Level design Masterclass : Theorizing before crafting from Udemy

This course is about giving the basic theorical tools of a level designer.

Too often level design is presented as a technical skills job only, eclipsing completly the thoughts a great level needs. Today a first year junior can be a level designer, and tomorrow an IA will replace him. "Doing" is not a tomorrow job. Internet offers thousand of tutorials on how to handle a game engine ; but without explaining what to do. How to create stronger emotions? How to offer a better game experiences? How to get the best value out of our 50h of work a week?This course is about thinking before doing. The difference between junior and senior.

All along the course we will go in deep with basic ingredients, understanding their effect onto the player's experience. More than an exhaustive list of tools, this course use real examples coming from my ten years experience into level and game design, to give practical utilities.

During the talk we will discuss about level design into a game production environment, not an independant designer working in a dark basement, alone. My hope is to share my experiences and allow you to be "studio ready" when you will enter you first job, or theorize thing you were doing by instinct, allowing you to improve yourself.

Always it will be with the scope of a level designer into a real studio, into a real pipeline, with constrains, teammates and deadlines. No fancy dreams of video games. Just reality.

Every course has english caption / subtitles.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the toolsets of professional level designers
Transition from a junior "doer" to a senior "thinker"
Get a rationnal approach to video game creation

Understand the consequences of design choices on a game production
Analyse the level design of famous aaa games

Learn the toolsets of professional level designers
Transition from a junior "doer" to a senior "thinker"
Get a rationnal approach to video game creation
Understand the consequences of design choices on a game production
Analyse the level design of famous aaa games

Syllabus

Introduction

About the speaker

Disclaimer about design in general

Scenario of a level

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the theoretical underpinnings of level design, which complements technical skills and helps designers create more engaging experiences

Focuses on the practical realities of level design within a game production environment, including constraints, teamwork, and deadlines

Examines the use of scenarios, constraints, and contrasts in level design, which are essential elements for creating compelling gameplay

Analyzes level design in famous AAA games, which provides practical examples and insights for aspiring designers

Aims to help learners transition from a junior "doer" to a senior "thinker", which is a valuable step in professional development

Requires learners to analyze and theorize about level design, which may not appeal to learners seeking hands-on technical training alone

Reviews summary

Level design theory masterclass

According to learners, this course offers a valuable dive into the theoretical underpinnings of level design, focusing on the crucial 'why' behind design choices rather than just the 'how'. Students appreciate the instructor's extensive industry experience and the course's emphasis on the challenges and realities of working in a studio environment. Many find it successfully helps transition thinking from a junior 'doer' to a more senior 'thinker'. However, some reviewers note that while the theory is strong, the course lacks practical application or exercises, which might leave some learners wanting more hands-on experience. The approach is best suited for those ready to engage with abstract concepts and strategic thinking in game development.

Variable pacing and some dryness.

"Some sections felt a bit rushed, while others seemed to dwell too long on a single point. The pacing could be more consistent."

"While the content is valuable, some lectures can feel a bit dry without visual examples or practical demonstrations to break up the theory."

"The structure is logical, moving from fundamentals like scenario and constraints to more complex ideas, but delivery sometimes lacks dynamism."

"Required focused attention due to the lecture-heavy format. Not for passive learning."

Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.

"The instructor clearly knows his stuff and is passionate about the subject. His delivery is engaging despite the theoretical nature."

"His insights are backed by significant experience, which lends immense credibility to the concepts being taught."

"Found the instructor's perspective unique and valuable. He communicates complex ideas effectively."

"Knowledgeable and articulate speaker. Made the dense theoretical topics accessible and interesting."

Helps transition from 'doer' to 'thinker'.

"Successfully challenges you to think more strategically and less just about the technical execution. A true masterclass in thinking."

"It changed the way I approach designing levels, making me consider the player experience and narrative utility more deeply."

"This course provides the intellectual framework needed to evolve past basic technical skills and become a more thoughtful designer."

"The focus on 'theorizing before crafting' is exactly what I needed to elevate my design process beyond just instinct."

Based on real studio experience.

"The instructor shares invaluable lessons learned from years of working in the game industry. This isn't abstract academia, it's practical reality."

"Hearing about the constraints and pipeline of a real studio was eye-opening and directly relevant to my career goals."

"The examples drawn from his professional experience make the concepts much more relatable and underscore the importance of the theory in practice."

"It feels like you're getting mentorship from a seasoned professional, offering guidance on how to approach design challenges effectively in a team."

Emphasizes 'why' over 'how'.

"This course is brilliant if you want to understand the theory and the WHY behind level design, not just how to use an engine. It shifts your perspective."

