ECGC 2015 - Level design like an architect

Level design like an architectChristopher Totten

East Coast Game Conference 2015

Christopher Totten - @totter87

Chris TottenGame Artist in Residence – American University

Chair – IGDA DC

Founder – Pie For Breakfast Studios

Author – Game Character Creation in Blender and Unity and An Architectural Approach to Level Design

20+ conference presentations and game exhibitions


Bounden –Game Oven,

2015

Independent Games Festival

2015 NuovoAward finalist



An appeal for design thinking in level design





Why architecture?

leveldesigninspirationmachine.tumblr.com


Why architecture?


What do we mean when we talk about “level design”?


Level design like an architect

How to see like an architect

How to play like an architect

How to plan like an architect

How to design like an architect




What designers think about and look for as they play video games and explore real-world spaces.

1. Learn why a building was built, what it was for, and what it is now

2. Look up as you walk around

3. Sense the space by its size, shape, and how it interacts with light, sound, and other spaces

4. Train your eye to understand the structure of the building

5. Determine how materials are working – compression or tension, heavy or light

6. Determine how the building was constructed

7. Examine historic precedents of the building

8. Analyze the composition, proportions, and rhythms of building elements

9. Observe the appropriateness of the building to its setting

10. Analyze what makes the building special from others








1. Identify what gameplay occurs in the space – what mechanics are supported?

2. Look up and down as you walk around – notice highlighted visual elements and verticality

3. Sense the space by its size, shape, and how it interacts with light, sound, and other spaces.

4. Analyze the pacing of the level. Are you moved quickly or can you explore at your own pace?

5. Is there one gameplay style represented in the level or are multiple player styles supported?

6. How does the level express the narrative of the game?

7. Examine any historical or gameplay precedents

8. Analyze the composition, proportions, and rhythms of environment art elements

9. How does the level geometry compare with the movement capabilities of your avatar?

10. What environment art is repeated? Is this art interactive and does it correspond to a gameplay mechanic?




How game designers can get the most out of their experiences with game levels by documenting what they see and experience with sketches and diagrams.




Christopher Totten - @totter87Source: fireside.gamejolt.com/post/take-note-why-having-a-sketchbook-shouldn-t-be-overlooked-ryuy4mwe











“Pre-design” methods that help architects establish priorities for usability in their designs for multiple types of users.



Parti – A drawing or model that describes the core formal elements of a design.











Methods of creating, managing, and assembling game art assets in such a way for maximum usabilty and communication with players as they play your levels.











Conclusion


Thank you!


E-mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @totter87

www.ChrisTotten3D.com

www.PFBStudios.com

american.edu/gamelab

ECGC 2015 - Level design like an architect

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