Principles of level design
Level design patterns
User testing
Route Design
Map Flow
Creating 2D Layouts
Affordance and player guidance
Level Design Language
Blocking out
Implementation of a level design pipeline

Assessment 1 – Level Project Portfolio 60%

A Portfolio containing:

Production of a level using an existing game engine or development toolkit focusing on creating a balanced and engaging player experience.
Video playthrough of completed level.

Assessment 2 – Design Documentation 40%

A Portfolio containing:

A Level Design Document including analysis, diagrams and design overview for the designed level.
A development log detailing multiple development stages of the level.

Learning and teaching activities will be delivered through a structured blend of scheduled and independent study designed to support a coherent learning journey. Scheduled sessions will typically include lectures that introduce core concepts and workshops/tutorials that allow students to apply techniques, engage in facilitated discussions, and undertake activities focused on problem solving and peer learning. Independent study will involve research tasks, design tasks, and ongoing development of project work supported by the resources provided.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core principles of industry-standard level design.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Utilise game level creation software in the creation of a playable game level.

Digital Literacy

3. Analyse exemplar industry commercial levels and analyse quantitative and qualitative results from play testing on your own designs.
Analyse exemplar industry commercial levels and quantitative and qualitative results obtained through play testing of your own designs.

Research Skills

4. Propose and develop solutions to balance and gameplay issues identified through play testing.

Application & Problem Solving

Game Modding Tools
Digital Academy Forums
Photoshop
Microsoft Office

Drachen, A. (2018) Game User Research. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198794843.

Guttler, C. (2020) Spatial Principles of Level-Design in Multi-Player First-Person Shooters. Independent Publishing. ISBN 979-8565302011.

Kremers, R. (2009) Level Design: Concept, Theory, and Practice. Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN 9781568813387.

Totten, C.W. (2019) An Architectural Approach to Level Design. 2nd edn. Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN 0181536136X.

This module centres around the creation of a level through the implementation of an industry standard pipeline. You will utilise tools to ideate, construct, test, and iterate your level, applying level design principles and theory, strengthening rationale, and expanding tool proficiency.