From Concepts to Playable Games: Highlights from DigiPen Europe-Bilbao’s Vertical Slice Showcase

The thrill of unveiling a game for the first time is a unique experience for any developer, and DigiPen Europe-Bilbao students felt this excitement firsthand during the annual vertical slice presentations on December 13. After months of collaboration, the student teams proudly showcased their projects, now polished and fully functional, to an eager audience.

This highly anticipated event served as a platform for aspiring game developers from the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation programs. It provided an exclusive glimpse into the creative process behind game development, offering a preview of the innovative projects set to be completed and published by May.

The games presented this year featured an impressive variety of genres, including immersive real-time survival strategy, adventurous platformers, and high-energy multiplayer racing.

What is a Vertical Slice?

In game development, a vertical slice is a fully developed segment of a game that incorporates elements from every aspect of production, providing a comprehensive snapshot of its final potential. At DigiPen Europe-Bilbao, creating a vertical slice is a key milestone in the student journey, representing the transition from early concepts to tangible, playable content.

The process begins with an engine proof, followed by a prototype presentation, leading to the creation of the vertical slice. From there, the development cycle progresses through stages such as first playable demo, alpha, beta, and eventually reaching the gold master stage. This structured approach allows students to engage in a hands-on, iterative development process, working closely with instructors to refine their ideas into fully realized games.

Freshman

First-year students in GAM 100 worked on semester-long projects that introduced them to game development fundamentals. These projects were developed using Unity and explored a variety of genres, showcasing creativity and technical growth. Each team focused on creating a unique gaming experience.

Vertical Slice Presentations
Game Details	High Concept
Morpho Team Name: Magic Monsters Courses: GAM 100	A 2D side-scrolling platformer where players control Morpho the ninja, navigating through levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and collectible coins.
TwinVendetta Team Name: The Vallisoletan Pensionist Courses: GAM 100	A 2D top-down space shooter with vertical scrolling. Players progress through three challenging levels, aiming to survive and reach the endpoint.
NoSignal Team Name: Nullptr Studios Courses: GAM 100	An intense top-down shooter featuring high-stakes gameplay and a narrative that delves into addiction, regret, and the consequences of desperation.
Silent Thief Game Team: Game Thieves Courses: GAM 100	A 2D stealth and puzzle game where players navigate through five floors, avoiding guards and obstacles to steal without being caught.
Last Sensei Team Name: Sensei Studio Courses: GAM 100	A 2D top-down shooter blending stealth and action. Players clear rooms of enemies and escape to achieve victory.
Croak Creak Team Name: Tap Pol Courses: GAM 100	A 2D side-scrolling platformer where players control a jumping frog, scaling the highest tree in the forest while avoiding falling.

Morpho’s Gameplay Screenshot.
Twinvendetta’s Gameplay Screenshot.
No Signal’s Gameplay Screenshot.
Silent Thief’s Gameplay Screenshot.
Last Sensei’s Gameplay Screenshot.
Croak Creak’s Gameplay Screenshot.

Sophomores

Students in GAM 200 and PRJ 202 undertook the complex challenge of building their game engines from the ground up using C++ and various libraries. Over the semester, they developed core components such as physics systems, graphics, animations, and in-game editors. These engines formed the backbone of their projects, supporting artists in PRJ 202 who animated and integrated assets into the games. This interdisciplinary collaboration pushed students to merge technical precision with artistic vision.

Vertical Slice Presentations
Game Details	High Concept
Stolen Stitches Team Name: Left Overs Courses: GAM 200 and PRJ 202	A 2.5D side-scrolling fast-paced beat ‘em up multiplayer combat game with action-RPG elements, set in a colorful, cartoonish medieval fantasy world.
Bitter Sweet Team Name: Blackout Studios Courses: GAM 200 and PRJ 202	A single-player 2D puzzle platformer that emphasizes movement-based puzzles to challenge players.

Bitter Sweet’s Vertical Slice presentation video screenshot.
Stolen Stitches Vertical Slice presentation video screenshot.

Juniors

For GAM 300 students, the focus shifted to advanced game mechanics and engine development in 3D environments. These projects required students to utilize their C++ custom-built game engines and introduced challenges such as implementing 3D Graphics/Physics systems and designing engaging gameplay loops. The emphasis was on technical mastery and the seamless integration of game design elements.

Vertical Slice Presentations
Game Details	High Concept
Drop-Off Duty Team Name: The Bill Collectors Courses: GAM 300	A fast-paced driving and delivery game where players control a delivery driver with a package-firing cannon. Players must overcome obstacles and deliver packages before time runs out.

A driving game where a package cannon is used to deliver items before time runs out.

Seniors

Senior students in GAM 400 and PRJ 402 transitioned to Unreal Engine 5, a professional-grade tool celebrated for its versatility and capabilities. Learning and applying Unreal Engine 5 prepared students for full-production in the spring semester.

Vertical Slice Presentations
Game Details	High Concept
Files 1909 Team Name: Twin Lights Courses: GAM 400 and PRJ 402	A first-person horror game set in a rundown building. Players solve puzzles based on classic children’s games while navigating a tense and eerie environment.
Numbra Team Name: Hamairu Courses: GAM 400 and PRJ 402	A 2.5D side-scrolling game immersing players in a dark, desolate world. The narrative follows a young girl confronting shadowy creatures and the constant threat of danger, with the critical rule: stay awake.