Mastering the Art of Game Design: UCF's FIEA Program Showcases Student Capstone Projects

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of video game development as we explore the innovative capstone projects showcased by students from the University of Central Florida's Master's of Science in Interactive Entertainment program. Discover the remarkable talent, dedication, and teamwork that propel these aspiring game designers towards their ultimate goal – creating a polished, playable video game.

Unleashing Creativity and Teamwork in the World of Game Design

Transforming Concepts into Reality

The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) at the University of Central Florida is no ordinary graduate program. Instead of a traditional written thesis, students embark on a daunting capstone project – the creation of a fully-functional video game. This ambitious endeavor challenges students to work collaboratively in teams of 15 to 20, over multiple semesters, to bring their game ideas to life.The capstone project begins with the faculty selecting team leads, who then assemble their talented crews. These teams have the freedom to choose their own names, each reflecting the unique vision and aspirations of the group. For the Dragonfly Games team, the name was inspired by the design lead's observation that dragonflies possess one of the highest success rates when hunting, mirroring the team's determined pursuit of excellence.

Prototyping and Iterating Towards Perfection

The game development process is a dynamic and iterative one. Teams first prototype their game ideas based on rough sketches and then assign specific tasks to team members. By utilizing collaborative software, each team member can seamlessly contribute and witness the ongoing progress. Regular team meetings allow for constructive feedback and ongoing improvements until the final product meets their high standards.Aaron Sorrells, the project lead of the Dragonfly Games team, speaks with pride about the exceptional talent and dedication of his 20-member team. "I can't be more happy with who I got, and I can't be more proud of what we did together," he remarks, reflecting on the team's nine-month journey of planning and development.

Showcasing the Capstone Games

The culmination of this arduous yet rewarding process is the annual livestream event, where the graduating cohort of FIEA students proudly present their capstone games to the public. This year, four teams from the 20th cohort participated, each showcasing their unique creations.Dragonfly Games, for instance, developed a shooter-style game called Chroma, where players can engage in thrilling combat against robots. Sorrells enthusiastically describes his team's creation, noting that their cohort was "stacked with talent" and that each member exhibited exceptional skill and dedication.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Game Designers

The FIEA program's commitment to hands-on, collaborative game development sets it apart, preparing students for the dynamic and collaborative nature of the video game industry. By tasking students with creating a full-fledged game, the program equips them with invaluable experience and a tangible portfolio piece to showcase their talents.As the program celebrates its 20th anniversary, the capstone projects unveiled this year stand as a testament to the program's enduring success in cultivating the next generation of game design luminaries. The exceptional talent and teamwork displayed by these students suggest a bright future for the video game industry, where innovation, creativity, and technical mastery converge to captivate and entertain audiences worldwide.