"Provides excellent insights into the thinking process of a senior level designer. Not a hands-on tutorial, but a theoretical masterclass as promised."

"Exactly what I was looking for: a deep dive into the concepts and principles of level design. It teaches you to think critically about your work."

"I wanted to move beyond just placing assets and understand the foundational ideas. This course delivered on that promise exceptionally well."

Limited hands-on exercises or demos.

"While the theory is solid, I really missed having some practical exercises or demonstrations on how to apply these concepts in a real engine."

"Expected at least some examples showing the theory being built out visually, not just discussed. It's very abstract."

"This course is purely theoretical. If you're looking for software tutorials or practical workflows, look elsewhere. The title is accurate, but be warned."

"Could use more case studies or breakdowns of how the theory was applied step-by-step in the games mentioned. It would bridge the gap."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Level design Masterclass : Theorizing before crafting with these activities:

Review Game Design Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of core game design concepts before diving into level design specifics.

Browse courses on Game Design Fundamentals

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Review notes from previous game design courses.
Read articles or watch videos on game design.
Take a short quiz on game design principles.

Read 'Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design'

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Gain a broader understanding of game design principles and how they relate to level design, providing a solid foundation for the course.

View Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Level Up!'.
Read the sections on level design and game mechanics.
Consider how these principles can be applied.

Identify Landmarks in Existing Game Levels

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Sharpen your ability to recognize landmarks by playing through existing game levels and identifying key visual cues.

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Choose a few well-known game levels.
Play through the levels, focusing on landmarks.
Make a list of the landmarks you identify.
Explain why they are effective.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Analyze Level Design in a Favorite Game

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Deepen your understanding of level design principles by dissecting a game you enjoy and identifying how the concepts from the course are applied (or not).

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Choose a game with notable level design.
Play through several levels, taking notes.
Identify the scenario, constraints, and contrasts.
Write a short analysis of the level design.

Design a Level on Paper

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Practice applying the theoretical concepts by designing a level on paper, focusing on scenario, constraints, and contrasts.

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Choose a game genre and setting.
Sketch out a level layout on paper.
Define the scenario, constraints, and contrasts.
Annotate the design with notes.

Write a Blog Post on Level Design Clichés

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Reinforce your understanding of clichés in level design by writing a blog post that explores common examples and how to subvert them.

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Brainstorm a list of common level design clichés.
Choose a few clichés to focus on.
Write a blog post describing the clichés.
Suggest ways to subvert or improve them.

Read 'Game Feel: A Game Designer's Guide to Virtual Sensation'

Show steps

Explore the importance of player sensation and feedback in level design, enhancing your understanding of creating engaging experiences.

View Game Feel (Morgan Kaufmann Game Design Books) on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Game Feel'.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how these concepts apply to level design.

Career center

Learners who complete Level design Masterclass : Theorizing before crafting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Level Designer

The role of a Level Designer is to craft engaging and functional environments for video games. This Level Design Masterclass helps those who want to move beyond just implementing technical skills by providing fundamental theoretical tools. Level designers determine how the player navigates through the game world, creating challenges, puzzles, and opportunities for exploration. This course provides a rational approach to video game creation, enabling level designers to transition from merely 'doing' tasks to critically 'thinking' about the consequences of their design choices on the entire game production. Learning about constraints, clichés, and uniqueness of a level design, as taught in this course, helps build a foundation to create better player experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Game Designer

A Game Designer conceptualizes and designs the overall gameplay experience, and this course helps to deepen one's understanding of level design principles that are integral to that experience. Game designers often work closely with level designers. This course emphasizes the importance of thinking before doing, which aligns directly with the responsibilities of a game designer. The course discusses level design within a real studio environment with teammates and deadlines, which is useful for a game designer. The study of contrasts, landmarks, and the scenario of a level helps refine the analytical skills needed to design compelling games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Creative Director

A Creative Director oversees the artistic vision and direction of a game. This course is about level design in a game production environment. Creative directors need to understand the nuances of level design, and this course provides a theoretical framework. By understanding the complexities of a level creation, a creative director can better guide the artistic direction of the project. The emphasis this course places on the real-world studio pipeline is useful for a creative director who is overseeing a project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Indie Game Developer

An Indie Game Developer works independently or in a small team to create and publish their own games. A developer needs to understand the basics of level design, and this course provides some fundamental theoretical tools. Indie game developers wear many hats, and a strong understanding of level design principles is important for creating compelling gaming experiences. This course's learning objective of transitioning from doing to thinking is crucial for a game developer. The exploration of how to elicit emotion from level design helps develop indie games that resonate with players.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indie Game Developer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designer focuses on improving the usability and enjoyment of the game for the player. This Masterclass may be useful because it explores elements that can enhance a player's emotional engagement and overall game experience. These designers are concerned with the player's journey through the game and the user interface that facilitates it. The course's real-world examples and discussions on how to elicit emotion through design allows a user experience designer to better understand how their work impacts player behavior and satisfaction. The concepts of landmarks and contrasts provides a framework for improving the user experience in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Environment Artist

