UCF Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy

From 3D-printed wearables to immersive simulations of space and history, Cohort 22’s GameLab projects demonstrated how game development skills can translate into meaningful tools for education, research, and community engagement. Last week's showcase highlighted a window into the solar system, a projection-mapped artistic creation rooted in local history, and a role-playing experience grounded in historical event. Congrats to all the Cohort 22 students and SMEs on their prototypes!

More on all eight projects:

3D-Printed Wearables, ArtCube 02, and Historical Games Among the Prototypes in Cohort 22 GameLab Projects - Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy Eight teams demonstrated a variety of interactive prototypes at Wednesday’s final GameLab presentations in the Bridge. FIEA’s 90 students in Cohort 22 experimented with interactive tech and physical mediums to build innovative solutions in industries outside of gaming. Led by FIEA Director of St...

Game Changer Files 🎮 📁 Barak Moshe ‘10 ’11MS, Technical Artist at Meta

We’re asking FIEA alumni five questions about their experiences before, during and after graduating from UCF’s top-ranking game development program.

With companies like Google, Lucasfilm, and Microsoft on his resume, Barak Moshe (Cohort 7) has made a name for himself in technical art and virtual reality thanks to his beginnings right here at FIEA. Now a guest speaker at the 2026 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, we caught up with Moshe on the West Coast at one of the biggest stages in the gaming industry.

Moshe returns to FIEA this week as an alumni guest speaker just for FIEA's Cohort 22 students closing out their third semester.

Read more about his path:

Game Changer Files: Barak Moshe '10 '11MS, Technical Artist at Meta - Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy With companies like Google, Lucasfilm, and Microsoft on his resume, Barak Moshe '10 '11MS has made a name for himself in technical art and virtual reality thanks to beginnings right here at FIEA. Now a guest speaker at the 2026 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, we caught up with Moshe on....

Celebrating an incredible achievement 🖤⚔️💛 Welcome to the Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame, Nikki Roth, the first FIEA alum to be inducted!

An alumna of cohort 6, Nikki accepted the NSCM Hall of Fame Award at the UCF College of Sciences Distinguished AlumKnight Awards on March 26, 2026, surrounded by FIEA faculty, staff, alumni and family. "I hope this award shines a light on the multi-faceted talent coming out of FIEA and serves as a reminder that our roots in game development prepare us for leadership across the entire tech landscape," Roth said.

Read more about her achievements and hopes for the future:

First FIEA Alum Inducted into NSCM Hall of Fame - Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy From shaping immersive experiences at Meta and Lucasfilm to mentoring the next generation of technical artists, Nikki Roth ’10MS has left a lasting mark on both the tech industry and her alma mater, earning her a historic induction into the Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame.

It's UCF Day of Giving! 🫶 Your donations will help fund events that help strengthen the alumni network and build bonds among cohort members and alumni— recruitment, student engagement, alumni events and more.

Support FIEA: https://dayofgiving.ucf.edu/campaigns/ucf-florida-interactive-entertainment-academy

Tomorrow’s leading video game developers are being built today at UCF. 🎮

UCF’s graduate program, FIEA, is once again named the No. 2 program in the world and the undergraduate gaming program, GaIM, rose to No. 3 — its highest placement yet — for 2026.

Explore FIEA’s strategy for success: https://www.ucf.edu/news/ucfs-video-game-design-programs-rank-among-worlds-best-for-2026/

Game Changer Files 🎮 📁 Christopher Jay Vance ’17MS, Senior Engineer at Undead Labs

We’re asking FIEA alumni five questions about their experiences before, during and after graduating from UCF’s top-ranking game development program. Starting with no prior game dev or programming experience, Christopher Jay Vance (Cohort 13) leveled up at FIEA and found his path into World Technology. Today, he’s helping build expansive systems at Undead Labs and inspiring the next generation of developers.

“The most important part of the program is learning what you’re capable of, and how to break through limitations and uncertainties,” Vance said.

Read more about his journey through FIEA:

Game Changer Files: Christopher Jay Vance '20MS, Senior Engineer at Microsoft Undead Labs - Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy Christopher Jay Vance ’17MS, Senior Engineer at Undead Labs and FIEA alumnus of Cohort 13. We’re asking FIEA alumni five questions about their experiences before, during and after graduating from UCF’s top-ranking game development program. On a quest for a creative atmosphere to explore progra...