Amp up your game-level design
The thrill of game-level design - crafting the journey that players will embark on as they progress through the game. From the first level to the final boss battle, we keep the excitement alive and challenge players to reach new heights. Before diving in, follow these key tips and tricks to make your game truly addictive. Let's explore the different types of game-level designs and get those creative juices flowing!
Follow the “Weenie”
Here is a new way to guide you through the game. Just follow the “Weenie” and you will find your way. A concept introduced by Disney Imagineering when speaking of “Visual Magnets”. These landmarks should instantly catch the player's eye, an obvious object, just like the central hub at Disney “Cinderella’s Castle”, caving the path.
“Shapes” Speak the language and
“Space” tells the story
Can you speak the language without using words? Let the “shapes” do the talking. Shapes are an essential way to communicate with the player through emotions. A round shape will make you feel safe and comfortable, while a triangle shape will keep you on edge with feelings of danger and unease.
Create an emotional journey for your players. As a developer, it's important to vary the emotions evoked by level design, from anxiety to discovery. With the use of “space,” you can enhance storytelling and induce specific emotions. Smaller spaces tend to make a person feel claustrophobic, leading to stress and anxiety, while larger spaces will make you feel free and empowered.
Use positive and negative spaces to guide players through the game. Negative space, where you can engage with buildings and props, and positive space that a player can occupy, guiding the player through buildings and doors to enter the next level. Throw in a mix of emotions, highs, and lows to keep them on their toes.
Affordances are another way to communicate with your players. No, we still aren't using any words. What does one think of when one sees a door at the end of the hall? Your first thought would be to open the door and see what's on the other side. To the player's surprise, they have found their way to the next level! Attraction is key. Learn the players' psyche.
Freedom of movement,
Freedom of choice
Players love freedom while gaming. Let them move in all directions, and give them the freedom of choice. They aren't robots you know! Verticality allows players to immerse themselves in their surroundings. With the ability to move in multiple directions, players feel comfortable and in control. The sense of empowerment keeps them engaged and invested in the game, fueling their curiosity and desire to discover more.
Reap the Rewards
With all the mixed emotions, frustrations, joy, anxiety, and excitement, rewards must be in place to celebrate all the hard work as you progress through the levels. Small incentives at the end of each challenge keep the excitement alive, making sure you never lose interest in the game. Keep pushing forward and see where the journey takes you.
Captivate the Players, Keep the Curiosity Alive
Games are primarily for entertainment and a temporary escape from reality. Keep in mind each design level should not only be fun and interactive but also charming and addictive. Captivate your players. Addiction isn't always bad!
You want to keep the players wanting more. Design levels that leave players with questions and a desire to uncover more. Providing answers is important but leaves some mysteries to put to the test.
Gaming is a source of entertainment, so no player wants to be bored. Along with creating engaging levels and sparking curiosity, don't lose focus on the visual aspect of the game. Avoid using the same objects and scenery at every level as it can become tedious for players. Instead, vary the environment and atmosphere to keep things fresh and interesting. Our goal is to keep them on their toes, not sure of the next move!