Let's first talk about what it actually means to be a "level designer". There are several terms floating around that are similar to level designer which cause some people confusion. The title Level Designer is not the same as World Builder or Mapper. A Level Designer creates the concept of the level in the regards to what is suppose to happen in the level, the purpose of the level and the over all look of the level. Now you might be thinking, that this sounds like a lot of drawing and art. Well, it sort of is. Level designers are normally expected to be able to produce top-down map layouts and be able to write, in detail, events that happen in the level and when they happen. Now we run into our first problem, level design is a very abstract thing, and is hard to explain or show to anyone. It is also a very easy position to replace and doesn't have as much work as many other positions in game development. So, solve this problem I suggest also specializing in World Building. In this blog I will be doing this, so you will be able to see the results for yourself.
Next post I will cover the basics of being a Level Designer and World Builder!
What type of software do you use when you create your map layouts? Do you create these with a pen and paper or is their a special software that you use?
ReplyDeleteThis is all personal preference but I will go ahead and cover this in the next post. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteAn easy way to explain level design is the method to which a game directs a player through the world. Level design can can be complicated but taking it one room at a time can really help simplify it. Also Environment design is another role for world builder.
ReplyDeleteOne room at a time may not be the easiest thing to do but I do agree in the sense of one step at a time. Break things down make them easier on yourself it will more enjoyable in the long run. Also Environmental design is one aspect of a level designer but you don't go from nothing to a full environment there is normally concept artists as well as environment artists who will help you create the right feeling for each level.
DeleteWould a level designer be something you would suggest to someone who enjoys writing and wants to get involved in the gaming industry? Or do they need to be a skilled artist?
ReplyDeleteI feel that you would have a hard time with it if you weren't an artist. But writing is a very strong position for story and information communication. If you are able to deal with large crowds of people I would actually suggest become a Community Manager. It has a lot of writing, mainly on forums, but it also has a lot of perks. You get to communicate with the fan followers in which you will then relay the info to the developers, and you are the first link in the chain to problem solving and bug managing. I actually had a chance to speak with the Community Manager from Red5 in person, he was flown out to Dallas and decided to meet some of the community while here. Oh and did I forget to mention you get to travel?
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