Game Art & Design II
Modules
Unit Six

Unit Six

Final Vertical Slice & Showcase

This is the capstone project milestone. Teams finalize their vertical slice, polish all assets and mechanics, and prepare their game for a public showcase presentation. Alongside the playable slice, students present a marketing package — trailer, cover art, and press kit — and finalize their portfolio and resume.

Topics Covered

  • Final bug fixes, optimization, and polish
  • Balancing gameplay and difficulty
  • User experience and interface refinement
  • External playtesting and feedback application
  • Preparing a public showcase presentation (live or recorded)
  • Assembling final marketing materials: trailer, cover art, press kit
  • Portfolio and resume finalization

Assignments

(A6.1) Final Build Submission (A6.2) Trailer & Cover Art Final Draft (A6.3) Press Kit & Team Credits (A6.4) Showcase Presentation (A6.5) Portfolio & Resume Final Upload

Learning Report

Objectives

  • Deliver a polished vertical slice build that represents the team’s vision
  • Apply external playtest feedback for final adjustments
  • Create a professional marketing package (trailer, cover art, press kit)
  • Present and pitch the game at a showcase event
  • Complete a professional portfolio and resume for industry or college applications

Materials

  • Final Unreal Engine project files
  • Screen capture and editing tools for trailers
  • Graphic design software for cover art
  • Portfolio platform (Google Sites, ArtStation, or equivalent)

Assessment
Students are evaluated on the quality of their final build, marketing materials, and showcase presentation. Each team member must also present an updated personal portfolio and resume.

Activities
Teams polish their vertical slice, package builds, and finalize trailer/cover art. They assemble a press kit with screenshots, descriptions, and credits. Students rehearse and deliver a public showcase presentation. Individually, students finalize portfolios and resumes and upload them for assessment.

Education Standards

The following standards are drawn from the 2024 AME Industry Skills Framework:

  • 2.3 — Present creative work professionally to an audience
  • 12.3 — Articulate the role of audience and market research in presentation
  • 13.2 — Effectively pitch an original concept with visuals and narrative
  • 15.8 — Review and test content to resolve problems before release
  • 20.1 — Demonstrate how real-time engines are used for vertical slice production and marketing
Unit FiveGame Art & Design Roadmap