Level artist Indika on creating game locations

Contents:

• Elena Alt

Creating an engaging game location is a task that requires a creative approach and a deep understanding of game design. We reached out to level designers, 3D artists, and environment artists to discover their secrets and recommendations. The result of our research was six essays in which the experts share their personal experiences and practical advice for those looking to delve deeper into level design. These recommendations will not only improve the quality of game content but also make it more engaging for players.

This article is the fourth in a series on the secrets of creating game levels. In this article, Elena Alt, who has worked on levels for games such as Pathologic 2 and Atomic Heart, as well as other projects, shares her knowledge and experience. Elena shares unique methods and approaches that help developers create engaging and atmospheric game spaces.

Elena Alt

Level art in games is an important aspect of level design. These concepts are closely related, and in some studios, a single specialist—a level designer—may be responsible for both. Previously, the profession of level artist did not exist, and the designer was responsible for creating levels, including both mechanical elements and visual components. Modern games demand a high level of detail and aesthetics, making the work of a level artist key to creating immersive and engaging game worlds. Level art involves not only developing the visual design of levels but also integrating game mechanics, creating a harmonious and engaging environment for players.

The artist's responsibilities include the visual design of game locations. This includes assembling levels using final 3D models, adjusting materials, harmonizing assets, and optimizing lighting. Proper execution of these tasks contributes to the creation of an atmospheric and immersive game world, a key aspect of developing successful video games.

Level art is an important aspect of video game development that is responsible for the creation of game levels and environments. It includes level design, object placement, and the creation of an atmosphere that supports gameplay. Level art not only shapes the visual presentation of the game but also influences gameplay, providing players with interactive and engaging tasks.

Key elements of level art include the use of textures, lighting, and composition, which help create the unique atmosphere of each level. The correct combination of these elements allows for the creation of not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally sound game spaces.

Furthermore, level art requires careful consideration of game mechanics so that every environmental element facilitates player interaction. This may include cover, platforms, caves, and other elements that enrich gameplay and create challenges for users.

An important aspect of a level artist's work is level testing. This testing process helps identify potential issues in design and gameplay mechanics, as well as ensure that the level meets the intended concept. Successful level art is the result of a combination of creativity and technical skill, making it a key element in the creation of high-quality video games.

• Before a level artist can begin working, they must have a blockout of the entire scene. This task is performed by the designer. The artist then transforms this blockout into a level with the final image.
• A 3D artist creates models for the level artist. However, level artists often also create some of the 3D models themselves.
• Each studio has its own requirements for the skills required of an artist. The basic requirement is working with a game engine. Modern studios often require skills in 3D packages.
• In addition to technical skills, a level artist's hard skills include knowledge of composition, form, and color. These skills are what distinguish them from designers. For the second, they are not included in the list of mandatory ones.
• A level designer thinks in terms of mechanics (gameplay), and an artist thinks in terms of imagery.
• A designer makes a level interesting, and an artist makes it beautiful.
• If a project is divided into designers and level artists, it is extremely important for specialists from both fields to work together. The blank created by designers, after the art is integrated, must remain interesting and understandable to the player.

Now let's take a closer look at the techniques and tools used by level artists in the process of creating game spaces. These skills allow them not only to create unique and attractive levels but also to ensure comfortable player interaction with the game. Level artists use various techniques, such as texture creation, lighting, and object composition, to achieve the desired atmosphere and gameplay balance. The use of specialized software and tools, such as Unreal Engine and Unity, helps in the creation of high-quality visual elements and optimization of game performance. A focus on functionality and aesthetics is also key, ensuring that each game space is both beautiful and comfortable for the player.

Game design often uses arrows or guide lines to guide the player. However, this approach can be perceived as crude and ineffective, as level designers don't always come up with more elegant and interesting solutions. Instead, more subtle elements, such as changing lighting, textures, or environmental objects themselves, can be used to guide the player without disrupting the game's atmosphere. This approach creates a more immersive experience and encourages exploration rather than direct navigation.

Artists play a key role in solving navigation problems in games. One effective technique for helping players navigate easily is the use of light to highlight relevant objects and directions. This way, important interactive elements are also emphasized through lighting. This not only helps improve visual perception, but also increases the convenience of the gameplay by directing the player's attention to significant aspects of the game.

One effective technique for maintaining player focus is highlighting key objects or interactive elements with a specific color. It's also important to minimize or completely remove non-interactive objects of the same color from the level to avoid confusion and improve the overall gameplay experience. This approach helps players navigate the game space more easily and focus on important elements, which in turn increases overall engagement and satisfaction.

One of the most famous examples of the use of visual cues in games is the parkour action game Mirror's Edge. In this game, all objects the main character can navigate and interact with are highlighted in bright red. This solution not only helps players quickly navigate the environment but also creates a unique style that distinguishes the game from other projects. Thanks to this approach, Mirror's Edge becomes not only a gripping action game, but also a visually appealing experience for players.

In The Last of Us, points of interest are highlighted in yellow. This visual element helps players navigate the game world. If a player finds themselves in a difficult situation and doesn't know where to go, they can easily find a yellow object in the scene and head towards it. This approach improves navigation and promotes deeper immersion in the story.

In Naughty Dog's Uncharted, almost all surfaces the protagonist can use for climbing are painted white. This color scheme helps players easily identify which objects are accessible for interaction and climbing. White serves as a visual cue, eliminating any doubts about the character's abilities. This design decision contributes to a better gaming experience and increases the intuitiveness of controls.

I'm currently working at Odd-Meter on the Indika project. We considered using white to mark paths and surfaces the player can navigate. However, we decided against this idea because the white color doesn't serve its intended purpose against the snow-covered white stone architecture. It blends into the environment and gets lost, making navigation difficult for the player.

The decision to add visual cues, or beacons, for players is made jointly by designers and level artists. It's important that these cues don't disrupt the game's visual integrity and blend seamlessly into the overall style. Proper integration of such elements improves the user experience and makes the game more understandable and engaging for players.

I've highlighted just a few of the tools at a level artist's disposal. Listing them all would require an entire book. The key is to use these tools wisely, avoiding forcing decisions on the player or directly attacking them. It's important to integrate them into context, considering how to make environmental elements less intrusive while still providing information. Furthermore, artistic decisions should support the game's core mechanics, not contradict them. Effective level design requires a harmonious blend of visual and gameplay elements to create an engaging and intuitive experience.

This principle also applies in reverse: mechanics shouldn't disrupt the design of an existing level. Therefore, the design and art departments must collaborate throughout all stages of level development to ensure a harmonious blend of mechanics and visuals. Working together will create a more holistic and engaging gaming experience for users.

• Indika's Steam page
• The official Odd-Meter community on VKontakte

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The head of game development at Encased shares his experience creating game locations. During the project, special attention was paid to the details and atmosphere of each location. The team strove to create unique locations that not only match the plot but also immerse players in the game world. Using modern technology and creative approaches, the developers achieve a harmonious blend of visual elements and gameplay. Each level is designed with an emphasis on player interaction with the environment, making the game more engaging and memorable. Encased invites players not only to explore locations, but also to experience the stories they tell.