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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110820  Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Production 
ORIGINATOR
Legacy SAE Institute South Africa PTY (LTD) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-08  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Production is to provide learners with competencies in game design and production, while covering all other relevant areas that relate to the production of games, inter alia planning and managing production, creating assets, programming, digital animation, organising finances, distribution and marketing. In addition to the design and creative aspects of game production, practical work incorporated into modules serve to manifest and refine skillsets on all aspects of the game design and production process. Coherence is provided by the logical development of core skills with strong cross-referencing of topics between modules and selected supporting modules that provides a well-rounded skillset.

Learners will be introduced to the game design and development industry and be exposed to relevant technology, creative and innovative thinking and research in creative media to enable them to develop appropriate skills, abilities ad attributes. A final practical project in third year requires the creative application of all knowledge and skills gained in the qualification to design, produce, test and document a game, along with a business model to potentially generate income from it. The Bachelor of Game Design and Production qualification is aligned with global media industry standards and uses industry preferred gaming platforms as a basis for game design and production to ensure relevance.

The qualification aims to ensure that the qualifying learner has attained the abilities and attributes such as:
  • Ability to systematically utilise production methods and processes.
  • Research skills and abilities.
  • Professional attitudes.
  • Effective teamwork.
  • Creative expression.

    Rationale:
    The gaming industry is growing rapidly in South Africa. Interactive Entertainment South Africa (IESA), reported in its annual South Africa (SA) gaming industry surveys, a growth in annual gaming revenue of more than 300% between 2014 and 2016 which confirms the employment potential and prospects that exists in the game development industry in South Africa.

    The qualification has been structured to develop knowledge, skills and competence in game design and production for learners aspiring to enter into careers in this industry to prepare learners to enter the industry with the capacity to be productive with minimal additional training. The qualification will contribute to the growth, quality and competitiveness of game production on the African continent and good prospects of taking up employment opportunities with the SA gaming industry. The curriculum exposes learners to both the design and production aspects of gaming with a strong focus on technology and creativity generally expected and required in this industry. Qualifying learners will be able to gain employment in the industry and will also be able to access qualifications at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 in relevant fields.

    Career opportunities for qualifying learners exist in/as:
  • Games Artist.
  • Technical artist.
  • Games developer.
  • Story Writer (games).
  • Game World Editor.
  • Digital media producer. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). As such, the institution will recognise skills, knowledge and experience achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning in accordance with its RPL policy. Prospective learners who do not meet entry requirements may also apply for RPL to gain entry into the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • A Higher Certificate, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Diploma, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Advanced Certificate, NQF Level 6 in a cognate discipline. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 367 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 87 Credits:
  • Academic Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Asset Design 1: Game Aesthetics, 15 Credits.
  • Asset Design 2: Digital Imaging, 10 Credits.
  • Game History, 10 Credits.
  • Game Production 1: Analogue, 15 Credits.
  • Game Studies: Storytelling, 10 Credits.
  • Media Studies Introduction, 6 Credits.
  • Scripting 1: Introduction, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 145 Credits:
  • Asset Design 3: 2D Animation, 15 Credits.
  • Finance and Distribution, 15 Credits.
  • Game Production 2, 15 Credits.
  • Game Studies 2: Game Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Game Studies 3: Technology, 15 Credits.
  • Marketing and Social Media, 15 Credits.
  • Media Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Research Basics, 10 Credits.
  • Scripting 2, 15 Credits.
  • Scripting 3, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 5 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7,135 Credits:
  • Asset Design 4: 3D Animation, 15 Credits.
  • Final Project, 60 Credits.
  • Final Research Component, 15 Credits.
  • Game Production 3: Finishing, 15 Credits.
  • Game Studies 4: Mechanics, 15 Credits.
  • Scripting, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge and understanding of game conceptualisation, design and production.
    2. Creatively design and develop digital assets appropriate for use in game production.
    3. Develop programming code for the use in games in accordance with industry preferred coding structures and standards.
    4. Conceptualise, design and produce a functional game using a gaming platform and industry standard software tools. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge and applied understanding of the principles of game theory.
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge and applied understanding of various aspects of game.
  • Critically examine and explain the impact of technological development on the type and nature of digital games in modern society.
  • Examine the types and genres (both pure genres, sub-genres, and crossovers) of past and present game types.
  • Evaluate and compare a selection of historical and current gaming platforms.
  • Demonstrate applied knowledge and understanding of story lines in games.
  • Evaluate the social interaction experienced through games, as well as the categorisation of games in the context of given examples.
  • Apply integrated knowledge and understanding of a variety of input and output methods in gaming.
  • Apply integrated knowledge and understanding of the common mathematical functions used in coding.
  • Apply probability principles in game development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply the principles of visual communication and design theory in relation to two-dimensional digital imaging.
  • Apply the principles of visual communication and design theory in relation to three-dimensional digital imaging.
  • Evaluate digital two-dimensional images as a communications medium in the creative media industry.
  • Design and optimise digital assets for cross-media delivery.
  • Apply the principles of digital media management are applied.
  • Design and use appropriate creative graphic elements in the construction of user interfaces (UIs).
  • Create and animate 2D and 3D graphic elements for incorporation into games.
  • Implement and use an industry standard game development platform.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Integrate knowledge and apply an understanding of the principles of computer architecture, software and computer programming languages.
  • Explain and apply the syntax of a programming language in scripting and coding.
  • Examine and apply the commonly used algorithms effectively in coding.
  • Apply the principles used in modern object-oriented programming.
  • Apply logical process breakdown methodology to break down a process into a series of actions.
  • Demonstrate the application of- and implementation of an algorithm.
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge of coding and decoding.
  • Develop and apply code in industry standard gaming software.
  • Analyse and resolve code errors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate creative and integrated knowledge in the conceptualisation of games.
  • Incorporate various digital elements, including 2D and 3D graphic and sound assets, creatively and appropriately in an industry standard game platform.
  • Incorporate prefabricated digital assets effectively in game projects.
  • Explain the fundamental differences between 2D or 3D game creation.
  • Use industry standard software tools to build a menu and user interface for a game.
  • Explain and design game state machines using industry standard tools.
  • Carry out game production as a logical step-by-step process.
  • Interpret a brief to inform a game production project, artistically and creatively.
  • Apply artistic and time management skills in a game project.
  • Follow the preproduction process to plan and carry out a project according to given criteria.
  • Communicate specialist technical and creative ideas and perspectives in the game development discipline, formally and informally.
  • Carry out a game project from the design and prototyping stages to the finalised game.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification follows an integrated assessment approach. Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven and applied as continuing assessment.

