“50 Minutes ‘Til Impact” Released on Steam

This September, the senior Game Development class of 2025 released 50 Minutes ‘Til Impact, a retro-futuristic adventure set on a luxurious space train bound for disaster. Players step into the shoes of Clara Rose, a passenger caught in a looping 50-minute countdown before the train collides with an asteroid. To break the cycle and save everyone on board, Clara must navigate the train’s compartments, interact with its colorful cast of passengers, and solve puzzles that blend exploration, code-breaking, and visual novel storytelling.

This ambitious project was developed as part of Game Development Capstone, a three-course sequence where seniors team up for nine months to operate like an independent studio. Under the mentorship of Prof. Rodney Figueroa, students take a game from concept to launch, gaining hands-on experience and publishing it on Steam. The capstone has become an annual highlight of the program, giving each graduating class the chance to showcase both their technical expertise and creative vision.

The story was originally conceived as a sci-fi script by screenwriting student Brayden Masse, who then teamed up with the gaming students to adapt it into an interactive game. Joshua Elias ‘25 took on the leadership role of Creative Director, while also spearheading the game design. The production mirrored a professional studio pipeline, with students dividing into specialized roles across design, Unreal Engine 5, art, sound, and narrative.

Elias coordinated weekly sprints, to ensure all the teams were on track to complete tasks ranging from environment art to puzzle design and marketing, often drawing on talent from other departments at the school. An original score was produced by students under the guidance of Prof. Robert Giracello, and several students were cast as voice actors.

“It was an honor to work with so many talented individuals across several majors on this project,” said Elias. “Leading it has been an experience full of challenges, passion, and commitment that led to the final game, and I'm truly grateful to everyone involved for trusting in me and the project's vision.”

You can play the game for free on Steam.