Level Up or Game Over: students take on the Dragons’ Den

The Dragons’ Den is organised by Dogfood Studios, Fontys ICT’s in-house game studio. This studio offers students a professional environment in which they can take their first steps in the gaming world. So it’s no playground, but the reality of a genuine industry player. The event also brings students and professionals closer together: experts from various aspects of the industry, from design to the business side, share their perspectives and challenge students to take a critical look at their concept.

Building a game in ten weeks
Game Production is an advanced semester in which students put the knowledge they have previously acquired from the Fontys ICT curriculum (within the bachelor’s programme, you can take several game-related semesters) into practice and take it to a higher level. They work in teams of 5–6 people, learn to plan professionally and, in ten weeks, build a vertical slice; a proof of concept that conveys the experience of the complete game. Moreover, the moment of pitching is a key moment, says lecturer and Dogfood Studios team member Dennis Kirsch: “Making a great game is cool, but convincing industry professionals of your game’s added value is an important skill for an aspiring professional. They are prepared for that too.”

A fine example of what can emerge from this is Rats in the Kitchen: a co-op party game in which players, as little rats, scramble, swing and cook their way through a huge kitchen. What began as a single course assignment grew into a serious indie title with its own studio and positive attention from the industry. It shows how far students can go when creativity, technical skills and teamwork come together. And that’s just the start, emphasises Kirsch: “Suddenly, students have to think beyond just a cool game. You have to plan, conduct market research, but also keep your partners and stakeholders informed… We incorporate those skills into our game education too.”

Be surprised by new game concepts
The Dragons’ Den will take place on 24 April 2026, from 13:00 to 16:00, in building R5 at the Fontys Rachelsmolen campus. Visitors are very welcome to come and watch, whether you’re a games professional, an enthusiast, or considering studying game design. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know games education and up-and-coming talent.

Want to attend? Apply here.