Game Design Tips: How to Guide the Player to Their Destination Using Light, Color, Composition, and Landmarks

Content:

• Light
• Colors
• Composition
• Landmarks

Video games often use predetermined routes for the player to follow. These routes can lead to subsequent locations, dangerous enemies, new cities, and other points of interest. Developers have the option of giving players freedom of direction or restricting them by guiding them along a strictly defined path. This approach influences gameplay, creating varying levels of difficulty and engagement.

To successfully guide a player through a level, it is important to use a variety of tools and techniques. Some of the most common methods are arrow-shaped indicators that direct players in the right direction, as well as obstacles that restrict access to inappropriate areas. However, these techniques can negatively impact immersion, creating a feeling of lack of the freedom of choice that the developers promised. Therefore, more subtle solutions should be sought, such as using visual cues, modifying the landscape, or creating natural paths that guide the player without disrupting the overall sense of freedom. It is important for players to feel that their choices matter and that the game world remains open for exploration.

In such situations, subtle and unobtrusive cues are needed to help the player feel like they have found the solution themselves. How can this be achieved in video games, maintaining a balance between a positive gaming experience and intrusive assistance? The Zenva channel explained this in detail in their video, which was translated by Skillbox Media.

Light

Light is an important element in game design, as it effectively directs player attention and serves as a powerful tool for guiding players to specific locations. The images provided clearly show the direction to move, which contributes to improved gameplay and increased engagement. Proper use of lighting not only aids navigation but also creates an atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.

The second image clearly shows that the player's main goal is to get to the door. The complementary light in the center helps determine the optimal route the gamer should take to reach their goal.

Colors

Color is an important tool Red is a prominent feature in the design of Mirror's Edge. It serves as visual cues throughout the gameplay. The color red highlights objects the player can interact with, such as ziplines, platforms, and doors. This color palette not only helps navigate the surrounding world but also creates a unique style for the game, emphasizing its dynamism and atmosphere. The use of color in Mirror’s Edge plays a key role in gameplay, facilitating navigation and enhancing the player’s experience.

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt CD Projekt Red implemented an object highlighting system, significantly simplifying gameplay. Red indicates quest objectives, while orange highlights interactable objects, such as signs and chests. Effective use of this color-coding system helps players navigate the game world more quickly and find the objects they need, which improves the overall gaming experience.

Composition

To effectively guide the player to the desired location, you can use composition built into the level. This image from Shadow of the Colossus shows how the environment focuses the player's attention on the center, thereby indicating the direction of movement. Proper use of compositional elements helps create visual cues that guide the player and increase their engagement with the gameplay.

The angle and arrangement of the mountain ridges create a composition directed toward a central point. This is one of the key principles of compositional design. Leading lines are widely used not only in video games but also in fine art, architecture, and theme parks. When used correctly, these lines draw attention and create a harmonious perception of space, enhancing visual interest and emotional impact on the viewer. In the example from Firewatch, leading lines help the player determine the direction of movement. The screenshot shows that the environment is organized so that all elements visually lead to a central point. Mountain ranges in the background slope down toward this point, and the path in front of the character also leads to it. Additionally, the shadows of the trees and cliffs on the left reinforce this visual cue, indicating the correct direction. These level design techniques contribute to creating an intuitive gaming experience.

Landmarks

Landmarks in the form of guide lines They effectively attract gamers' attention and point to specific destinations. A striking example of this is the game Skyrim, where, upon climbing a mountain, the player immediately spots the city of Whiterun, an important destination for the protagonist. Using such landmarks helps improve gameplay perception and facilitates navigation in the open world, which is especially important for players striving for effective passage.

Many Ubisoft games feature towers that players can explore to reveal surrounding objects and objectives on the map. This mechanic is widely used, for example, in the Assassin's Creed series. Towers not only serve as destinations for gamers but also as important landmarks in the game world, allowing for better spatial orientation and planning. Climbing these towers adds an element of exploration and promotes deeper immersion in the gameplay.

If you want to deepen your knowledge of level design, we recommend paying attention to the book "An Architectural Approach to Level Design" (An Architectural Approach to Level Design) GameDev Academy (1988) by Christopher W. Totten provides a detailed explanation of the fundamental principles of level design, as well as more advanced aspects such as leading lines, compositional principles, and landmarks. This book is a valuable resource for those who want to better understand the key elements mentioned in this article and apply them in practice.

GameDev Academy provides valuable resources for game developers, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The platform offers extensive courses covering various aspects of game design, programming, and graphics. Students can learn modern technologies and development methods, as well as gain practical skills through projects and assignments. GameDev Academy also supports the developer community, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas. This is the perfect place for those who want to develop their skills in the gaming industry and create high-quality gaming products.

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