Level design is a special area of game development that requires a combination of creativity, technical knowledge and constant practice. Recently, gamedev.dou.ua talked to Digital Extremes, GSC Game World, Frogwares, and Frag Lab to gather information and advice for beginner designers. The developers of such popular games as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, Sherlock Holmes, and Warframe shared their experience and advice.
Developers recognised constant practice as the most important factor in the development of level design skills. They believe that the “take and make” approach is very effective for beginners, although practical experience should also be complemented by a thorough understanding of technical tools, including game engines and 3D object management software.
According to the developers, observing and interacting with experienced level designers can also significantly speed up your learning process. Their working methods, tips, and feedback can be very helpful. Young designers should be inquisitive and proactive in seeking mentorship and guidance, as learning time-saving tricks and techniques from experts can improve the quality of their work.
To understand what makes a level interesting, it is important to analyse and analyse different games, not just play them. Study the locations, observe how the elements are arranged, and pay attention to what drives the players’ actions. This analytical approach helps you understand the basic principles of level design.
The Internet also offers a lot of information and resources for level designers. For example, Vyacheslav Ryzhkov from VG Entertainment recommends the Level Design Compendium on Trello, a board that brings together a huge amount of material on level design, and Maxim Tishakov, Senior Level Designer at Digital Extremes, pointed to the document Level Design: In Pursuit of Better Levels. It is publicly available and contains a lot of useful information.
In summary, by using these resources and constantly practicing, aspiring designers can hone their skills and contribute to the creation of exciting and engaging games.
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