Students will continue with their learning of game design and more specifically the single player level design process. They will focus on their understanding of taking a single existing key element and designing a level around this aspect mimicking industry standards covering these topics:

Creating 2D Maps

Shape Theory and Affordance

Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics

Linearity Vs Open word

Level Design Language

Grey boxing

Importance of lighting

Guiding players effectively

Impact of gameplay on a level

Testing & balancing levels

Implementing an iterative cycle

The importance of cinematics and flythroughs

Crafting a level design portfolio item

Assessment Component 1 - (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3)

Experimental Level Design project weighted at 80% consisting of:

Production of a game level using an existing game engine or development toolkit focusing on one experimental element.

Produce corresponding design documentation for the level, posted to the Digital Academy Forum.



Assessment Component 2 - (Learning Outcome 4)

Level Presentation Showcase weighted at 20% consisting of:

Creation and presentation of a pitch for the designed experimental level and chosen engine or development toolkit, focusing on communicating the design goals of the level.

2 x 3hr Workshop

1. Understand the core principles of experimental design and gain knowledge of industry approaches to mechanics-driven design.

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Make informed design decisions through employing industry focused play testing and analysis strategies.

University Learning Outcome

Enquiry

3. Apply appropriate industry informed level design concepts to create experimental experiences.

University Learning Outcome

Application

4. Develop communication skills to convey experiment design concepts in an effective and industry applicable manner.

University Learning Outcome

Communication

Unreal Engine
Game Modding Tools
Digital Academy Forum
Photoshop
Microsoft Office
Autodesk 3Ds Max

Architectural Approach to Level Design: Second edition 2nd Edition, 2019 - Christopher W. Totten ISBN 081536136X


Let's Design: Exploration 2021 - Max Pears ISBN 9781008982772


Let's Design: Combat 2020 - Max Pears ISBN 9781716757587


Level Design: Concept, Theory, and Practice 2009- Rudolf Kremers ISBN 9781568813387


Preproduction Blueprint: How to Plan Game Environments and Level Designs 2016 - Alex Galuzin ISBN 1539103188


Video Game Level Design: How to Create Video Games with Emotion, Interaction, and Engagement - Michael Salmond 2021 ISBN 1350015725

In experimental level design you will craft a single player experience focused on a specific existing game mechanic. You will develop a range of skills including 2D map making, greyboxing, understanding fundamental level design knowledge, and other industry techniques that will develop are applicable to making fun and interesting levels for a range of games.