Use programming languages to develop functionality of content for games and interactive media projects
Overview
This standard is about using programming language to develop functionality of content in games or interactive media projects. Programming may be general or for a specialist area, including but not restricted to, physics, graphics, network, artificial intelligence, user interface or audio. This is typically an iterative process involving constant feedback and revision, so patience and a willingness to be objective about your work are vital.
This standard can apply to games or interactive media. Interactive media can involve any type of interactive media content, products or services including, but not restricted to, websites, applications, or online marketing campaigns.
Games and interactive media projects can be for multi-platform or multi-channel use and can also involve the use of immersive technology which can include, but is not restricted to, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR).
This standard is for anyone who uses programming languages to develop functionality of content for games or interactive media projects.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- obtain current project specifications, briefs, parameters and constraints
- make effective use of specified development environments or coding tools
- code programs or program components to provide specified functionality
- create efficient code that is easy to read and maintain
- produce modular code to meet requirements
- clearly document and comment on code produced so that others can understand it
- carry out thorough testing of code to ensure it operates correctly within specified parameters
- fix any bugs or problems identified from testing
- interpret others' code and comments and modify, debug and augment their code in line with requirements
- compile or deploy code in appropriate formats
- liaise with colleagues to ensure designs and specifications are correctly implemented
- respond in a positive way to multiple requests for changes to work schedules, timescales and product features as projects develop over time
- use version control and asset management systems to ensure full back-up of work
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- how to obtain information on, and interpret, project specifications, briefs, parameters and constraints including overall structure, formats, target platforms and their capabilities
- the different people responsible for decision making, writing project specifications and designing different parts of project outputs and who to seek clarification from and raise issues with
- relevant programming principles and best practice including object-oriented programming, procedural programming
- industry standard programming languages and the functions, syntax and available frameworks for the programming language you are using
- how to test and debug code including how to write custom debugging code and when to use it
- why it is important to remain patient and objective when working on an iterative process involving constant feedback and revision
- the nature of a code-base, which is subject to constant revision and on-going development
- how to use appropriate software for asset management, code version control and bug tracking.
- sources of information for help, tips and tricks for making most effective use of the programming language and development environment you are using
- the impact of diversity, inclusivity, ethics, useability, accessibility, emotional intelligence, behavioural psychology and real-time animation on projects
- the implications of later requests for changes to functionality or other aspects
- technical and logistical issues surrounding development for cross-platform delivery
- the expectations of others who may be involved in debugging, using or modifying your code
- the commercial value of software code