A Practical Guide to Level Design. From Theory to Practice, Diplomacy and Production

374 Pages·2023·9.514 MB·English

by  Ben Bauer

A Practical Guide to
Level Design
Written by an AAA industry expert with over 20 years of experience, this book offers comprehensive
coverage of the practical skills that all successful level designers need to have. It covers everything from
practical production skills to the social and soft skills required to thrive in the gaming industry.
This book begins with a theoretical and abstract approach that sets a common language for the later
hard- skill applications and practical examples. These later chapters cover a wealth of practical skills for
use during the concept phase, while creating layouts, scripting, and working with AI. This book includes
essential chapters on topics such as social skills, soft skills, world- building, level design direction, pro-
duction, as well as how to gain employment in the industry.
This book will be of great interest to all level designers, content leads, and directors looking to enhance
their skillset. It will also appeal to students of level and game design looking for tips on how to break
into the industry.
Ben Bauer has been working in the gaming industry since 2003. He previously held lead roles at Crytek
and Ubisoft and is currently the Creative Director at Plan A Collective.
A Practical Guide to
Level Design
From Theory to Practice, Diplomacy
and Production
Ben Bauer
Designed cover image: Cover Art: Noud van Miltenburg
First edition published 2023
by CRC Press
6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
and by CRC Press
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
CRC Press is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
© 2023 Ben Bauer
Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and publisher cannot
assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or the consequences of their use. The authors and p ublishers
have attempted to trace the copyright holders of all material reproduced in this publication and apologize to
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acknowledged please write and let us know so we may rectify in any future reprint.
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utilized in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Bauer, Ben, author.
Title: A practical guide to level design : from theory to practice, diplomacy and production / Ben Bauer.
Description: First edition. | Boca Raton, FL : CRC Press, 2023. | Includes
bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2022041410 (print) | LCCN 2022041411 (ebook) |
ISBN 9781032230894 (paperback) | ISBN 9781032230986 (hardback) | ISBN 9781003275664 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Video games–Design. | Level design (Computer science)
Classification: LCC GV1469.3 .B395 2023 (print) | LCC GV1469.3 (ebook) |
DDC 794.8—dc23/eng/20221025
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022041410
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022041411
ISBN: 9781032230986 (hbk)
ISBN: 9781032230894 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781003275664 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003275664
Typeset in Times
by codeMantra
I dedicate this book to my father—He was my undying inspiration and idol.
A huge thanks and hugs go out to my supporting wife Edit, who probably
was even happier than I was that this book is finally out.

Contents
Acknowledgment ...................................................................................................................................xxv
Section I Book and Level Design Introduction
1. Book Introduction ............................................................................................................................3
1.1 Preface.....................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Chapter Overview ...................................................................................................................4
1.2.1 Book and Level Design Intro ....................................................................................4
1.2.2 Production and Social Skills .....................................................................................4
1.2.3 Level Design Theory.................................................................................................4
1.2.4 Practical: How to Get Started ...................................................................................4
1.2.5 Practical: Layouts ......................................................................................................5
1.2.6 Practical: Technical and Game Design .....................................................................5
1.2.7 Closing Topics ...........................................................................................................5
1.3 About Myself ..........................................................................................................................5
1.3.1 How It All Started .....................................................................................................5
1.3.1.1 Before the Internet ....................................................................................5
1.3.1.2 Joining the Mod Community....................................................................5
1.3.2 My Professional Career .............................................................................................6
1.3.2.1 Joining Crytek ..........................................................................................6
1.3.2.2 Joining Ubisoft .........................................................................................6
1.3.2.3 Joining Plan a Collective ..........................................................................7
1.3.3 Other Side Gigs .........................................................................................................7
2. Definition of Level Design and Level Designers ............................................................................9
2.1 The Level Designer .................................................................................................................9
2.1.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................9
2.1.2 What Is a Level Designer? ........................................................................................9
2.1.3 Variants of Level Designers ....................................................................................10
2.1.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................10
2.1.3.2 Generalist Level Designer .......................................................................11
2.1.3.3 Layout Level Designer/ Level Builder .....................................................11
2.1.3.4 Mission/Q uest Designer ..........................................................................11
2.1.3.5 Script Level Designer ..............................................................................11
2.1.3.6 “ No Art” Level Designer ........................................................................12
2.1.3.7 Technical Level Designer .......................................................................12
2.1.3.8 Cinematic Scripter ..................................................................................12
2.1.4 Level Design Senioritis ...........................................................................................12
2.1.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................12
2.1.4.2 Intern/ Junior Level Designer ..................................................................12
2.1.4.3 Regular/ Intermediate Level Designer ....................................................13
2.1.4.4 Senior Level Designer ............................................................................13
2.1.4.5 Expert/ Principal Level Designer ............................................................13
2.1.4.6 ( Team) Lead Level Designer ..................................................................13
2.1.4.7 Level Design Director .............................................................................14
vii
viii Contents
2.2 Level Designers as Experts ....................................................................................................14
2.2.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................14
