Level Up!

1. Game Design is a Multifaceted Art

The tricks and techniques found in this second edition of Level Up! are MY WAYS of creating game design.

Game design is diverse. There's no single "right" way to approach game design; what matters is effectively communicating your ideas. The book presents one perspective, acknowledging that many valid approaches exist. The key is to find methods that work for you and your team.

Teamwork is essential. Video games are collaborative creations, involving many talented individuals. Attributing success solely to one person, like the designer, is inaccurate and egotistical. Acknowledging the contributions of programmers, artists, testers, and others is crucial.

Gameplay is paramount. Every aspect of game development, from cutscenes to monetization models, should be considered in terms of its impact on gameplay. The player experience should be at the forefront of every decision.

2. Ideas are Everywhere, Marketable Ones are Gold

Every good idea borders on the stupid.

Inspiration is abundant. Game ideas can come from anywhere: books, movies, personal experiences, or even bad games. The key is to consume widely, let ideas percolate, and apply your unique perspective. Don't dismiss seemingly silly concepts.

Marketability matters. While passion is essential, game ideas must also be marketable to a broader audience. Balancing personal vision with commercial viability is a constant challenge for game designers.

Iteration is key. Building upon existing ideas and gameplay mechanics is a proven strategy for success. Even innovative games draw inspiration from their predecessors. Understanding the evolution of game design is crucial for creating something new and engaging.

3. Storytelling Enhances Gameplay

If gameplay is the meat of the game, then story should be the salt: just enough will add flavor, but too much can ruin everything and kill you.

Story serves gameplay. While not all games require a complex narrative, a well-crafted story can significantly enhance the player experience. The story should always support the gameplay, not the other way around.

Narrative vs. Story. Every game generates a narrative, an order of events experienced by the player. Designers should focus on creating multiple enjoyable narratives, even in games without a traditional story.

The Triangle of Weirdness. When crafting a game's story, choose only one element to be truly "weird": characters, activities, or world. Overdoing it can alienate players.

4. Documentation is Key to Game Development

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Game design documents are essential. A game design document (GDD) outlines everything in your game, serving as a blueprint for the development team. While creating a GDD can be time-consuming, it's a crucial step in ensuring a cohesive and well-defined final product.

Communication is paramount. The primary goal of game design documentation is clear communication. The GDD should be written in a way that is easily understood by all team members, regardless of their discipline.

The One-Sheet and Ten-Pager. Before writing the full GDD, create a one-sheet and a ten-pager to outline the core concepts of the game. These shorter documents can help to refine the idea and get buy-in from stakeholders.

5. Characters Drive Gameplay

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Character is key. Compelling characters are essential for engaging players and driving the narrative. Invest time in developing characters that players care about, even if they are destined to die.

The Yorda Effect. Creating a co-dependent relationship between the player character and a non-player character (NPC) can foster a strong emotional connection. Make the NPC's survival critical to the player's success.

Character-driven humor. Humor in games should stem from the characters' personalities, not from cheap gags. Consistent character traits and actions can create genuinely funny moments.

6. Camera and Control are Paramount

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The Three Cs. Character, Camera, and Controls are the three fundamental elements of game design. These elements should be established early in preproduction and remain consistent throughout development.

Camera choice matters. The camera view significantly impacts gameplay, level design, and art creation. Choose the right camera for your game and stick with it.

Control is king. Ergonomic and intuitive controls are crucial for a positive player experience. Consider the player's hand position and the physical limitations of the controller.

7. Level Design: Theme Parks and Dungeons

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Levels tell stories. Levels should be designed to transport players through a narrative, much like the attractions in a theme park. Use foreshadowing, goal setting, and a clear sense of progression to create engaging experiences.

Alleys vs. Islands. Level design can be broadly categorized into two types: alleys (linear, directed experiences) and islands (open, explorable environments). Choose the style that best suits your game's gameplay and narrative.

Weenies guide players. Use architectural landmarks and visual cues to guide players through the level and prevent them from getting lost.

8. Combat: More Than Just Violence

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Combat is a core element. Combat is a popular and engaging element in many video games. A well-designed combat system requires careful consideration of character abilities, enemy AI, and level design.

Balance is key. Combat should be challenging but fair. Avoid creating situations that feel cheap or unfair to the player.

Variety is essential. Offer players a range of combat options, including melee attacks, ranged weapons, and special abilities. This keeps combat fresh and engaging.

9. Enemies: More Than Just Target Practice

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Enemies define the challenge. Enemies are more than just targets; they are integral to the gameplay experience. Their size, behavior, speed, and attacks should be carefully designed to create engaging and challenging encounters.

Enemy combinations create complexity. Design enemies to complement each other, forcing players to adapt their strategies and make tactical decisions.

Boss battles are climaxes. Boss battles should be memorable and challenging encounters that test the player's skills and reward their progress.

10. Mechanics: The Nuts and Bolts of Gameplay

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Mechanics define interaction. Mechanics are the building blocks of gameplay, the objects and systems that players interact with to create meaningful experiences.

Variety is key. Offer players a range of mechanics to interact with, from moving platforms to switches and levers. This keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Timing is everything. Timing puzzles can create tense and exciting moments, but they must be fair and predictable.

11. Power-Ups: Rewards and Progression

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Power-ups enhance gameplay. Power-ups provide temporary boosts to the player's abilities, adding variety and excitement to the gameplay.

Variety is key. Offer a range of power-ups, including defensive, offensive, and movement enhancements. This allows players to customize their play style and adapt to different situations.

Balance is essential. Power-ups should be powerful but not game-breaking. Carefully consider the duration and effects of each power-up to maintain a balanced gameplay experience.

12. Multiplayer: The Social Dimension of Gaming

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Multiplayer adds depth. Multiplayer modes add a social dimension to gaming, allowing players to compete and cooperate with others.

Variety is key. Offer a range of multiplayer modes, including competitive, cooperative, and conjugate gameplay. This caters to different player preferences and play styles.

Balance is essential. Carefully balance the gameplay to ensure that all players have a fair and enjoyable experience.

Last updated: March 21, 2025