    Formative assessment is employed throughout the year to gauge and guide academic success, using a variety of different assessment instruments, relevant to the subject matter and learning objectives of each module. Formative assessment instruments may include any combination of:
  • Tests.
  • Quizzes.
  • Assignments.
  • Projects.
  • Case, studies.
  • Discussion fora.
  • Portfolios and/or presentations.

    Formative assessments are marked and detailed feedback given to learners to guide their learning and preparation to support the achievement of outcomes for the programme.

    Summative assessment for each module may consist of an examination, portfolio of work, assignment or practical project, depending on the nature of the learning content and objectives. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification content is benchmarked against a similar qualification at the SAE Institute in Australia: Associate Degree in Games Development which is accredited and regulated by Commonwealth of Australia Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA).

    SAE Australia's Associate Degree in Games Development gives learners the skills and competence needed to work in a supervised paraprofessional role supported by a qualified industry professional. It also provides a pathway to study further and progress to Bachelor level qualification. This qualification a range of content areas, informed by industry and a 40-year history in designing and teaching creative media programs. Key areas of content covered by the qualification include, among other:
  • Introductory scripting for game development.
  • Introductory game mechanics and dynamics.
  • Introductory critical game studies.
  • Introductory game design.
  • Employability skills.
  • Introductory project management.
  • Teamwork and collaboration in the context of creative media
  • Scholarly techniques for higher education studies.

    The BA in Game Design and Production compares favourably with the Australian qualification, in particular in the sense that it also incorporates both fundamental and practical work relevant to game design and production, and preparing learners for further study and specialisation in this field.

    This qualification was also benchmarked against the BA in Games Design offered by Canterbury Christ Church University in UK. Both qualifications have the same aim: using the support of gaming platforms to design and develop games, against a background of design, art, multimedia, and story theory, to provide a good user experience. Very similar aspects of game design are the focus topics in the UK qualification, including: game design tools, game context and history, player interaction, production process and finally, a major game design project. The UK qualification differs from the local one in the sense that it aims to introduce multiple gaming platforms instead of mastering one of the most prominent ones on a deeper level. The UK degree is also a 3-year qualification.

    As is the case with the Australian qualification, the proposed qualification compares very favourably which serves as confirmation that it is on par with international offerings. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Art, Level 7.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Digital Arts, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.