HOYA BOYZ
A sports documentary-action game
HOYA BOYZ is a groundbreaking documentary-action hybrid game that seamlessly blends 100+ minutes of real footage from Georgetown University's 2019 football season with engaging Unreal Engine 5 gameplay. Follow Jack, an anthropomorphic bulldog mascot, as he battles through the Patriot League while real student-athletes share their authentic stories of identity, pressure, and growth at a predominantly white institution.
TRAILER
FULL DOCUMENTATION
Director’s Statement
When I arrived at Georgetown University as a freshman in 2015, the football team was 22% Black; by my senior year in 2019, that number had risen to 72%, a dramatic demographic shift at one of America's most prestigious predominantly white institutions that demanded documentation.
As an anthropology major, I spent the 2019 season embedded with the team, filming practices, games, and intimate interviews with players like Khristian Tate, Michael Dereus, Wesley Bowers, and Ahmad Wilson, allowing them to speak for themselves with unfiltered authenticity. When COVID-19 shut down production in March 2020, I had documented a 5-6 season without the championship ending I'd envisioned, so I turned to animation to fill narrative gaps and visualize the internal struggles, pressure, doubt, identity negotiation, that cameras cannot capture.
John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood taught me that genre conventions could deliver profound cultural truths; HOYA BOYZ follows that blueprint, using action-adventure gameplay to explore the student-athlete experience and the journey from chasing external validation to discovering that true strength is internal.
The game's protagonist Jack represents every Black student-athlete navigating PWIs, simultaneously celebrated and scrutinized, and his shift from "Championship Mode" to "RPG Mode" mechanically rejects traditional success metrics in favor of personal growth.
This hybrid of documentary and animation honors both what happened and what it felt like, ensuring that these young men's stories of claiming space in institutions not historically designed for them won't be forgotten. HOYA BOYZ is my way of showing that your worth isn't determined by any institution's validation. The strength you seek is already inside you.
Story Overview
HOYA BOYZ is a groundbreaking documentary-action hybrid game that seamlessly blends real documentary footage with engaging action gameplay, telling the story of Georgetown University's 2019 football season through the eyes of Jack, an anthropomorphic bulldog mascot on a journey of self-discovery.
KEY FEATURES:
ACTION COMBAT
Third-person combat system with 10 unique boss fights representing each Patriot League opponent
DOCUMENTARY INTEGRATION
100+ minutes of real footage featuring Georgetown student-athletes sharing their authentic experiences
NARRATIVE DEPTH
Complete three-act story exploring themes of identity, pressure, failure, and personal growth
UNREAL ENGINE 5
Built using cutting-edge technology: Nanite, Lumen, Niagara VFX, advanced Blueprint systems
STATS
5 Episodes (20-30 min each)
10 Boss Fights
100+ Documentary Clips
15+ Playable Environments
300+ Dynamic Commentary Lines
STORY BREAKDOWN
Format: 5-Episode Documentary-Action Hybrid Game
Total Runtime: Approximately 110-120 minutes (gameplay + documentary)
Platform: Unreal Engine 5.4
Genre: Action-Adventure / Documentary / Sports Drama
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
Protagonist: Jack (Georgetown Bulldog mascot) - an anthropomorphized representation of the Georgetown football program's journey through the 2019 season.
Central Conflict: Jack seeks to win the Patriot League Championship while navigating fame, expectations, and ultimately discovering that true success comes from internal growth rather than external validation.
EPISODE STRUCTURE BREAKDOWN
Act 1: Establishment (Episodes 1-2) Jack discovers power, learns fundamentals, achieves early success. Mirrors real team's strong start and Ivy League victories.
Act 2: Complications (Episodes 3-4)
Fame corrupts focus, devastating losses, loss of mentor. Mirrors real team's mid-season struggles and mounting injuries.
Act 3: Resolution (Episode 5) Self-discovery, rejection of external validation, true enlightenment. Mirrors real team's resilience and life lessons beyond football.
