Level Up.pdf

Level 4’s Universal Truths and Clever Ideas
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Brain or Subversion to store documents on a drive that is backed up
regularly. Don ’ t keep the contents of the game in your head. Write those
things down. Make sure you have some system of filing so you can find
your work too!
• Stay organized. When creating files and documents, use naming
conventions that humans can understand. For example, if you have a
forest level, then make sure the word “ forest ” or at least the letter “ f ” is
part of the name. I find that using the “ European ” method of dating a
document (DAY, MONTH in text, YEAR; for example 27 JUL 09) is a lot
easier to decipher, especially when multiple documents exist. Naming
files by date is helpful, especially when your project spans longer than
a single calendar year. Make sure you use consistent naming of
everything in your game.
• Be prepared. Eventually, you will need ways for others to get around
your game. Have your game include level skips, a flexible cheat camera
so others can take screenshots of your gameplay and cheat codes that
enable invulnerability, grant power- ups and money, and so on. Talk to
your publishing/marketing partners about their needs early on in the
development of your game. Sometimes they will want additional content
like extra levels, costumes, bonus materials to market and sell the
game. Be prepared to create this material; don ’ t leave it until the last
minute of production. Be aware that you may have to make a demo of
your game. Think about what you would want to have in your game
demo to show it off in its best possible light. Earmark potential content
such as specific levels or experiences that may be used for a demo later
down the line.
Arm yourself with this advice, and I guarantee you, your project will go a lot
smoother in the long run.
Now that we have some good habits and documentation examples, let ’ s dig
into and talk about one of the pillars of game design, something I call the
Three Cs.
Level 4 ’ s Universal Truths and Clever Ideas:
• A game is like chili: it needs the right recipe, tools,
ingredients, and time to come out right.
• A game design document should be just long enough to
describe the action in a game.