Unit Four
Vertical Slice Build (Alpha)
In this unit, teams move into production mode and begin building their vertical slice. The Alpha build demonstrates that the project is playable and core systems are functioning. Teams must integrate characters, environments, and mechanics into a working scene inside Unreal Engine.
ℹ️
An Alpha build is not polished — it is about function, not beauty. By the end of this unit, you should be able to play through your slice from start to finish, even if art and effects are rough.
Topics Covered
- Team production workflows and milestone management
- Importing assets into a shared Unreal project
- Integrating characters, environments, and props into levels
- Core gameplay loop implementation (navigation, interaction, win condition)
- Debugging and testing Alpha builds
- Documenting progress and assigning next-phase tasks
Assignments
Learning Report
Objectives
- Work collaboratively in a shared Unreal project
- Integrate multiple asset types (characters, environments, props)
- Implement a basic, playable core gameplay loop
- Conduct internal playtests and document feedback
- Package an Alpha build and upload documentation to portfolio
Materials
- Unreal Engine (team project files)
- Completed prototypes and GDD from previous units
- Collaboration tools (Git, Perforce, or Google Drive if simplified)
Assessment
Teams are assessed on whether they deliver a working Alpha build:
- A player can navigate the slice.
- At least one interactive system functions (trigger, pickup, or puzzle).
- Win condition or loop is present.
Clarity of documentation and portfolio submission are also required.
Activities
Teams divide asset creation and implementation tasks. They import content, block out levels, and hook up mechanics in Blueprints. Teams run internal playtests to catch bugs and log issues. Each group delivers a build plus a short reflection on next steps.
Education Standards
The following standards are drawn from the 2024 AME Industry Skills Framework:
- 5.2 — Solve creative challenges, accept critique, and iterate
- 9.1 — Collaborate with a team to realize a creative project
- 16.6 — Understand workflows in pre-production, production, and post-production
- 18.6 — Work with a production team to contribute to a complete game scene
- 20.1 — Investigate how real-time rendering is used in vertical slice builds