THEMATIC PROGRESSION
Episode 1: What is success? (External achievement)
Episode 2: Balancing demands (Student-athlete reality)
Episode 3: The corruption of fame (Hubris)
Episode 4: The cost of ego (Tragedy)
Episode 5: True victory (Internal growth)
TOTAL GAMEPLAY STATISTICS
Total Runtime: ~120 minutes (75 min gameplay / 45 min documentary)
Boss Fights: 10 unique opponents
Playable Environments: 15+ distinct arenas
Documentary Clips: 100+ real footage segments
Character Arc: Complete transformation from external to internal focus
PLAY THE COMPLETE JOURNEY
Each episode builds on the last, creating a cohesive narrative that mirrors both the real 2019 Georgetown football season and the universal journey of self-discovery. Win or lose, Jack's story—and the real players' stories—demonstrate that true championship is measured in growth, not trophies.
EPISODES
EPISODE 1: "WHAT'S A HOYA?"
Runtime: 22 minutes | Games: Marist (W), Catholic (W) | Theme: Discovery
Jack discovers a mysterious gem and begins his journey to championship glory. Through training with his mentor Pebbles and victories over his first opponents, he learns the fundamentals while real Georgetown players share why they chose to play for a program most people don't even know exists.
KEY MOMENTS:
Jack's tomb raider-style introduction and gem discovery
Mind/Body/Spirit training montage with Pebbles
Khristian Tate's revelation: "I didn't know Georgetown had a football team"
First victories against Marist and Catholic (69-0 shutout)
Introduction to the Gridiron Club and cyberpunk DC
Tutorial combat system teaching fundamentals
DOCUMENTARY FOCUS: Real interviews with Tate, Mook, Wes, and Ahmad discussing why they chose Georgetown and what it means to play for an overlooked program. Coach Sgarlata on building culture from the ground up.
GAMEPLAY HIGHLIGHT: The deer chase sequence teaching players about respect and patience before power.
RECORD AFTER EPISODE: 2-1
EPISODE 2: "FIELD GOALS"
Runtime: 25 minutes | Games: Columbia (W), Cornell (W) | Theme: The Life of a Student-Athlete
Jack travels to the "Island of Ivy" for back-to-back road games against Columbia and Cornell. Through Khristian Tate's "Day in the Life" documentary segments, players experience the demanding schedule of balancing elite academics with Division 1 athletics while Jack learns about John Thompson's legacy and what it means to represent Georgetown.
KEY MOMENTS:
John Thompson statue interaction and historical documentary
Columbia rooftop fight in the "Concrete Jungle" (NYC skyline)
Lou Little Trophy acquisition (honoring first Black Ivy League coach)
Travel sequence showing bond between Jack and Pebbles
Cornell forest arena fight during homecoming celebration
First place in Patriot League standings achieved
DOCUMENTARY FOCUS: Tate's complete day: 5:30 AM wake-up, classes, practice, film study, homework. Ahmad Wilson on the demanding academic standards. The reality of being a student-athlete at Georgetown with no compromises.
GAMEPLAY HIGHLIGHT: Columbia's multi-platform arena with ring-out mechanics and environmental storytelling through NYC setting.
RECORD AFTER EPISODE: 4-1
EPISODE 3: "HOMECOMING"
Runtime: 28 minutes | Games: Fordham (L) | Theme: The Price of Fame
Jack experiences peak fame with a massive parade, PAL Sports sponsorship deal, and media appearances. But hubris leads to his first devastating loss when he discovers Fordham also has a gem and he's forgotten his preparation in the celebration. The episode explores how external validation corrupts focus and the danger of believing your own hype.
KEY MOMENTS:
"Good Friday" parade (Macy's Day style) with giant Jack balloon
Zero-to-hero montage: magazine covers, billboards, merchandise
PAL Headquarters meeting and contract signing (with hidden clauses)
Late night talk show appearance and photo shoots
WWE-style entrance for Fordham fight
Fordham reveals his own gem and dominates unprepared Jack
First loss and public opinion shift
DOCUMENTARY FOCUS: Wes injury update, Joel Kimpela (alumni) perspective, team response to hype and pressure. Coach Doherty on staying grounded during success.
