Summary of Ideation and Level Pitch | Level Design Devlog #2
In this episode of the Level Design Devlog, Ryan discusses the pre-production phase of creating a World War II first-person shooter game, focusing on the ideation and level pitch process.
Storyline Overview
- The level is set in Templehof Airport, a historically significant building in Berlin during WWII.
- The narrative follows two U.S. soldiers who become separated from their unit and aim to reach the airport to use its communications to regroup with their army.
- The backdrop involves the airport being taken over by Soviet forces during the Battle of Berlin, with American troops nearby hesitant to engage due to previous heavy losses.
Gameplay Highlights
- Non-linear Design: Players can choose their paths, leading to varied experiences until they converge at the airport for a more linear gameplay segment.
- Unique Gameplay Moments:
- Sniper Assist: Players must navigate to different positions to assist a pinned-down soldier.
- Shell-Shocked Companion: One soldier experiences a breakdown, requiring the player to defend while also providing emotional support.
- Hide and Seek: Players must stealthily navigate through areas to avoid or engage German troops.
- Vehicle Sabotage: Players can disable enemy vehicles, affecting the difficulty of encounters.
Key Tips for Level Design
- Documentation: Start with high-level documentation to capture ideas and pitch them effectively to the team.
- Curiosity-Driven Design: Let curiosity guide the creative process without over-planning or restricting imagination.
- Visual Presentation: Use images and videos to convey ideas rather than relying heavily on text; keep presentations concise to maintain audience interest.
- Emotionally Immersive Gameplay: Aim to evoke emotions that align with the narrative to enhance player immersion.
Featured Gamers/Sources
- Ryan (host of the design den)
Notable Quotes
— 07:17 — « Let your curiosity guide you; I know that seems silly and vague, but there's no need to over-formulize this part of the process. »
— 07:49 — « Less is more; remember to limit the amount of text and rambling that you do during the presentation. »
— 08:41 — « The goal is to potentially evoke matching emotions on a player and pull them into these soldier shoes. »
— 09:36 — « Lightly tap the subscribe button so you get the notifications. »
Category
Gaming