Level Up.pdf

240 LEVEL 9 Everything I Learned about Level Design, I Learned from Level 9
Level 9 ’ s Universal Truths and Clever Ideas:
• Even a clich é can be made compelling.
• Use the “ Mexican pizza ” technique to make level themes
unique.
• Level names can help convey mood and info to your
player.
• Design from the top down: world, level, experience to
moment - to - moment gameplay.
• You can never have too many skeletons.
• Use level maps and posters to give information and build
anticipation.
• Determine the theme of your levels: escape/survive,
explore, educate or moral.
• Use the beat chart to point out weaknesses in your
game ’ s overall design.
• Design your games using a tight set of gameplay systems
and mechanics: maximize play through re - use.
• The player will always find a way to break your game.
• Make the player play the game the way you want it to be
played.
• Is your level an alley or island? Design to each style ’ s
strength.
• Map and gray box your levels to plan camera placement,
prevent architectural issues and gameplay problems.
• Walking is never, ever gameplay.