GAMEPLAY HIGHLIGHT: The two-phase Fordham fight where the boss appears weak, then reveals true power, punishing player overconfidence.
RECORD AFTER EPISODE: 4-2
EPISODE 4: "VARSITY BLUES"
Runtime: 26 minutes | Games: Lafayette (W), Lehigh (L) | Theme: Redemption and Breaking Point
After the Fordham loss, Jack returns to basics and earns a redemption victory over Lafayette. But tragedy strikes during the crucial Lehigh match when Jack celebrates prematurely—Pebbles sacrifices himself to save Jack from Lehigh's desperate attack. Jack loses both the fight and his mentor, reaching his absolute lowest point and forcing him to confront what truly matters.
KEY MOMENTS:
Opening training montage: Jack alone at 4 AM, focused and humble
Lafayette dojo fight with technical, disciplined combat (Kill Bill inspired)
False confidence and preparation for critical Lehigh match
Epic mountain peak battle in stormy weather (samurai aesthetic)
Jack taunts prematurely during apparent victory
Pebbles' sacrifice: "The strength was always yours"
Pebbles' death: "Find the man with three eyes"
Jack's devastating loss while grieving
Rats in the alley providing comic relief and Pebbles' backstory
DOCUMENTARY FOCUS: Tate's torn bicep and decision to play through injury. JT's separated shoulder. Herman's injury update. Team dealing with adversity and mounting injuries. The reality that success isn't guaranteed.
GAMEPLAY HIGHLIGHT: The emotionally devastating Pebbles death cutscene during the Lehigh fight, fundamentally changing the game's tone and Jack's motivation.
RECORD AFTER EPISODE: 5-3
EPISODE 5: "THE NEXT STEP"
Runtime: 30 minutes | Games: Colgate (L), Bucknell (L), Holy Cross (L) | Theme: Finding True Meaning / Transformation
Jack discovers Pebbles' house and learns his mentor was a former Georgetown player who faced the same struggles. Understanding the "three I's" (Identity, Integrity, Inner Strength), Jack experiences a profound shift from Championship Mode to RPG Mode—rejecting external validation for internal growth. The final boss fight against Holy Cross reveals Jack has been fighting himself all along, leading to complete enlightenment.
KEY MOMENTS:
Discovery of Pebbles' house and his Georgetown football past
"Three I's" revelation: not "eyes" but Identity, Integrity, Inner Strength
UI transformation: Championship Mode → RPG Mode
Training montage redux with new understanding
Senior Day documentary honoring graduating players
Colgate fight with calm, centered Jack (no showboating)
Bucknell rematch: graceful acceptance of defeat
Holy Cross final boss: four-phase epic battle testing all skills
White Void revelation: Holy Cross removes helmet, it's Jack's face
G.E.M.S. meaning revealed: Growth, Enlightenment, Mastery, Spirit
Trophy presented but Jack sets it down: "It's just a trophy"
Where Are They Now documentary epilogue (Spring 2021)
Jack rides off toward horizon, eyes glowing blue, journey continues
DOCUMENTARY FOCUS: Complete "Where Are They Now" for all featured players:
Tate: Spring league, rehab, pursuing opportunities
Mook: USFL career, still chasing the dream
Wes: Transfer to Bowie State (HBCU), finding community
Ahmad: Master's program, academic excellence
Coach Sgarlata: Building legacy beyond wins/losses
GAMEPLAY HIGHLIGHT: The Holy Cross multi-phase boss fight culminating in the Mirror Phase where the boss mimics Jack's moves, followed by the philosophical White Void revelation scene.
