A Ready or Not designer on creating game locations

Contents:

• Denis Kuandykov

Creating a captivating game location requires a deep understanding of gameplay and player interaction. We reached out to experienced level designers, 3D artists, game designers, and environment artists to share their experiences. The result is six essays containing valuable recommendations for anyone seriously interested in level design. These tips will help you create an immersive gaming environment that will attract and retain players' attention.

This article is the fifth part of a series dedicated to the secrets of creating game levels. This time, designer Denis Kuandykov shares his knowledge and experience. In this article, we will examine the key aspects of level design and strategy that will help create an engaging gameplay experience.

Denis Kuandykov

Defining a good level can be as subjective as evaluating a quality game. Therefore, I will highlight three key aspects that do not depend on various tricks and gimmicks.

• It's almost a philosophy, but good design = invisible design.
• A good level is a playground.
• Mental mapping. Simply put, a good level should be playable without a UI, minimaps, or any cues.

The work of a level designer is especially important during the preproduction stage. It is during this period that the designer must not only complete the blockout but also actively participate in the further development process. This stage forms the foundation for the entire project. Many aspects that subsequently determine the quality of the level and simplify the production process are formed during the early stages of work. Good planning and attention to detail during pre-production can prevent problems later in development and ensure the successful delivery of a game.

Let's take a closer look.

Design can be broken down into several key components, allowing for a clearer understanding of its structure and functionality. Each component plays a significant role in shaping the overall visual perception and user experience.

Unobtrusiveness is an important quality that allows people to feel comfortable and free in communication. In relationships, both personal and professional, unobtrusiveness helps create an atmosphere of trust. Unobtrusive behavior is expressed through respect for the personal space of others, the ability to listen, and not imposing one's opinions or ideas.

In business, unobtrusiveness is demonstrated through the ability to offer services or products without pressure on the client. This helps establish long-term relationships with consumers based on trust. Companies that value a non-intrusive approach often report increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Non-intrusiveness also plays an important role in marketing. Effective promotional strategies focus on customer needs, offering them solutions that can truly help. This approach not only attracts the target audience but also creates a positive brand image. Non-intrusiveness is therefore a key element in building successful relationships, both in personal life and in business. It creates an environment for interaction based on respect and understanding. You can explore all the available "rules" of level design presented online and in literature. I emphasized the word in quotation marks because our desire to establish stable rules resembles an attempt to simplify life in an environment where games, as a creative product, are constantly changing. This applies both to the global level and to the development of a specific game. Level design requires flexibility and adaptability, which allows for the creation of unique and engaging game worlds. It's important to remember that every game is unique, and the approach to its development should take into account many factors, including the target audience and genre features.

In modern gaming, the original Doom's labyrinthine corridors are perceived as distinctly old-school. Such architectural solutions have lost their popularity, becoming anachronistic. This raises an interesting question: what does unobtrusiveness have to do with this? Unlike modern games, which emphasize open worlds and linear storylines, the original Doom corridors created an atmosphere of tense suspense. The unobtrusiveness of the level design allowed players to focus on the gameplay without being distracted by unnecessary details. This simplicity and clarity in level structure continues to inspire developers striving to create engaging gaming experiences.

Modern designers often use various techniques, such as leading lines, numerous landmarks, or unnecessarily complex compositions. These elements may not always be justified and are often perceived by players as unnecessary. For example, scattering health packs and ammo throughout a level without clearly indicating the upcoming battle creates confusion. Players instantly read such visual cues and understand what is happening in the game, so it is important that each design element serves its purpose and supports the overall narrative. An effective visual narrative should create harmony between aesthetics and functionality to enhance player immersion.

Modern games include levels that can be described as "correct" and intrusive. In such levels, players feel led by the hand and easily recognize the designer's intervention. This creates a manipulative effect, preventing players from fully immersing themselves in the gameplay, as their every action is predetermined. This approach can reduce engagement and interest in the game, as players don't feel free to make their own decisions.

