Cohort 21 Present Four Capstone Games on Aug. 1
July 1, 2025
Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) is proud to announce the final Capstone Game Presentations for Cohort 21 on Aug. 1, featuring four brand-new games developed by our talented graduate-level students. This event will mark the culmination of almost an entire year of hard work, creativity, and technical mastery as the students present their capstone projects to faculty, alumni, industry professionals and peers.
Unlike previous years, Cohort 21’s Capstone process saw a shift in the way game ideas were pitched and developed. At the end of their first semester at FIEA, students formed their capstone teams and, for the first time in years, students pitched their own game ideas for teams to select. Led by FIEA faculty Rick Hall, a competitive selection process followed, which narrowed the list to the top 10 ideas. The teams then chose their preferred ideas, setting the stage for an exciting and diverse range of projects.
Capstone is more than just the final project—it’s a full-scale journey through the entire game development cycle. Just like in the industry, FIEA students have gone through preproduction, production, alpha, and beta phases, working together to bring their ideas to life. This hands-on experience mimics the real-world process of game development, giving students invaluable experience and preparing them for careers in the gaming industry. All 71 students have been working in teams of 17 or 18, guided by faculty and a handful of alumni and professionals. After their final presentations, many teams will launch their games on Steam or continue developing them further as they head into their final semester at FIEA.
Each project lead will present their game on the last day of the summer semester, which includes a short presentation and game demo on Friday, Aug. 1 from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. While the Bridge (CMB 127) will be open to current students, faculty, staff, and special guests, seating is limited. The event will be livestreamed for all to watch on FIEA’s YouTube channel.
Cohort 21 Capstone Games
Husk Planet
Presented by 18 Large Rats
In Husk Planet, play as a faceless spacefarer who lands on a long-abandoned alien world, accompanied only by your loyal robot companion. Among the ruins of a once-great civilization, ancient structures crumble under centuries of decay, littered with secrets in a language lost to time. Uncover the planet’s forgotten history by exploring its crumbling structures, deciphering alien glyphs, and piecing together the mystery of what destroyed this once-mighty society.
Crimson Knight
Presented by Squinky Studios
Crimson Knight is a souls-like boss fight where every death pulls you deeper into a cursed punishment. You are a knight, condemned by the goddess you once served, trapped in her realm for her amusement. She brings you back only to watch you fall again and again. With each brutal defeat, fragments of your forgotten past surface, revealing the twisted truth behind your punishment. Endure the torment. Break the cycle or be broken by it.
Punk Rock Exorcist
Presented by Engaging Software Products
When detention turns demonic, punk teen Ramona’s real fight begins. With her girlfriend Skylar snatched by an Archdemon and hell breaking loose in the hallways, it’s up to Ramona to shred through demons and banish evil—one beatdown at a time. Step into a pulse-pounding rhythm-combat brawler in the spirit of Hi-Fi Rush, where every guitar swing hits on the beat and a boss fight rocks the school to its core.
Dillo’s Dilemma
Presented by MoonSpice Games
Step into the role of Dillo, the ingenious armadillo with pinball expertise, in this dynamic 3D physics collectathon! Master mind-bending pinball structures and fast-paced movement as you roll through vibrant, sprawling worlds filled with intricate challenges. With every agile flip, bounce, and roll, unleash your creative strategies to overcome movement puzzles and destroy Rat King’s forts. Rally your firefly friends scattered across diverse environments and prove that clever mechanics and bold determination can light up even the darkest corners of the world. Will your pinball prowess and quick wits save the day?