This assignment brief outlines three tasks for a Level 3 BTEC National qualification in computer game platforms and technologies. The purpose is to assess understanding of hardware and software technologies for game platforms. For task 1, students must research and compare features of existing game consoles and mobile technologies in two tables. Task 2 requires designing a specification, including concept artwork, for an open source game console. Task 3 involves producing a glossary of key hardware and software terms related to game technologies, with descriptions and examples. The deadline for submission is March 10th.

1. Assignment brief
Qualification
QCF Level 3: BTEC National
Unit number and title
Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
Start date
Assessor name
27/1/14
10/3/14
Simon Ellershaw
Assignment title
GameDen – Console Design
Deadline
The purpose of this assignment is to:
The aim of this assignment is to assess learners understanding of LO 2 and LO3, Games
platform hardware and games platform software. It will cover criteria P2, M2, D2; P3, M3, D3
Scenario
You work for The GameDen – an online magazine aimed at computer game enthusiasts and
aficionados. Through the dedicated fan forums on GameDen a group of enthusiastic computer game
fans have banned together to try and raise funds to develop their own open source games console to
rival the big 3 consoles that are currently out there. You have been asked by your manager at
GameDen to work with thisgroup of fans to help come up with a design idea for an open source
computer game console.
Task 1 – Research existing consoles and mobile gaming technologies and produce two
comparison tables that will look at the features listed below for consoles and mobile
technologies.
Task 2 – Produce a design spec, including concept art/images for the console, software
interface and example controllers.
Task 3 – Produce a glossary of terms covering key hardware and software terminology to
support your design.
P2 describe hardware technologies for game platforms with some appropriate use of subject terminology
M2 explain hardware technologies for game platforms with reference to detailed illustrative examples and
with generally correct use of subject terminology
D2 comprehensively explain hardware technologies for game platforms with elucidated examples and
consistently using subject terminology correctly
P3 describe software technologies for game platforms with some appropriate use of subject terminology
M3 explain software technologies for game platforms with reference to detailed illustrative examples and
with generally correct use of subject terminology
D3 comprehensively explain software technologies for game platforms with elucidated examples and
consistently using subject terminology correctly
Task 1- Research existing consoles and mobile gaming technologies and produce two comparison
tables that will look at the features listed below for consoles and mobile technologies
Comparison table 1 – Games consoles – Compare PS4, Xbox One and WiiU for the following features
CPU, RAM, Graphics Processor, Video Display, Audio output, Software kernel (operating system), Power
Supply, Storage media
Comparison table 2 – Mobile technology – Compare PSP, Nintendo DS and NVidia Shield for the
following featuresCPU, RAM, Graphics Processor, Video Display, Audio output, Software kernel (operating
system), Power Supply, Storage media

2. Task 2 – Produce a design spec, including concept art/images for and open source games console
and example controllers.
Design spec needs to include
Artwork/images for the main console (front and rear view)
Art work for at least one main controller
Spec breakdown and justification for the following components
o RAM ((purpose; capacity; type, e.g. Rambus Dynamic (RDRAM), static (SRAM), dynamic
(DRAM), unified
o CPU (type; speed)
o Graphics Processor (Type, speed, capacity)
o Video Display/Output (Type of display)
o Sound/Audio (type; eg mono/stereo/3D/surround)
o Internal Storage (type eg flash memory; Hard Drive and capacity and speed
o Portable Storage media – type egdigital versatile disc (DVD); optical disc; universal media
disc (UMD); magnetic tape;
o Power Supply
o Controller (type eg paddle, joystick, keyboard, keypad, mouse, wheel, pedals, eye toy,
motion sensor and design eg ergonomic; button configurations; user centered; portability)
o Connectivity (stand-alone; controller ports; internet; broadband; wifi; Bluetooth
o Software Kernel (operating system)
Task 3 – Produce a glossary of terms covering key hardware and software terminology to support
your design. Include the following terms with a description and at least one example how it is used in
games technology
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RAM
CPU
Graphics Processor
Video Display/Output ( LCD, Monochrome, Colour)
Sound/Audio
Storage Media
Power Supply
Software Kernel (operating system)
HCI
LAN
GPRS
WAP
Cache
MCP (Media Communications Processor)
2D v 3D graphics processing
Subscription TV
ETV (Enhanced Television)
API (Graphical and Sound)
Interpreted programming languages for games
Compiled programming languages for games
Object-oriented programming
Scripting languages for games
Sources of information
www.howstuffworks.com
– learning support with good clear illustrations and simple language to explaintopics, useful for research
www.gamasutra.com
– the website for game developers, has many interesting articles on technical topics and excellent for research (may need user
registration)

3. www.geek.com
www.techterms.com
This brief has been verified as being fit for purpose
Paul Morgan
Date
Date