, general aims, assessment details and assessment criteria - combine with the learning outcomes to state the standards in a holistic way. While FETAC is responsible for setting the standards for certification in partnership with course providers and industry, it is the course providers who are responsible for the design of the learning programmes. The duration, content and delivery of learning programmes should be appropriate to the learners needs and interests, and should enable the learners to reach the standard as described in the modules. Modules may be delivered alone or integrated with other modules. The development of learners core skills is a key objective of vocational education and training. The opportunity to develop these skills may arise through a single module or a range of modules. The core skills include:

taking initiative taking responsibility for ones own learning and progress problem solving applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts being numerate and literate having information and communication technology skills sourcing and organising information effectively listening effectively communicating orally and in writing working effectively in group situations understanding health and safety issues reflecting on and evaluating quality of own learning and achievement.

Course providers are encouraged to design programmes which enable learners to develop core skills.

1 2 3 4 5

Title Code Level Value Purpose

Games Analysis & Design L22055

5 1 The module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to gain a FETAC credit in Games Analysis & Design at Level 5. The module offers a practical introduction to central topics related to Entertainment-Media Technology. It establishes a Level 3 in the areas of media technology, the videogame industry, and relevant software tools . The module enables students to identify the role of the developer within the production process, and to diversify the production team, within the roles required.

Preferred Entry Level Special Requirements General Aims

Leaving Certificate, Level 4 Certificate or equivalent and/or relevant life and work experiences.

7 8

None

The module aims to enable the student to: 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 develop an understanding of the features and limitations of technology used in games software foster a critical understanding of the theory and practice of game design within the context of the modern Entertainment Industry integrate theoretical knowledge of Games Analysis & Design into practical processes perform competently tasks relevant to industry standard requirements develop fundamental knowledge and skills applicable to games software development.

Units
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3

The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 3 units. Entertainment Media Technologies The Games Industry Tools

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Specific Learning Outcomes Unit 1 Entertainment Media Technologies

Learners should be able to: 10.1.1 10.1.2 10.1.3 10.1.4 10.1.5 analyse Game structure and produce plans and logs for edit produce paperwork on Gaming Technologies as required using appropriate terminology demonstrate a basic understanding of the technological components of a Game display a knowledge of key elements of development in the production of a Game Title demonstrate, at basic level, an understanding of the grammar of Entertainment Media Technologies including Game Engines, their functions, Game Development software libraries, Artificial Intelligence, Physics Engines. display a knowledge of minimum hardware requirements for home and Arcade entertainment products development

10.1.6

Unit 2

The Games Industry

Learners should be able to:

10.2.1 10.2.2 10.2.3 10.2.4 10.2.5 10.2.6 10.2.7

identify Video Games and their socio-economical reflections in a historical context produce paperwork as required using appropriate terminology outline the development of the Videogame Industry and its future discuss common practices in Games analysis & Design, demonstrate basic understanding of the publishing/development process and its implications recognize the role of quality assurance and localisation in the game development process identify the Industry and the roles of the individuals in a team in the Irish/European development context.

Unit 3

Tools
Learners should be able to:

10.3.1 10.3.2 10.3.3 10.3.4 10.3.5 10.3.6 10.3.7

set up the equipment required to perform the software specific task troubleshoot game related software as required demonstrate Level editing skills with the provided tools identify level structures and genres in games incorporate basic graphics as animations, backgrounds and interfaces incorporate basic effects, particle systems and render as appropriate use the technical grammar of 2D and 3D game editing including the characters creation, control, environment and background definitions, transitions and camera and lights settings use appropriate terminology in the vast array of tools available to the game development teams and differentiate the concept of middle-ware.

10.3.8

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Portfolio of Assessment
Summary

Please refer to the glossary of assessment techniques and the note on assessment principles at the end of this module descrip tor.

