The Basics of Level Design from edX

This program is based on the Game Design & VFX School at our LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.

This course introduces you to the fundamentals of game level design—a crucial aspect of video game design that centers around the creation of playable spaces.

As a level designer, you will be required to create well-designed levels that direct the movement of the player(s) through the game—often without the player consciously recognizing they’re being directed.

This course will introduce you to the core concepts involved in designing a game level, along with important steps in the design process. The course explores what a level is, who is responsible for designing levels, and the different roles involved in game level design.

Using different sample designs, such as dungeon design and other popular genres of roguelikes and adventure games, we will identify the elements of the various stages of the design process used in the game industry and how they have evolved through time.

What you'll learn

Understand the evolution of level design and how it contributes to a player´s experience.
Identify common milestones as and some of the key roles involved in the level design process.
Implement story-based level design.
Learn how dungeon design has evolved in the context of video games, including the popular genres of roguelikes and adventure games.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a firm grounding for beginners in the fundamentals and essential concepts of game level design

An exploration of the techniques used in dungeon design

Covers the evolution of video game level design, including the creation of playable spaces and the guidance of player movement

Developed by educators associated with LaSalle College's Game Design & VFX School, a respected institution for video game design education

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 The Basics of Level Design with these activities:

Watch video tutorials on level design

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Watching video tutorials on level design will help you learn from experienced professionals.

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Find video tutorials on level design.
Watch the tutorials.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Try out the techniques you learn.

Connect with a mentor in the game industry

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Gain invaluable guidance and mentorship from an experienced professional in the game industry.

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Attend industry events or join online communities to network
Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn
Consider offering compensation or value in exchange for their mentorship

Review basic 3D modeling concepts

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Ensure you have a solid foundation in 3D modeling to support your level design efforts.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Revisit online resources or textbooks
Practice creating simple 3D models

Ten other activities

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Revisit the basics of level design

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Refreshing your knowledge of level design fundamentals will help you better understand the concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Review the principles of level design.
Identify different types of levels.
Understand the role of level design in the player's experience.

Follow a tutorial series on level design software

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Gain proficiency in a level design software by following a step-by-step tutorial series that provides hands-on experience.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Choose a level design software
Find a suitable tutorial series
Go through the tutorials, following the instructions and completing the exercises

Level Design Puzzle Practice

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Sharpen your level design skills by completing a series of puzzle challenges that test your understanding of level mechanics, pacing, and player psychology.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Access the puzzle design challenges
Work through the puzzles, experimenting with different solutions
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Review essential game design theory

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Bolster your theoretical understanding of game design principles by studying one of the foundational texts on the subject.

View Fundamentals of Game Design on Amazon

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Identify key chapters relevant to level design
Read and synthesize the concepts presented in those chapters
Summarize the main ideas in your own words

Analyze existing game levels

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Analyzing existing game levels will help you understand how level design principles are applied in practice.

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Choose a game with well-designed levels.
Play through the levels.
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the level design.
Write a report on your findings.

Participate in a level design discussion group

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Participating in a level design discussion group will allow you to share ideas and get feedback from other students.

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Join a level design discussion group.
Participate in discussions.
Share your own work.
Provide feedback to others.

Attend a level design workshop

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Immerse yourself in level design by attending a workshop led by experienced professionals who will share their insights and techniques.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Research level design workshops
Sign up for a workshop that aligns with your interests
Actively participate in the workshop, taking notes and asking questions

Create a dungeon level for a roguelike game

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Put your level design skills to the test by creating a playable dungeon level for a roguelike game.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Define the game's mechanics and setting
Plan the layout and structure of the dungeon level
Create the level using a game engine or level editor
Test and iterate on your level

Design a game level

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Creating your own game level will help you apply the principles of level design and test your understanding of the concepts covered in this course.

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Choose a game genre and theme.
Develop a concept for your level.
Create a layout for your level.
Add gameplay elements to your level.
Playtest your level and make adjustments.

Write a blog post on level design patterns

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Share your understanding of level design patterns by writing a blog post that explores the different types and their applications.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Research level design patterns
Select several patterns to focus on
Write the blog post, including examples and explanations

Career center

Learners who complete The Basics of Level Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Level Designer

Level Designers plan, design, and create the physical spaces and environments in video games. They play a pivotal role in the player experience, and require a keen eye for detail, an understanding of game mechanics, and proficiency with design tools. This course, The Basics of Level Design, lays a strong foundation in the core concepts and processes of level design, including an examination of popular design genres like dungeon and roguelike design. For aspiring Level Designers, it offers valuable insights into the creative and technical aspects of constructing engaging and immersive game environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Game Designer

Game Designers are responsible for the overall design and vision of video games. They collaborate with other team members, including Level Designers, to create a cohesive and engaging player experience. This course provides a foundation in the principles and practices of level design, which is an essential aspect of game design. It can help aspiring Game Designers understand the technical and creative challenges of designing effective game levels, and how level design contributes to the player journey.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

