Final Projects

Final projects are the capstone assignments for each semester. They are long-term projects that you work on gradually while completing weekly assignments and unit work. These projects showcase your best skills at that point in the program and prepare you for future coursework or industry opportunities.

Good final projects are:

Planned — you start early and track progress each week.
Iterative — you revise based on critique and feedback.
Documented — you save builds, notes, and reflections.
Presented — you explain your work clearly to an audience.

Midterm: Vertical Slice Alpha Build

Final: Vertical Slice & Showcase

Semester 1 Final Project (Midterm)

Vertical Slice Alpha Build

Focus: Building the foundation of your capstone vertical slice.

Task: Deliver a playable Alpha build that integrates your character, environment, and mechanics into a working scene inside Unreal.

Import assets into a shared Unreal project
Implement the core gameplay loop (navigation, interaction, win condition)
Conduct internal playtests and debug issues

Deliverables:

Packaged Alpha build (Unreal project + executable)
Debug/playtest report
Screenshots or short video of the build
Portfolio entry with reflection on progress and challenges

ℹ️

An Alpha build is about function, not polish. By the end, you should be able to play through the slice from start to finish, even if visuals are rough.

Semester 2 Final Project (Final)

Final Vertical Slice & Showcase

Focus: Polishing, marketing, and presenting your game slice.

Task: Deliver a final vertical slice build and present it at the showcase. Teams will polish their Beta builds, finalize gameplay, and produce professional marketing materials.

Debug and polish the final build
Balance gameplay and refine the user experience
Create a marketing package: trailer, cover art, press kit
Deliver a public showcase presentation
Finalize and publish your portfolio + resume

Deliverables:

Packaged vertical slice build (final project)
Trailer, cover art, and press kit
Showcase presentation (live or recorded)
Portfolio entry with final documentation and reflection

The Midterm and Final Projects each count for 30% of your semester grade.
They are long-term projects that will take time to complete. Time management is critical — pace your work and use weekly assignments as building blocks toward your final deliverables.

Portfolio Requirement

By the end of Semester 2, you will submit a professional portfolio package that includes:

Your Semester 1 Vertical Slice Alpha build + playtest report
Your Semester 2 Final Vertical Slice build + marketing materials
Selected weekly assignments that demonstrate iteration and growth
An updated resume and personal reflection

The portfolio is a living document. You will carry it forward beyond this program for job applications, college admission, or independent projects.

Grading & Structure

Final Projects count for 30% of the semester grade each. They are graded on:

Creativity & Innovation — unique concepts, engaging design choices
Technical Execution — build stability, functionality, optimization
Process — documentation of iterations, playtests, and revisions
Presentation — clarity of showcase materials, pitch, and portfolio
Professionalism — teamwork, deadlines, file organization, credited sources