Unnecessary Violations of Metrics and Consistency

Metrics and consistency play a key role in the success of any project. Unfair or unjustified changes can lead to negative consequences, such as a decrease in product quality or a decrease in user trust. It's important to adhere to established standards and metrics to ensure stable and predictable results. Any changes should be justified and targeted to avoid confusion and loss of effectiveness. Maintaining consistency in the development and project management process helps create a clear structure and improve user engagement.

The character jumps 2 meters. This is an important metric. However, during development, a situation arose: a gap 2 meters and 20 centimeters wide was created by mistake.

Unless the intention is to "promote a fallen player to pay more attention to their surroundings to find a way out of the situation," such errors can negatively impact the player's sense of trust in the game. The player will not be able to fully trust the established rules and will be constantly distracted by them. In the worst case, such a flaw can make the game virtually unbeatable. It is important that the game mechanics are logical and consistent, otherwise it can lead to frustration and a decrease in user interest.

It is important to create a sense of trust in the game mechanics in the player. This will allow them to relax and focus on truly meaningful aspects of the game, such as immersion in the world and combat tactics. An overwhelmed and unsure player will not be able to fully enjoy the gameplay and will miss out on the exciting "wow" moments that make a game truly engaging. Keeping mechanics simple and clear will help players adapt more quickly and enjoy the gaming experience.

Flow is a state in which a person becomes completely immersed in an activity, losing track of time and the world around them. This state is often associated with high concentration and peak productivity. At such moments, a person feels that the work or task they are performing becomes a source of pleasure and satisfaction.

Flow can occur in various fields, whether creative work, sports, or professional activities. To achieve this state, it is important to set clear goals, find a balance between the complexity of the task and your skills, and minimize distractions.

Developing a sense of flow not only increases efficiency but also improves psycho-emotional well-being. People who regularly experience this state are more likely to report high levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to strive to create conditions conducive to flow in everyday life.

The topic of philosophical reasoning in game development is very relevant and of interest to many. Jenova Chen's work is undoubtedly a key text that should be studied by anyone interested in game development. His ideas open new horizons in understanding the interaction between players and the game world. If you are not already familiar with his work, I highly recommend checking it out.

The previous two points represent important elements that create a sense of flow in gameplay. An optimal level is an environment that allows the player to become fully immersed in the game and experience this flow. To achieve this, the level must adhere to the in-game rules and logic. The level designer should not try to attract the player's attention with overly complex compositions or other unnecessary elements that could distract from the core experience. The primary goal is to create a harmonious and engaging environment that promotes maximum player engagement.

Let's return to the main statement: "Good design = invisible design." Invisible design helps the player become immersed in the gameplay and experience flow. Effective design doesn't distract from the main content, but creates a harmonious atmosphere, allowing the user to focus on interacting with the game. To achieve this, it is important to consider the principles of usability and visual hierarchy, which ultimately leads to deeper engagement and enjoyment of the gaming experience.

Ultimately, low-quality design is easy to spot at first glance. While high-quality execution requires deeper analysis and attention to detail and nuance, even when focused on the process.

A high-quality level isn't just a 3D space in your level editor, nor is it a limited 2D layout with a predetermined path for the player. Don't expect playtesters to follow your intentions or play according to your script.

The concept of a "playground" in modern architectural design is actively developing and evolving. In the future, perhaps in 15-20 years, it will become a standard, similar to what happens in modern video games. In a "playground" space, objects are perceived as elements available for interaction, which creates a unique experience for users. This concept opens up new possibilities for the design of public and private spaces, making them more interactive and engaging.

In real life, we tend to adhere to certain rules and norms of behavior. We don't cross the road without warning and prefer sidewalks. We don't jump over neatly trimmed bushes—it makes no sense. However, remember how exciting it was as a child to "parkour" over fences or hide under thorny raspberry bushes, like a video game hero. These moments filled our lives with adrenaline and excitement, creating unforgettable memories. As we grow older, we forget such games, but they remain a part of our history.