An Environment Artist creates the visual elements of a game's world, working closely with level designers to realize the artistic direction. This course explores the constraints, clichés, and uniqueness of a level design, which will likely be helpful. This individual designs and builds the levels that players will experience. The course encourages designers to think about the effects of a level on the player's experience. Grasping these concepts helps an environment artist enhance the visual storytelling and atmosphere of the game world. The course's emphasis on 'thinking before doing' could allow an environment artist to create more meaningful and engaging environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environment Artist

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates learning experiences, often for online courses or training programs. This course is designed to help designers think more clearly. Instructional designers must structure content in a way that is engaging and optimizes learning outcomes. This course provides a framework for how to create a game experience that has an impact on the player. Taking this course could help an instructional designer to become a better educator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Technical Artist

A Technical Artist bridges the gap between art and programming, often creating tools and workflows to streamline game development. The course explores the impact of design choices on production, which is useful for a technical artist who works with the constraints of a development pipeline. This role requires a strong understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of game design. The course emphasizes the real-world studio pipeline, which is useful for a technical artist who works with the constraints of a development pipeline. This course may allow the technical artist to better understand how to optimize their tools and workflows for level design. The emphasis it places on practical utilities and design consequences helps a designer create better tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Augmented Reality Designer

An Augmented Reality Designer creates interactive experiences that blend the virtual and the real world. The understanding of level design can assist with blending these elements. This role requires a blend of creative and technical skills. The emphasis this course places on thinking before doing can aid in better understanding of the player's experience. Having knowledge of scenario constraints and clichés could prove useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Augmented Reality Designer

Gameplay Programmer

A Gameplay Programmer implements the mechanics and systems that make a game interactive. This course explores the nuances of level design, including how it impacts the player's experience, which may be useful. Gameplay programmers translate design ideas into functional code. By exploring the relationship between design choices and player emotions, a gameplay programmer can write better code that brings the level designer's vision to life. The course's emphasis on thinking before doing helps a programmer align their work with the desired player experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gameplay Programmer

Game Producer

A Game Producer manages the development process, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. The importance of understanding the technical and the theoretical elements of level design is paramount for Producers. This course provides insights into the practical realities of level design within a studio environment, especially the scenario of a level. Understanding the constraints, deadlines, and team dynamics involved in level creation is crucial for a game producer. Gaining a deeper understanding of level design intricacies may allow a producer to better manage the team and the project's scope.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Producer

Quality Assurance Tester

A Quality Assurance Tester identifies bugs and provides feedback on game functionality, allowing the quality of games to improve. The course focuses on the effects of level design on a player's experience. This course may be useful because it emphasizes the nuances of level design and the overall player experience. Testers provide feedback on level flow, difficulty, and potential issues. The course gives insights into the design choices that affect player experience, which helps a tester provide more informed and relevant feedback. The course can help testers become more attuned to how design elements contribute to the overall quality of the game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Tester

Game Writer

A Game Writer crafts the narrative, dialogue, and world-building elements of a video game. This Masterclass explores the scenario of a level and the importance of giving a level uniqueness, which may be useful. Game writers work to create an immersive experience for the player. This course focuses on how to engage the player to generate a more emotional experience. The course's exploration of scenario creation, clichés, game analysis, and uniqueness could help a game writer develop more compelling narratives, even in levels that are not story-driven. The course gives a framework for storytelling within the game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer

Animator

An Animator creates the movement and behavior of characters and objects within a game. The course is focused on the theoretical aspects of level design. This course may be useful because it examines the effects of design choices on a game production. The course provides insight into how level design affects player experience. This understanding helps animators create animations that match the environment. The exploration of landmarks is important for the animation to work seamlessly. The course's exploration of the player experience could help an animator refine their craft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Sound Designer

A Sound Designer creates the soundscape of a game, including music, sound effects, and ambience. The course is focused on the theoretical aspects of level design. This course may be useful because it examines the effects of design choices on a game production. Level constraints are discussed, and this helps a sound designer to create sounds that match the game's environment. The course's exploration of the player experience can help a designer with their craft. The course's discussions on how contrasts are used to entertain a player can improve sound design decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Level design Masterclass

Theorizing before crafting

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

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Reviews summary

Level design theory masterclass

Activities

Career center

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