Project 3 – Handbook

Personal Project and Presentation

UAL Unit 8 – Personal project and presentation in creative

media production

Assessors: Graham Foucher / Dan Brinkley / Michael McKenzie / Steven La

Date Issued: 29th February 2016

Deadlines:

CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION &

TECHNOLOGY (GAMES DEVELOPMENT) LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA

Task 1 – 20th May 2016

Task 2 – 20th May 2016

Task 3 – 20th May 2016

Task 4 – 20th May 2016

Project 3 – Handbook

Introduction

Unit Aim

This unit will require the student to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in previous units and apply them to the production and presentation of a creative media personal project.

Purpose

The purpose of this unit is for students to create a 2D Shooting

game, demonstrating the game design and development process

using all of the knowledge and skills that have been gained during

the course.

This unit provides the final assessment of students completing

the course, and will be graded as either Refer, Pass, Merit or

Distinction. The grade criteria for the assessments are detailed

in this document for information and guidance purposes.

Students failing to achieve a pass grade will be given one

opportunity for resubmission to redeem that referral.

In order to achieve a grade, students must complete all of the

assessment criteria listed within this document, together with all of the grading

criteria listed for that specific grade. Grades are also cumulative, for example, to achieve a merit grade,

students must have completed all the requirements of both the pass and merit grade. To achieve a

distinction grade, students must complete all of the requirements for the pass, merit and distinction grades.

In order to complete this unit, students will need to work individually to design, create and evaluate a

cohesive media product. To achieve this, students will need to complete all tasks identified within this

document, and submit all work by the interim submission deadlines. Any late or non-submissions will be

regarded as a referral, and the opportunity to resubmit will be forfeited.

The results of this final unit are subject to external verification, and therefore grades awarded by the

teaching team should not be considered as final until the verification process has been completed.

Scenario

You have been asked by your game studio to create a 2D shooting game that can be used to

demonstrate the skills and specialisms of the studio to potential publishers. The game should contain a

minimum of three working levels, a final level Boss, a start screen including player instructions, a win/lose

screen and will be submitted in both .gmx and .exe versions to allow for disc versions to be made available

for publishers. You will also be required to design and complete a poster to market your game and a DVD

case to package the game. Finally, you will need to provide and present an evaluation of your game to

demonstrate your understanding of the production process and project parameters.

Throughout the process of completing your project, you will need to provide an ongoing development diary,

in the form of a blog of your experience, together with a number of documents for you to complete.

Included in this handbook are the following documents, which need to be completed and submitted for

each interim submission deadline.

Research Checklist

Project Plan

Personal Journal

Evidence Checklist

The following table provides a summary of the Personal Project and Presentation requirements mapped

against the UAL criteria. Details of the individual Assessment Criteria and Grade Criteria are made

available with the details of each task within this handbook.

Project 3 – Summary of Requirements

Task Name Task Description Assessment Criteria Deadline

Task 1 Research Unit 8 – 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 20th May 2016

Task 2 Planning and Production Unit 8 – 1.1, 1.2 20th May 2016

Task 3 Practical Skills and Presentation

Unit 8 – 3.1, 3.2 20th May 2016

Task 4 Evaluation and Reflection Unit 8 – 4.1 20th May 2016

Useful Sources of Information

Information regarding game specifications and design documents can be found using the following links.

http://www.sloperama.com/advice/specs.html

http://www.allowe.com/games/game-designs.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_design_document

http://bbrathwaite.wordpress.com/2008/11/30/creating-a-game-design-document/

Information regarding the creation of concept art can be found on the following websites.

http://www.fengzhudesign.com/tutorials.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3g6OANZyxM

http://conceptartworld.com/?cat=13

http://conceptartmasters.com/

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php/190982-Tons-of-Tutorials-Guides-and-More!-(178-links)

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/pcms.php?sort=feature#.VBg4TVC9auI

http://conceptartworld.com/

http://www.conceptroot.com/

http://www.conceptarthouse.com/

http://www.pinterest.com/koconne/concept-art/

Resources and tutorials used throughout the course are available on Moodle and should be used for

information and reference purposes as required.

Task 1 – Research Deadline: 20th May 2016

Learning Outcome

Be able to undertake and use research for a creative media product.

Assessment Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Unit 8 – 2.1 Identify appropriate research resources.

Unit 8 – 2.2 Use research activity to develop ideas in support of a creative media project.

Unit 8 – 2.3 Assess the value and effectiveness of research material in developing ideas for a creative media project.

Grading Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Pass Identify appropriate research sources. Use research activity to develop ideas in support of a creative media project. Assess the value and effectiveness of research material in developing ideas for a creative media project.

Merit Identify appropriate research sources to a high standard. Use research activity to develop ideas in support of a creative media project to a high standard. Assess the value and effectiveness of research material in developing ideas for a creative media project to a high standard.

Distinction Identify appropriate research sources to a very high standard. Use research activity to develop ideas in support of a creative media project to a very high standard. Assess the value and effectiveness of research material in developing ideas for a creative media project to a very high standard.

