Guidelines for Level Design #

This document collects notes I’ve collected while doing blockouts and intends to remind me of things I have learned.

Before Blocking Out #

• Layout the narrative and game play beats - There may only be a few keystones that the level is built on.

Goals when Blocking Out #

• Communicate Maximum Information for Minimum Effort - Communicate important gameplay information.
• Get to a playable state as quickly as possible - Find the fun, fast.
• Make simple structure to allow quick iteration and accomidate changes - Get feedback and iterate.

Tips to Blockout #

• Present a clear objective to the player = Remove blank canvas syndrome. Place the player. Place the objective. Then, fill the world. Setup sight lines.
• Motivate Movement of the player - Block the players signtlines to motivate the player to move around and explore to gather information.
• Force the player to create a mental map – Make it more interesting.

Visually Interesting #

• Tear Down Walls to make things more interesting - More visually engaging, reenforce goal
• Reveal information through new perspectives - Create small pockets of tension then release in suprising ways

One-Way Valves #

• Gently nudge the player forward
• Helps prevent player from getting too lost
• Creates a managable space
• Half-Life was one big long train and people loved it

Present Privileged Perspective #

• Study environment and form a plan from safety - Players can not learn under stress
• Player pushes forward when they are ready

Present the (illusion) of Choice #

• Multiple routes that converge on a single point

Attract players attention #

• Movement can catch the eye
• Light that makes geomatry easier to read (contrast) can catch the eye
• Sound can catch attention

Paralax #

• Flattening 3d space to 2d removes information – Paralax helps with depth perception
• Makes it easier to judge distance
• Creates a dynamic image

Affordances commuinicate function #

• Doors and archways afford moving into a new space
• Steps afford climbing
• Recognizable formls like these are strong attractors to players

Create Mystery #

• Things the player assumes exists, but can’t see creates mystery

Create Shortcuts #

• Shortcuts allow access to earlier areas even when using one way valves
• Shortcuts allow players to circumnavigate previous challenges
• Shortcuts makes space feel more accessible and beleivable

Pinch Points #

• Control the players movement and therefore their camera
• Reframe on the goal
• Show them something without taking control

Visual Vocabulary #

• Use ideas to seed plans in the players mind
• Satisfaction in both seeing plans work and having them subverted

Safety Nets #

• Drop down, and allow player to re-try challenge
• Keep the player in the game as much as possible

Add Temporary Furniture to Fill Out Space #

• Empty rooms make the space feel larger
• Make sure the space is large enough for gameplay and art

Problem Solution Ordering #

• Ensure the player recognizes the problem before they find solution

Let the player get lost #

• Getting lost creates tension in the journey
• Finding where you are again is satisfying
• Constantly knowing where you are kills tension

Build on Uneven Terrain #

• Force interesting architectural compromises
• Add terrain before building to make things more interesting
• Looks more natural and visually appealing