2.2.2 Experts in Architecture ............................................................................................14
2.2.3 Experts in Landscape Architecture and City Planning ..........................................15
2.2.4 Experts in Geography .............................................................................................15
2.2.5 Experts in Biology ...................................................................................................16
2.2.6 Experts in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mechanics, etc. ................................16
2.2.7 Experts in Culture, History, Geo Politics, etc. .........................................................17
2.2.8 Experts in Level Design Tools .................................................................................17
2.2.9 Experts in Scripting .................................................................................................17
2.2.10 Experts in Layout and Arrangement ........................................................................18
2.2.11 Experts in Progression and Difficulty......................................................................18
2.2.12 Experts in Art and Technology ...............................................................................19
2.2.13 Experts in Creativity and Fun .................................................................................19
2.2.14 Experts in Time and Work Management ................................................................19
2.2.15 Experts in Diplomacy .............................................................................................20
Section II Production and Social Skills
3. Level Design Production ................................................................................................................23
3.1 Overview of Level Design Production..................................................................................23
3.1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................23
3.1.2 Initial or Pitch Phase ...............................................................................................23
3.1.3 Pre- Production Phase ..............................................................................................24
3.1.4 H igh-L evel Phase ....................................................................................................24
3.1.5 Document Phase......................................................................................................25
3.1.6 Production ...............................................................................................................25
3.1.7 Skeleton Phase ........................................................................................................25
3.1.8 First Intention Pass ..................................................................................................26
3.1.9 Alpha .......................................................................................................................26
3.1.10 Beta .........................................................................................................................27
3.1.11 Closing ....................................................................................................................27
3.1.12 Until Gold................................................................................................................28
3.1.13 Closing Words .........................................................................................................28
3.2 Work Pace and Effort ............................................................................................................28
3.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................28
3.2.2 When to Push and When Not..................................................................................29
3.2.2.1 The Premise ............................................................................................29
3.2.2.2 When Not to Push ...................................................................................29
3.2.2.3 Leadership Responsibility ......................................................................30
3.2.2.4 When to Push ..........................................................................................30
3.2.3 About Crunch or Overtime .....................................................................................30
3.2.4 Let’s Talk Burnout ...................................................................................................31
3.2.5 About Work- Life Balance .......................................................................................32
4. Diplomacy of Level Design ............................................................................................................33
4.1 Level Design in the Center of Production ............................................................................33
4.1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................33
4.1.2 Departments Level Designers Work With ..............................................................33
4.1.3 Closing Words .........................................................................................................35
4.2 How to Work with Different Departments ...........................................................................35
Contents ix
4.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................35
4.2.2 Game Developer Diplomacy 101 ............................................................................35
4.2.2.1 Do Not Treat People How You Like to Be Treated ................................35
4.2.2.2 We All Sit in the Same Boat ...................................................................36
4.2.2.3 About Empathy .......................................................................................36
4.2.2.4 About Teamwork ....................................................................................37
4.2.3 How to Work with Artists .......................................................................................37
4.2.3.1 Environment Artists ...............................................................................37
4.2.3.2 Concept Artists .......................................................................................38
4.2.4 How to Work with Narrative ...................................................................................38
4.2.4.1 Narrative Designers ................................................................................38
4.2.4.2 Cinematic Scripters ................................................................................38
4.2.5 How to Work with QC/ QA ......................................................................................39
4.2.6 How to Work with Other Level Designers ..............................................................39
4.2.7 How to Work with Managers ..................................................................................40
4.2.8 How to Work with Game Designers .......................................................................40
4.2.9 How to Work with Programmers ............................................................................40
4.2.10 How to Work with Audio .........................................................................................41
5. Teamwork and Leadership Tools .................................................................................................43
5.1 Basic Leadership Principles ..................................................................................................43
5.1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................43
5.1.2 Make Others Better Than You ................................................................................43
5.1.3 Own Your Failures ..................................................................................................44
5.1.4 Acting Under Stress ................................................................................................44
5.2 About Feedback ....................................................................................................................45
5.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................45
