Developing a 3D quest game for career guidance to estimate students' digital competences

Abstract

This paper reveals the process of creating a career guidance 3D quest game for applicants who aim to apply for IT departments. The game bases on 3D model of computer science and information technologies department in the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute”. The quest challenges aim to assess the digital competency level of the applicants and first- year students. The paper features leveraged software tools, development stages, implementation challenges, and the gaming application scenario. The game scenario provides for a virtual tour around a department of the 3D university. As far as the game replicates the real-life objects, applicants can see the department's equipment and class-rooms. For the gaming application development team utilized С# and C++, Unity 3D, and Source Engine. For object modeling, we leveraged Hammer Editor, Agisoft PhotoScan Pro, and the photogrammetry technology, that allowed for realistic gameplay. Players are offered various formats of assessment of digital competencies: test task, puzzle, assembling a computer and setting up an IT-specialist workplace. The experiment conducted at the open house day proved the 3D quest game efficiency. The results of digital competence evaluation do not depend on the testing format. The applicants mostly preferred to take a 3D quest, as more up-to-date and attractive engagement.