FINAL RECORD: 5-6 (No Championship, Complete Growth)
Documentary Integration
HOYA BOYZ features 100+ minutes of documentary footage captured during
Georgetown's 2019 season, featuring real student-athletes sharing their authentic experiences.
FEATURED ATHLETES:
KHRISTIAN TATE
Position: Running Back
Hometown: Macon, GA
Story: "I didn't know Georgetown had a football team"
Journey: Injury recovery, pursuing pro opportunities
MICHAEL "MOOK" DEREUS
Position: Wide Receiver
Story: Leadership and perseverance
Journey: Currently playing in USFL
WESLEY BOWERS
Position: Linebacker
Story: Transfer to HBCU, finding community
Journey: Bowie State, pursuing XFL
AHMAD WILSON
Position: Defensive Back
Story: Balancing elite academics and athletics
Journey: Master's program, academic excellence
Artistic Direction
A: Visual Style
CYBERPUNK WASHINGTON DC
Georgetown's historic campus reimagined through a cyberpunk lens:
- Neon-lit recreation of Healy Hall and iconic locations
- Holographic displays showing league standings
- Hover vehicles navigating historic streets
- Georgetown blue (#041E42) neon integrated throughout
INSPIRATION:
Blade Runner 2049 + Spider-Verse + Akira
B: JACK - THE GEORGETOWN BULLDOG
DESIGN EVOLUTION:
Episode 1-2: Humble hoodie, basic gear
Episode 3: PAL Sports branded (corrupted by fame)
Episode 4-5: Returns to basics, eyes glowing blue (enlightened)
COLOR PALETTE:
Primary: Georgetown Navy (#041E42)
Secondary: Grey (#8D817B)
Accent: Blue Glow (enlightenment)
Boss Designs
Technical Breakdown
COMBAT SYSTEM
- Light/Heavy attack combinations
- Block/Counter/Dodge mechanics
- Special abilities (Gem → Inner Strength)
- Focus Mode (bullet-time precision)
- Adaptive AI that learns player patterns
PROGRESSION SYSTEMS
- Point-based advancement
- Badge/Achievement unlocks
- Equipment upgrades
- Mode shift (Championship → RPG)
DOCUMENTARY INTEGRATION
- 100+ real video clips
- Context-driven triggers
- Seamless transitions
- Player-controlled pacing
AUDIO IMPLEMENTATION (Wwise)
- 300+ dynamic commentary lines
- Adaptive music (4-layer system)
- Real-time mixing based on combat
- Authentic documentary audio preserved
UNREAL ENGINE 5.4 FEATURES
Nanite
High-polygon environment detail without performance cost
Lumen
Real-time dynamic global illumination for dramatic lighting changes
Niagara VFX
Advanced particle systems for combat effects, weather, and environmental storytelling
Metahuman
Potentially for coach/interview subjects (if budget allows)
Blueprint Visual Scripting
Complex gameplay systems, AI, progression
Wwise Audio Middleware
Professional game audio implementation
Performance Target:
60 FPS - PS5/Xbox Series X
30 FPS - PS4/Xbox One
120 FPS - High-end PC
Skills Showcased
This project demonstrates:
COMMENTARY WRITING EXPERTISE
300+ dynamic commentary lines with emotional range, context-awareness, and real-time gameplay response
NARRATIVE DESIGN
Complete story arc integrating gameplay mechanics with character development and thematic depth
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
Professional-grade documentation ready for development team handoff
CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY
Deep research and respectful representation of Black student-athlete experience
MULTI-MEDIA INTEGRATION
Technical capability to blend video, gameplay, audio seamlessly - applicable to Face of the Franchise and story modes
SPORTS STORYTELLING
Understanding that sports narratives can transcend simulation to create emotional resonance
FOR MADDEN:
Enhanced Face of the Franchise story modes
Documentary-style presentation in franchise mode
Dynamic commentary systems with emotional depth
Real athlete voice integration
FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL:
Student-athlete journey narratives
Campus culture representation
Historical context integration
Road to Glory enhancement