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.

No abstract

This article describes the process of developing a career advice 3D adventure game for applicants interested in working in IT departments. The game is based on a 3D representation of the computer science and information technologies department at the Kharkiv Aviation Institute. The quest challenges are designed to measure applicants' and first-year students' digital competency. The theoretical foundation, software tools, development stages, implementation obstacles, and gaming application scenario were all used in the article. The game scenario includes a virtual tour of a 3D university department. In terms of how closely the game resembles real-life stuff, applicants can examine the department's equipment and classrooms. The team used C# and C++, Unity 3D, and Source Engine to create the game application. We used Hammer Editor, Agisoft PhotoScan Pro, and photogrammetry technology to model objects for realistic gaming. Based on the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 2.2), players can assess their digital competences in a variety of ways, including a test activity, a puzzle, assembling a computer, and putting up an IT-specialist firm. The experiment conducted at the online open house day 2020 demonstrated the efficiency of the 3D quest game. A 3D quest was rated as a more modern and appealing kind of involvement by the candidates. According to the 3D quest findings, applicants displayed an average degree of digital competence, with certain specific item challenges graded at 0.5. Several psychometric item parameters were thoroughly examined in order to increase the item's quality.