Level designers are involved in all aspects of the creation of the gameplay space. They take the game designer’s vision and craft the direct experience players have within an environment. As such, level designers need a skillset that encompasses initial design through to creation of game assets that a player will see within the level.

This module will include the development of skills to create immersive and compelling levels for a game requires knowledge of game design theory as well as the ability to use complex 3D software to create and implement the play space. To this is added the skills to create textures and materials to apply to the 3D models, along with implementing the lighting styles for the world. All this works in support of the narrative and aesthetic direction that will inform the overall game experience.

Canvas Based Quizzes on the key principles and practices that inform level design 25% LO1
Portfolio/UE4 Game of work on game levels and assets including materials and lighting in the development of a functioning level design prototype 50% LO 2,3
Critical Evaluation of the final level design, based on testing and review. 25% LO4

1 Hour Lecture per week
2 Hour Workshop per week

1. Discuss the key principles and practices that inform level design. Learning
2. Design game levels, through an iterative design process, in response to a given brief. Problem Solving
3. Utilise assets, materials and lighting in the development of a functioning level design prototype. Reflection
4. Evaluate final level design, in support of a functioning prototype, based on testing and review. Analysis

Creativebloq.com (Tutorials/General Reference)
Gamasutra.com (Tutorials/General Reference)
level-design.org (General Reference/Tutorials)
Worldofleveldesign.com (General Reference/Tutorials)
80.lv (General Reference/Tutorials)

AHEARN, L. (2017) 3D Game Environments: Create Professional 3D Game Worlds.2nd ed. London: CRC Press.
BYRNE, E. (2005) Game Level Design (Charles River Media Game Development).Newton: Massachusetts: Charles River Media.
FO RSEY, J. (2013) Aesthetics of Design. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
KREMERS, R. (2009) Level Design: Concept, Theory, and Practice. 1st ed. London: A K Peters/CRC Press.
LIDWELL, W. (2010) Universal Principles of Design, Revised and Updated: 115 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions and Teach Through Design. Beverly, MA: Rockport.
NORMAN, A.D. (2002) The Design of Every Day Things. New York: Basic Books.
ROGERS, S. (2014)Level Up!: The Guide to Great Video Game Design. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
TOTTEN, W. (2014) An Architectural Approach to Level Design. 1st ed. London: CRC Press.

The growth in popularity, complexity and immersive narratives of modern video games means that the environment in which the gameplay occurs has become a critical part of creating an engaging experience. Specialist skills are required to develop and implement the relationship between gameplay, challenge and achievement embodied in the game levels.

Through this module, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop levels for video games. Utilising digital assets, they will explore the aesthetic and technical requirements for levels and environments that enhance the user experience.