National 4/5
Computer Games Development
INFO
Curriculum Leader: Mr Ferrier
Entry Requirements:
Students electing to study this course should be able to display a clear interest in developing creative skills in Game Development. No previous experience is necessary. However, some experience of Computing based courses would be useful.
Course Content
The NPA in Computer Games Development at SCQF levels 4 & 5 introduce learners to the genres, trends and emerging technologies of the computer games industry. This suite of awards provides a foundation in techniques that are important to the sector, such as digital planning and design, creation of media assets, and development and testing — while also developing employability skills and core skills through enterprise activities. This qualification covers core areas such as design, media assets and development. Computer programming is also an important part of this qualification. The award will improve learners’ computational thinking skills — an area that is gaining recognition as a vital 21st century competence — and stimulate interest in Computing Science among young learners.
Computer Games Development Design:
The aim of this Unit is for candidates to gain an understanding of underlying concepts and fundamental principles involved in computer game planning and design. Candidates will learn how to recognise and compare differences between gaming platforms, environments and genres. Candidates will be introduced to the role of the games designer, and to fundamental methods used in the planning and design stages of a computer game. Candidates will plan and design a computer game.
Computer Games Development Media Assets:
The aim of this Unit is for candidates to gain an understanding of the different types of media assets required for developing a computer game. Candidates will identify and describe legal methods of acquiring media assets and learn how to plan and produce media assets for use in a game development environment.
Computer Games Development Development:
The aim of this Unit is for candidates to gain an understanding of processes involved in the final stages of computer game development. Candidates will learn how to use their chosen game development environment to assemble all the elements and produce a working game. Candidates will acquire an understanding of the evaluation process and then plan and deliver activities to promote a computer game.
Assessment:
As this is a vocational qualification there is no final exam for the award. Students are required to keep an electronic portfolio of work covering the outcomes in each unit.