Principles of multiplayer design

Complete industry style level design interview and test projects

Multiplayer design theory

Multiplayer level design patterns

Multiplayer testing.

Heat Maps

Route Design

Creating 2D Maps

Shape Theory and Affordance

Level Design Language

Grey boxing

Guiding players effectively

Implementing an iterative cycle

Assessment Component 1 – (Learning Outcomes 1,2 and 4)

Multiplayer Level Design Project Portfolio weighted at 60% consisting of:

Production of a multiplayer-focused level using an existing game engine focusing on creating a balanced and engaging experience.

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



Assessment Component 2 - (Learning Outcome 3)

Multiplayer Testing Report weighted at 40% consisting of:

Creation and delivery of a presentation of the results and analysis from player testing of the level design.

2 x 3hr Workshop

Module Learning Outcome

1. To understand the core principles of multiplayer level design and gain knowledge on approaches to multiplayer design commonly applied in the games industry.

2. Investigate the balance and design of a multiplayer map through player testing using games user research methodologies and human-computer interaction theory.

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

4. Develop and propose solutions to balance and gameplay issues revealed through industry style testing.

Unreal Engine

Game Modding Tools

Digital Academy Forum

Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Autodesk 3Ds Max

Spatial Principles of Level-Design in Multi-Player First-Person Shooters – 2020 Chrstian Guttler ISBN 979-8565302011

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

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

Game User Research – 2018 Anders Drachen ISBN 0198794843

In multiplayer level design you will design, evaluate, and improve a multiplayer map over several rounds of iterations. Through this process you will develop knowledge of multiplayer design and the methods and tools used in the industry to design balanced and engaging levels. You will complete the module with a portfolio ready multiplayer level.