We have matured and become more serious and strict. In this context, games become our refuge. They allow us to realize our desires and instincts. The virtual world takes us back to childhood, where we can freely jump, explore, and overcome obstacles. Games offer a unique opportunity to interact with the environment, like in a children's sandbox or on a construction site, where the risk of falling adds an adrenaline rush. Thus, games serve not only as a means of entertainment but also as a way to recapture a sense of freedom and carefree play. The "playground" is the foundation of the sandbox genre and many first-person shooters. The Dust 2 map from the Counter-Strike series is a prime example of an effective "playground." The designer didn't strive to adhere to real-world logic, disregarding street design, building architecture, or traffic flow. Instead, he focused on creating an engaging and balanced gameplay experience. This approach allows players to focus on strategy and interaction, which makes the gameplay exciting and interesting.

I've already mentioned this concept in the previous text. Designers sometimes use it in their work. A level associated with mental mapping implies high-quality navigation. This can be connected with the first two points of discussion. Effective navigation helps users navigate interfaces more easily and contributes to a better overall user experience.

In good game design, the presence of landmark towers or mountains is not a requirement. A landmark mountain does not necessarily have to be surrounded by a forest to emphasize its silhouette and serve as a guiding line for the tower. Paths are often created under the tower, which also serve as guiding elements. "Breadcrumbs" in the form of objects can be scattered inside the tower so that players understand that they need to climb to the upper level. Some designers are not opposed to the entire internal structure of the tower consisting only of a spiral staircase, allowing the player to simply climb upwards without additional interactions. This approach can be effective in creating a unique gaming experience by directing players' attention and offering simple yet memorable gameplay elements.

Using mental mapping is an effective way to improve perception and memorization of information. The term "mapping" translates as "map construction," and "mental" emphasizes that this process occurs in the player's mind. This requires some effort on their part to memorize the space and learn how to navigate it. Mind mapping helps improve cognitive skills, promotes memory development, and increases overall productivity.

An experienced designer always considers the player's first emotion upon entering a new level, when they are still unfamiliar with the surroundings. This feeling of tension, complemented by curiosity, becomes the key to captivating the player. It is important to create an atmosphere that generates interest and holds attention, allowing the player to become more immersed in the gameplay. The emotions that arise at this moment can become the basis for further interaction with the game and its world.

An important aspect of level design in games is the effective distribution of information to the player. Key elements of the level must be presented sequentially, gradually filling the player's memory with important data. At the same time, it is important to maintain a balance - an excessive amount of information can lead to a loss of concentration and interest. Optimal presentation of material will ensure deeper immersion and engaging gameplay.

Artists and designers must create unique map elements so that each one is distinct from the others. Even two sidewalks on the same street can have different characteristics. For example, one sidewalk might be adorned with green spaces, flowerbeds, and lawn, while another might be completely bare. This also applies to building facades, where the possibilities for visual variety are virtually limitless. Experimenting with shapes, colors, and textures allows you to create unique images and atmospheres, making the space more inviting and functional.

If the player is unable to distinguish between different game zones within a single level, this indicates design flaws. Effective game design should provide clear visual and functional distinctions, allowing players to easily navigate and perceive the uniqueness of each zone.

As the player begins to explore a small section of the level, we gradually provide clues, revealing the elements that make up the entire game world. This applies both to the overall structure of the map and to details that enrich the gameplay experience.

The player finds themselves in the slums, which represent the starting area of ​​their adventure. He climbs onto the roof of a dilapidated building and looks down on a picturesque business district with skyscrapers sparkling in the sun. To the right, an industrial zone spreads out, creating a contrast with the urban beauty. Although the player is still in the slums, something exciting happening beyond a blocked street in the distance catches their attention. This creates an atmosphere of anticipation and encourages exploration of a world full of mysteries and possibilities.

We stimulate player curiosity by giving them time to absorb information and breaking it into small chunks. This allows the player to better remember the game spaces and become fully immersed in them. This approach contributes to the formation of mapping in the player's mind.

A sense of engagement and flow significantly enhances the gaming experience. The engagement that occurs during level progression has a positive impact on other aspects of the game, such as the game design and story. This interaction creates a deeper connection between the player and the game world, which in turn increases interest and desire to continue playing. Thus, it is important to consider how engagement elements affect the overall appeal and quality of the gameplay.