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Game Development Unit – Roadmap

Year 11 Digital Technologies (AS92005)

This roadmap shows the expected progression through the Game Development unit. Progression is based on evidence produced, not time spent.

Phase 1 — Understanding Games as Systems​

Focus

  • What makes something a game
  • Games as interactive systems
  • Player input, rules, feedback, outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Explain what makes a game
  • Identify missing or weak game elements
  • Describe the player–game feedback loop

Core evidence

  • Handwritten explanations
  • Annotated diagrams
  • Formative theory check

Phase 2 — Game Engines and Tools (Godot)​

Focus

  • What a game engine does
  • Why Godot is used
  • Project structure and files

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the role of a game engine
  • Describe the parts of a Godot project
  • Explain what GDScript is used for

Core evidence

  • Written explanations
  • Project structure sketches
  • Vocabulary checks

Phase 3 — Structure: Scenes, Nodes, and Scripts​

Focus

  • How Godot organises games
  • Relationship between scenes, nodes, and scripts
  • Reuse and organisation

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the difference between scenes, nodes, and scripts
  • Justify why structure matters
  • Plan a game structure before coding

Core evidence

  • Scene/node planning sheets
  • Tables linking structure to behaviour
  • Discussion-based activities

Phase 4 — Game Mechanics​

Focus

  • What mechanics are
  • Cause-and-effect relationships
  • Player experience

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and describe mechanics
  • Explain how mechanics affect the player
  • Recognise good vs poor mechanics

Core evidence

  • Mechanics breakdown sheets
  • Edge-case discussions
  • Formative theory check

Phase 5 — Planning the Game​

Focus

  • Intentional design
  • Scope control
  • Clear purpose

Learning outcomes

  • Define the purpose of the game
  • Plan scenes, mechanics, and outcomes
  • Justify design decisions

Core evidence

  • Handwritten plans
  • Scene diagrams
  • Design justifications

Phase 6 — Building and Testing​

Focus

  • Implementing mechanics
  • Testing behaviour
  • Identifying bugs and issues

Learning outcomes

  • Build mechanics incrementally
  • Test and explain behaviour
  • Identify problems clearly

Core evidence

  • Versioned code
  • Testing notes
  • Teacher checkpoints

Phase 7 — Iteration and Improvement​

Focus

  • Responding to testing and feedback
  • Improving playability
  • Refining mechanics

Learning outcomes

  • Explain what changed and why
  • Justify improvements
  • Show progression over time

Core evidence

  • Iteration reflections
  • Before/after comparisons
  • Annotated screenshots

Phase 8 — Finalisation and Explanation​

Focus

  • Explaining the finished game
  • Verifying understanding
  • Preparing assessment submission

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how the game works
  • Describe mechanics clearly
  • Justify design and iteration decisions

Core evidence

  • Summative theory assessment
  • Final artefact
  • Oral verification (if required)

Progression without evidence is not valid.