5.2.2 Giving Feedback .....................................................................................................45
5.2.2.1 Clarify Feedback and Opinion ...............................................................45
5.2.2.2 Feedback as Questions and Problems ....................................................45
5.2.2.3 Direct Tasks ............................................................................................46
5.2.3 Receiving Feedback ................................................................................................47
5.2.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................47
5.2.3.2 Written Feedback ....................................................................................47
5.2.3.3 Verbal Feedback .....................................................................................48
5.3 About Making Decisions ......................................................................................................49
5.3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................49
5.3.2 No Decision .............................................................................................................49
5.3.3 A Decision ...............................................................................................................49
5.3.4 The Right Decision .................................................................................................50
5.3.5 About Acting ...........................................................................................................50
5.4 Emotions as a Common Language ........................................................................................51
5.4.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................51
5.4.2 The Problem .............................................................................................................51
5.4.3 The Solution and Process .........................................................................................51
5.4.4 Additional Hints ......................................................................................................52
5.5 “ The Triumvirate of Practical World Building” ...................................................................52
5.5.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................52
5.5.2 The Application ......................................................................................................53
5.5.3 Closing Words .........................................................................................................53
5.6 “ The 10th Man” ....................................................................................................................54
5.6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................54
5.6.2 Origins ....................................................................................................................54
x Contents
5.6.3 Step 1 .......................................................................................................................54
5.6.4 Step 2 .......................................................................................................................55
5.6.5 Step 3 .......................................................................................................................55
5.6.6 Closing Words .........................................................................................................55
Section III Level Design Theory
6. About Vision, Pillars, and Direction ............................................................................................59
6.1 Vision as a Starter .................................................................................................................59
6.1.1 What Is a Vision? ....................................................................................................59
6.1.2 How to Create a Vision?..........................................................................................59
6.1.2.1 Step by Step ............................................................................................59
6.1.2.2 Idea Creation ...........................................................................................60
6.1.3 How to Use a Vision ...............................................................................................60
6.1.4 Closing Words ..........................................................................................................61
6.2 Pillars as a Safety ...................................................................................................................61
6.2.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................61
6.2.2 How to Create and Use Pillars .................................................................................61
6.2.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................61
6.2.2.2 The Use ....................................................................................................61
6.2.2.3 The Creation ...........................................................................................62
6.2.2.4 Hints for the Creation .............................................................................63
6.2.3 Closing Words .........................................................................................................63
6.3 Direction as Guidance ..........................................................................................................63
6.3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................63
6.3.2 When to Create Direction .......................................................................................64
6.3.3 How to Create Direction .........................................................................................65
6.3.3.1 Step 1: Start with Mistakes to Avoid ......................................................65
6.3.3.2 Step 2: Observe the Team .......................................................................65
6.3.3.3 Step 3: Add Your Vision .........................................................................65
6.3.3.4 Step 4: Spot Patterns and Fill the Grid ...................................................65
6.3.3.5 Step 5: Bring It to Paper .........................................................................66
6.3.4 How to Use Direction .............................................................................................67
6.3.5 Closing Words .........................................................................................................67
7. A bstract L evel Design ....................................................................................................................69
7.1 About Theory ........................................................................................................................69
7.1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................69
7.1.2 Creation of Theory ..................................................................................................69
7.1.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................69
7.1.2.2 Step 1: Stating the Problem ....................................................................69
7.1.2.3 Step 2: Simplify ......................................................................................70
7.1.2.4 Step 3: Patterns .......................................................................................70
7.1.2.5 Step 4: Repeat .........................................................................................70
7.1.2.6 Closing Words ........................................................................................70
7.1.3 Balance between Theory and Practice ...................................................................71
7.1.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................71
7.1.3.2 When and How to Use Theory ...............................................................71
7.2 Success for the Player ...........................................................................................................72
7.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................72
7.2.2 The Player and the Developer .................................................................................72