Definition

In this context, research relates to the ability to select, edit, interpret and respond to relevant material in

support of lines of inquiry, and the level of initiative, commitment, personal responsibility and

resourcefulness demonstrated in developing and progressing identified goals. This is likely to be

evidenced in research journals, notebooks, blogs, personalised collections of edited research material,

recordings, artefacts and through other practical media related outcomes.

Task Description

The purpose of this unit is for students to create a game, demonstrating the game design and development

process using all of the knowledge and skills that have been gained during the course.

Being able to identify and effectively use research is a vital skill within the media industries. Research can

be used as a starting point, to assess the validity or viability of a project, to gain information relating to your

project or to assist with planning of the requirements of your project.

In order to complete this task, you must identify any potential sources of research that you can use to assist

with the design and development of your game.

With your sources of research identified, you should undertake research

activity to develop ideas for your game. Remember, this is not just about

your initial idea or starting point, you should use research activity to

assess the validity and viability of your game idea.

Your overall game design and development should be informed by

research activity, such as graphics, sound, gameplay, etc., to

ensure that you are clear on all of the requirements of your game

idea before proceeding into further tasks.

You should also use research activity to investigate the technical

aspects of your game, such as new areas of coding to ensure that the

game engine can perform the required tasks, or creating the required animated

graphics to suit the game that you are proposing.

Finally, as part of your overall evaluation and reflection, you will need to assess the effectiveness of your

research material and activities as part of the overall design and development process.

Research Checklist

The following table should be completed as part of your submitted evidence. All identified research

material should be listed in the table, together with any associated activities that have been completed. An

example of how the table should be completed has been included for reference purposes.

You should create additional rows as required, to ensure that you fully document all of the research that

you have undertaken to meet the requirements of this task.

Project 3 – Research Checklist

Research Material Research Activity

Shaun Spalding YouTube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--Qsl5f42cE

Assessment of the options for using cameras and views in GameMaker to assist with the coding for the game.

Task 2 – Planning and Production Deadline: 20th May 2016

Learning Outcome

Be able to identify, plan and develop a creative media project.

Assessment Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Unit 8 – 1.1 Identify and plan a creative media product.

Unit 8 – 1.2 Develop a creative media project within agreed parameters and timescales.

Grading Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Pass Identify and plan a creative media project. Develop a creative media project within agreed parameters and timescales.

Merit Identify and plan a creative media project to a high standard. Develop a creative media project within agreed parameters and timescales to a high standard.

Distinction Identify and plan a creative media project to a very high standard. Develop a creative media project within agreed parameters and timescales to a very high standard.

Definition

In this context, planning and production refers to the ability to plan and organise work within a given

timeframe and the efficient production of outcomes both individually and collaboratively. This is likely to be

evidenced in personal reflective journals, notebooks, blogs, images, recordings, artefacts and through other

practical media related outcomes.

Task Description

The purpose of this unit is for students to create a game, demonstrating the game design and development

process using all of the knowledge and skills that have been gained in the course.

A key discipline in the development of a creative media project is planning. A plan provides the outline of

what you are trying to achieve, in the time you have to achieve it. It also provides key milestones to allow

you to assess your own progress against completing the project. This in turn allows you to make

appropriate decisions to ensure that your project meets a successful outcome.

In order to complete this task, you must identify and fully plan your

game design and development.

Your planning should include all elements of your game design

and development including, but not limited to, your overall game

idea and design, the design of graphics and sound, player

controls and interface, game levels and level designs,

storytelling, code and coding requirements, user interface, start

and win/lose screens, and the design and artwork for your game

packaging and marketing.

With your research and planning completed, you will need to create

a pitch presentation for your tutors. This presentation will provide your

tutors a full and accurate game idea, complete with areas of research and a

summary of your planning.

Project Planning

You will need to complete a project plan, where you will identify your work schedule and key milestones

that will need to be achieved to meet the submission deadlines. This plan will provide your primary source

of focus throughout the completion of this unit, and you will be regularly assessed against the plan to

ensure that you are adequately progressing your project.

To complete the plan, to should add the activities that you need to complete under the respective section,

for example, completing a game specification will be an activity that will be under the Planning and

Production section. You will the need to highlight the date by which you intend to complete the activity. An

example to demonstrate the inclusion of a game specification has been completed for reference purposes.

Project 3 – Example Project Plan

13/04 20/04 27/04 04/05 11/05 18/05 Half

Term 01/06 08/06

1. Research Due Date

2. Planning and Production Due Date

2.1 Game Specification 24/04

2.2 Pitch Presentation 01/05

3. Practical Skills and

Presentation Due Date

4. Evaluation and Reflection Due Date

Task 3 – Practical Skills and Presentation

Deadline: 20th May 2016

Learning Outcome

Be able to use media methods, processes and technology skills to produce and present a creative media project.

Assessment Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Unit 8 – 3.1 Use media methods and technology skills to produce a creative media project.

Unit 8 – 3.2 Identify and use appropriate presentation techniques for a creative media project.

Grading Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Pass Use media methods and technology skills to produce a creative media project. Identify and use appropriate presentation techniques for a creative media project.

