Read on Twitter
Small Level Design Thread about what feels like something expected to create a good Level Design but is not necessarily.
Mostly for students, may kick open doors to other devs.
I'm open to discussion on those points!
#gamedev #leveldesign #tips #Thread
[1/9]
Mostly for students, may kick open doors to other devs.
I'm open to discussion on those points!
#gamedev #leveldesign #tips #Thread
[1/9]
*Verticality*
Verticality isn't always the apex of a good Level. If your game isn't taking advantage of it, just don't introduce it. It adds a MASSIVE layer to the gameplay experience which can end-up bringing too much complexity (rarely a benefit) over depth.
[2/9]
Verticality isn't always the apex of a good Level. If your game isn't taking advantage of it, just don't introduce it. It adds a MASSIVE layer to the gameplay experience which can end-up bringing too much complexity (rarely a benefit) over depth.
[2/9]
*Lots of ways to handle a situation!*
It's kind of trendy to have multiple ways to play a level, but it needs to come with tradeoffs depending on the path chosen by the player, if the experience is the same on both paths, it will give a bad signal to the player...
[3/9]
It's kind of trendy to have multiple ways to play a level, but it needs to come with tradeoffs depending on the path chosen by the player, if the experience is the same on both paths, it will give a bad signal to the player...
[3/9]
..."no matter the path I choose, the result will almost be the same".
Player won't feel involved in the choices you give them if they don't see they can make a difference on the outcome.
If your different paths aren't necessary, just don't add them.
[4/9]
Player won't feel involved in the choices you give them if they don't see they can make a difference on the outcome.
If your different paths aren't necessary, just don't add them.
[4/9]
*Creating a very detailed blockout*
It's gonna probably end-up in a loss of time once the art comes into your map as many metrics will need to be adjusted, some things won't work anymore... Iteration WITH art is usually a preferable way to work...
[5/9]
It's gonna probably end-up in a loss of time once the art comes into your map as many metrics will need to be adjusted, some things won't work anymore... Iteration WITH art is usually a preferable way to work...
[5/9]
Just focus on the essential parts. What is truly needed to make your intentions work within a blockout, especially if you decided to go for a big playable area.
[6/9]
[6/9]
*My Game Design must be completely finished before starting Level Designing anything*
As soon as the GD intentions are set, the LD work can actually start, Level Design ideas and concepts will really nourish the Game Design.
[7/9]
As soon as the GD intentions are set, the LD work can actually start, Level Design ideas and concepts will really nourish the Game Design.
[7/9]
*Every single piece of what I learnt must be taken into account right from the start*
Overthinking your design by compiling every piece of Rational Design you read about has a risk of making you losing focus or motivation. Cluttering your brain with too many constraints.
[8/9]
Overthinking your design by compiling every piece of Rational Design you read about has a risk of making you losing focus or motivation. Cluttering your brain with too many constraints.
[8/9]
The lines of sight, landmarks, exact metrics,... will come naturally and through playtests throughout the course of the iterations.
With time and practice, you'll be faster to integrate them sooner in your projects!
[9/9]
With time and practice, you'll be faster to integrate them sooner in your projects!
[9/9]
TL:DR:
Your LD isn't a checkbox list that you need to tick. It's way more organic than that. Don't overthink your first blockout, stick to your basic intentions. Then iterate.
Your LD isn't a checkbox list that you need to tick. It's way more organic than that. Don't overthink your first blockout, stick to your basic intentions. Then iterate.