Assignment Skills Demonstration Examination (Theory) 11.1 Skills Demonstration

40% 30% 30%

In one or more Skills Demonstrations, candidates will be assessed in each of the following skill areas: level design and characters animation within a provided software package importing and exporting material to/from different editing packages production of a simple 2D Game

11.2

Examination

The internal assessor will devise a theory-based examination that assesses candidates ability to recall and apply theory and understanding, requiring responses to a range of question types. The examination will be based on a range of specific learning outcomes from all the units. The examination will be 1 hour 30 minutes in duration. The forma t of the examination will be as follows: Section A 8 short answer questions Candidates are required to answer 7 (3 marks each) Section B 2 structured questions Candidates are required to answer 1 (12 marks)

11.3

Assignment

The internal assessor will devise a brief that requires the candidate to produce evidence that demonstrates an understanding and application of a range of specific learning outcomes. Assignment: The brief for this assignment will take the form of a 3D level design & editing with particular emphasis on level structure, graphics, and characters interaction, produced in project form, using an industry standard (shareware) Game Engine

12

Grading
Pass Merit Distinction 50 - 64% 65 - 79% 80 - 100%

Individual Candidate Marking Sheet 1

Game Analysis & Design L22055 Assignment 40%

Candidate Name: _______________________________ PPSN: ________________________ Centre: __________________________________________________ Centre No.: _________ Assessment Criteria
3D Analysis Creating a level/game on an industry used 3D level editor suite: Clear identification of equipment requirements Correct set up and operation of equipment including safe work practices clear and logical progression of research appropriate gathering of sound, graphics and cut scenes Excellent quality of finished product Complete analysis documentation provided

Maximum Mark 20

Candidate Mark

Design Correct set up and operation of equipment including safe work practices appropriate use of event triggers detailed description of level/s structure level designed according to industry standards appropriate software Excellent quality of finished product, use of particles/special effects complete design documentation provided

20

TOTAL MARKS
This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet

40

Internal Assessors Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________ External Authenticators Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________

Individual Candidate Marking Sheet 2

Game Analysis & Design L22055 Skills Demonstration 30%

Candidate Name: ______________________________ PPSN: ___________________________ Centre: _________________________________________________ Centre No.: ____________

Assessment Criteria The students are required to present a project produced using the Games Factory tools. The project should consist of at least one level built with GF library or external graphics, and user screen/s. The resulting software will be presented by the students, assessed and returned with grades. Some functionality must be added using the Event Editor.

Maximum Mark
10

Candidate Mark

10

Extra marks are awarded for game intro/ending scenes, personalized graphics, multi- level structure, exploitations of the Event Editor. Subtotal TOTAL MARKS
This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet

10

30 30

Internal Assessors Signature: _________________________________ Date: __________ External Authenticators Signature: ____________________________ Date: ___________

Individual Candidate Marking Sheet 3

Game Analysis & Design L22055

Examination (Theory -Based) 30%

Candidate Name: _______________________________ PPSN: ________________________ Centre: ________________________________________ Centre No: _____________ Assessment Criteria Section A: short answer questions 8 short answer questions, answer any 6 (3 marks each)
(Indicate questions answered)

Maximum Mark

Candidate Mark

Question No.:* _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Subtotal Section B: structured questions 2 structured questions, answer any 1
(Indicate questions answered)

3 3 3 3 3 3 18

Question No.:* _____

12

Subtotal TOTAL MARKS

This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet

12 30

Internal Assessors Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____________ External Authenticators Signature: ___________________________________ Date: __________ * The internal assessor is required to enter here the question numbers answered by the candidate.

10

FETAC Module Results Summary Sheet

Module Title: Games Analysis and Design Module L22055 Assessment Marking Sheets Code:
Candidate Surname Maximum Marks per Marking Sheet Candidate Forename Mark Sheet 1 40 Mark Sheet 2 30 Mark Sheet 3 30

Total 100%

Grade*

Signed:

Grade* D: 80 - 100% Internal Assessor: _______________________________________________ Date: ____________________ M: 65 - 79% P: 50 - 64% This sheet is for internal assessors to record the overall marks of individual candidates. It should be retained in the U: 0 - 49% centre. W: candidates entered who did not present for The marks awarded should be transferred to the official FETAC Module Results Sheet issued to centres before the assessment

visit of the external Authenticator.

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