Merit Use media methods and technology skills to produce a creative media project to a high standard. Identify and use appropriate presentation techniques for a creative media project to a high standard.

Distinction Use media methods and technology skills to produce a creative media project to a very high standard. Identify and use appropriate presentation techniques for a creative media project to a very high standard.

Definition

In this context, practical skills and presentation relates to the ability to use practical and technical skills and

knowledge to explore, adapt and effectively communicate ideas. It also relates to the degree of

consideration given to others when doing this, and to the competence and proficiency shown in the

organisation and presentation of themselves or their work to an audience. This is likely to be evidenced in

personal reflective journals, notebooks, blogs, images, recordings, artefacts and through other practical

media related outcomes.

Task Description

The purpose of this unit is for students to create a game, demonstrating the game design and development

process using all of the knowledge and skills that have been gained in the course.

Being able to effectively apply your skills and knowledge to develop a cohesive media product is a

prerequisite for anyone wanting to work in the media industries. You need to demonstrate how you apply

your skills and knowledge to ensure that your research and planning culminate in a final completed game

product.

In order to complete this task, you must use the project plan you created in task 2 to ensure that you

develop all of the requirements for your game, including all game assets, and to ensure that you can submit

your final game product by the final submission date.

To complete your game build, you need to ensure that you complete all of

the requirements set out in the ‘Scenario’ section of this document.

This means that your game will need to include a minimum of three

working levels, a start screen with player instructions, and a win/lose

screen. You final game should be submitted in both .gmx and .exe

versions, and be presented on disc in a designed DVD game case

with a marketing poster to accompany and compliment your work.

As with any game build, you will find that you need to make changes

to your planning as your game develops. This could be because of a

new idea, a part of the game that did not work as expected, or a design

idea that will not work in reality, either due to software or time constraints.

Where these events occur, you need to ensure that you keep a record of your

decisions made to inform your evaluation that you will complete in task 4.

During the completion of this task, you should regularly update your development diary blog with

information and commentary on your game build. This should include what aspects of your game build you

feel went well and where you feel you needed to develop your skills and knowledge further. You should

provide examples of your graphics, sounds and other game assets and include regular screenshots or

videos of your game in development. In this way, you will be in effect creating a development diary, to

provide a useful source of information for those examining your final game.

Finally, as part of your overall evaluation and reflection in task 4, you will need to assess the effectiveness

of your final product compared to what you had originally planned.

Task 4 – Evaluation and Reflection

Deadline: 20th May 2016

Learning Outcome

Be able to assess the effectiveness of a creative media production.

Assessment Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Unit 8 – 4.1 Assess a creative media project against identified parameters and timescales.

Grading Criteria

Criteria Addressed Description

Pass Assess a creative media project against identified parameters and timescales.

Merit Assess a creative media project against identified parameters and timescales to a high standard.

Distinction Assess a creative media project against identified parameters and timescales to a very high standard.

Definition

In this context, evaluation and reflection relates to the application of intellectual rigour in making

judgements and establishing meaning and values, and the level of contemplation and deliberation

necessary to progress and achieve identified goals. This is likely to be evidenced in personal statements,

peer review, personal reflective journals, images, blogs, notebooks, recordings, artefacts and through other

practical media related outcomes.

Task Description

The purpose of this unit is for students to create a game, demonstrating the game design and development

process using all of the knowledge and skills that have been gained in the course.

Whether in education or in the workplace, your ability to evaluate and

reflect on the task you are completing or have completed, will allow you

to learn key lessons for the future. For example, if you feel that your

coding skills needed further development to fully meet what you

were trying to achieve, you might consider undertaking some further

education or training in this specific area.

In order to complete this task, you will be creating a presentation

based on your experiences in completing the project. This

presentation should be informed by all elements of tasks 1, 2 and 3

and your ongoing development diary, completed as a blog.

To complete your presentation, you should consider the following elements for

inclusion:

How did you arrive at your game idea?

How effective was your research in informing your idea?

How did you develop your idea into a game?

What other areas of your game did you research?

How did you plan your game?

What were the milestones identified in your plan?

Did you deviate from you original plan?

What were the reasons for these deviations?

What elements of your game were the most successful?

What elements of your game do you feel needed further development?

What elements of your game would you change, and why?

Overall, how satisfied are you with your final product?

What have you learnt through completing your final product?

What would you do differently if you repeated the project in the future?

The above list is not exhaustive, and you should add any other points that you feel are relevant to provide a

full evaluation and reflection of your final game project.

Project 3 – Evidence Checklist

Please use the following checklist to list the evidence that you are including as part of your submission. An example using this Handbook has been included for reference.

Evidence checklist Completed

Research Checklist Yes

Project 3 – Personal Journal

Please use the following Personal Journal to record your experiences when designing and developing your Final Personal Project. You should, at least weekly, commentate on what you have achieved in the timeframe, what you are looking to achieve in the next timeframe, what areas have proved successful and what areas require further development. These notes should be formalised in your blog, or development diary to provide a full record of your experiences and work undertaken to complete your final product.

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