Chapter 1: Preperation
So you want to create your own level for either a school project or perhaps a hobby project, but you don't know where to start. In this chapter I am going to tell you which preparations you can make and what you need to know before you even open any engine or modelling software.
So close any software you opened and grab some pen and paper or open word, because you are going to need to know some information before creating a level. We can't start making the level before we even know what kind of level we are going to make. Which means we need to know for what kind of game we are making a level. What kind of mechanics are in the game that could enhance the level design and more. So here is a list of questions that I know and use before I start making my levels.
What kind of game are you making a level for? (FPS, turn based etc.)
What are the mechanics used in the game? (Are there things like double-jump?)
Where does the map take place? (If you can answer this question you can find a lot of reference images for making your level and inspiration)
Also try to be very specific. Is it inside a building or outside? Is it in an urban area or rural? In what time period? Will it be in the future and do you need futuristic assets?
Now you know what kind of game you are making a level for and where it is. It is time to decide on the narrative.
What event happened before the players got there?
Why are the players there now? What is the reason that the player is there?
What is the purpose/objective of the player?
Now that we know more about the level we need to know about defining features for your level.
How will your level stand out? Is there a certain art style you are going to use to make it stand out?
What do you want the players to experience?
If you can answer these questions you will have a better image of what you want to build and how it will look.
Now for practice I want you to think about your level and answer these questions. And in the next chapter I will go through what I thought about and how I answered these questions. For this example I will come up with something new and not use my current school project.
So close any software you opened and grab some pen and paper or open word, because you are going to need to know some information before creating a level. We can't start making the level before we even know what kind of level we are going to make. Which means we need to know for what kind of game we are making a level. What kind of mechanics are in the game that could enhance the level design and more. So here is a list of questions that I know and use before I start making my levels.
What kind of game are you making a level for? (FPS, turn based etc.)
What are the mechanics used in the game? (Are there things like double-jump?)
Where does the map take place? (If you can answer this question you can find a lot of reference images for making your level and inspiration)
Also try to be very specific. Is it inside a building or outside? Is it in an urban area or rural? In what time period? Will it be in the future and do you need futuristic assets?
Now you know what kind of game you are making a level for and where it is. It is time to decide on the narrative.
What event happened before the players got there?
Why are the players there now? What is the reason that the player is there?
What is the purpose/objective of the player?
Now that we know more about the level we need to know about defining features for your level.
How will your level stand out? Is there a certain art style you are going to use to make it stand out?
What do you want the players to experience?
If you can answer these questions you will have a better image of what you want to build and how it will look.
Now for practice I want you to think about your level and answer these questions. And in the next chapter I will go through what I thought about and how I answered these questions. For this example I will come up with something new and not use my current school project.
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