World Builder

World Builders craft the fictional settings and environments for various forms of media, including video games. While their focus may not be solely on level design, a strong grounding in level design principles and techniques can be highly beneficial. This course introduces the fundamentals of level design, including the evolution of design concepts, the role of story-based design, and the practical steps involved in creating compelling game environments. It can help aspiring World Builders develop a deeper understanding of the spatial and narrative aspects of world-building, particularly in interactive digital environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for World Builder

Technical Designer

Technical Designers bridge the gap between game design and programming by creating and implementing gameplay systems and mechanics. While not directly responsible for level design, an understanding of level design principles can be advantageous for Technical Designers. This course provides an introduction to the technical aspects of level design, such as level layout, object placement, and gameplay flow. It can help aspiring Technical Designers gain insights into the practical considerations and technical constraints involved in designing functional and engaging game environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Designer

Narrative Designer

Narrative Designers shape the story and dialogue in video games, crafting compelling narratives that drive the player experience. While their focus is on storytelling, an understanding of level design can enhance their ability to create immersive and cohesive game worlds. This course introduces the principles of level design, including how to use environmental storytelling and spatial cues to convey narrative elements. For aspiring Narrative Designers interested in developing interactive and engaging game narratives, this course can provide valuable insights into the spatial aspects of storytelling in virtual environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Narrative Designer

Environment Artist

Environment Artists create the visual assets and environments for video games. While their primary focus is on the artistic aspects, a foundational understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course provides an overview of level design concepts, including the principles of spatial layout, visual composition, and gameplay integration. It can help aspiring Environment Artists develop a better understanding of the technical and creative considerations involved in designing effective and visually appealing game environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environment Artist

Gameplay Programmer

Gameplay Programmers implement the game mechanics and systems that govern how a game plays. While not directly responsible for level design, an understanding of level design principles can be advantageous. This course provides an introduction to the technical aspects of level design, such as level scripting, object interaction, and gameplay flow. It can help aspiring Gameplay Programmers gain insights into the practical considerations and technical constraints involved in designing functional and engaging game environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gameplay Programmer

Game Producer

Game Producers oversee the development and production of video games, managing teams and ensuring the project's success. While their focus is on the overall management aspects, an understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course provides an overview of level design concepts, including the principles of spatial layout, visual composition, and gameplay integration. It can help aspiring Game Producers develop a better understanding of the creative and technical challenges involved in developing engaging and cohesive game environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Producer

UX Designer

UX Designers focus on improving the user experience of digital products, including video games. While their focus is on usability and accessibility, an understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course introduces the principles of level design, including how to create intuitive and engaging user experiences through spatial layout and visual cues. For aspiring UX Designers interested in designing immersive and user-friendly game environments, this course can provide valuable insights into the spatial and interactive aspects of user experience design.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Game Animator

Game Animators bring characters and objects to life in video games. While their focus is on animation, an understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course provides an overview of level design concepts, including the principles of spatial layout and gameplay flow. It can help aspiring Game Animators develop a better understanding of the technical and creative considerations involved in designing effective and visually appealing game environments.

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Game Tester

Game Testers ensure the quality and functionality of video games before their release. While their focus is on testing and debugging, an understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course provides an overview of level design concepts, including the principles of spatial layout, gameplay flow, and environmental storytelling. It can help aspiring Game Testers develop a better understanding of the creative and technical aspects involved in designing effective and engaging game environments.

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Concept Artist

Concept Artists create visual concepts and ideas for video games, including environments and characters. While their focus is on the artistic aspects, an understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course provides an overview of level design concepts, including the principles of spatial layout, visual composition, and gameplay integration. It can help aspiring Concept Artists develop a better understanding of the technical and creative considerations involved in designing effective and visually appealing game environments.

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Game Writer

Game Writers create the stories, dialogue, and characters for video games. While their focus is on writing, an understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course introduces the principles of level design, including how to use environmental storytelling and spatial cues to convey narrative elements. For aspiring Game Writers interested in developing immersive and engaging game narratives, this course can provide valuable insights into the spatial aspects of storytelling in virtual environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer

Audio Designer

Audio Designers create and implement the sound effects and music for video games. While their focus is on audio, an understanding of level design can be beneficial. This course provides an overview of level design concepts, including the principles of spatial layout, gameplay flow, and environmental storytelling. It can help aspiring Audio Designers develop a better understanding of the creative and technical considerations involved in designing effective and engaging game environments.

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Indie Game Developer

Indie Game Developers are independent game creators who work outside of traditional game studios. They may be responsible for all aspects of game development, including level design. This course provides a comprehensive overview of level design concepts and techniques, from the basics of spatial layout to the implementation of gameplay mechanics. For aspiring Indie Game Developers, it offers valuable insights into the creative and technical challenges of designing effective and engaging game levels, empowering them to create compelling gaming experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indie Game Developer