The Art of Video Game Level Design – Best Practices in 2024

Ever wondered why some video games keep you hooked for hours while others lose your interest within minutes? The secret lies in their game-level design.

Imagine being transported to a world where pipes are portals to hidden kingdoms, and mushrooms grant you incredible powers. Or, picture yourself fighting for survival in a post-apocalyptic landscape where every decision counts. That’s the magic of video game-level design – the unsung hero behind the most iconic gaming experiences. 

From the nostalgic charm of Super Mario Bros. to the emotional depth of The Last of Us and the gripping challenges of Dark Souls and Portal, level design is the secret sauce that keeps gamers coming back for more.

As the global video game market hurtles towards a staggering $190 billion by 2025 (Statista), game developers are under pressure to craft experiences that captivate and retain players. But what makes gamers hungry for more? What fuels your desire to explore new worlds, conquer obstacles, and overcome the impossible? 

The answer lies in the art and science of level design – a delicate balance of creativity, psychology, and technical expertise.

In this blog post, we’ll peel back the curtain on the fascinating world of video game-level design, revealing the best practices, insider tips, and industry secrets that set your game apart.

What’s the Magic Behind Great Games?

The secret sauce behind successful games like Portal, The Last of Us, and Dark Souls is a deep understanding of player psychology and how to manipulate it to create an emotional connection. 

Recent studies reveal that 70% of players prefer levels that offer a balanced challenge, difficult enough to engage but not so tough that it becomes frustrating. This balance is achieved through meticulous design, where developers use data analytics to fine-tune difficulty curves and pacing, as seen in the expertly crafted levels of Super Mario Bros.

Another crucial element behind gaming’s most iconic experiences is the strategic use of space and layout. The Last of Us‘s use of cramped corridors and open spaces masterfully creates a sense of tension and relief. 

Designers can lead players through an experience that feels both intuitive and rewarding by carefully crafting environments that guide players naturally and create a sense of progression. 

Techniques such as audio cues, subtle narrative hints, and environmental storytelling help keep players oriented and engaged without overwhelming them. For example, the subtle sound design in Bioshock’s Rapture helps players navigate the underwater city.

Similarly, feedback loops are another proven way of perfecting the level design. This helps spot and correct issues and ensures that levels evolve based on real player experiences, aligning the gameplay with player expectations and enjoyment. The iterative design process behind games like Minecraft has led to the creation of a vast, engaging world.

As Fazal Hayat, Lead Game-level Designer at Cubix, puts it:

“Designing game levels is all about putting together a puzzle. We aim to create environments that are interesting and engaging. We make sure each level offers something new and enjoyable for players so they keep coming back for more.”

What’s Changed in Level Design?

Level design has come a long way over the years. Today, level design is more than just arranging obstacles and enemies. It is about crafting experiences that engage, challenge, and immerse players. Today’s game offer expansive worlds brimming with freedom and detail. 

Let’s dive deeper into some of the most notable trends shaping the industry today.

Open-World Design

The open-world design gives players the freedom to explore expansive and detailed game worlds on their own terms. Instead of following a fixed route, players can wander, discover hidden areas, and shape their personal adventures.

Procedural Generation

Procedural generation uses algorithms to automatically create game content, producing endless variations and new experiences. This technique helps games feel fresh and varied by generating diverse landscapes and scenarios each time you play.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Making games accessible and inclusive means creating features that let everyone enjoy them, including those with disabilities. This can involve customizable controls, adjustable difficulty levels, and visual aids, ensuring that everyone can have a great experience.

User-Generated Content

User-generated content lets players design and share their own game levels and features. This not only brings fresh ideas into the game but also keeps it exciting and engaging as the community contributes new creations.

Environmental Storytelling

Environmental storytelling relies on a game’s setting like its buildings, objects, and sounds to tell a story without much dialogue. Players uncover the narrative through their interactions with the environment, adding depth and immersion.

Experimental Design

Experimental design involves trying out new and unconventional ideas in-game levels. Developers create unique and innovative experiences that push the boundaries of what games can be by breaking traditional rules.

Tricks of the Trade: What Works in 2024

The year 2024 is bringing a host of innovative techniques that redefine how we play. Building engaging environments that provide relevant information to players without explicit instructions is paramount in level designs.

That is why, today, designers employ a variety of techniques to achieve this delicate balance. Let’s explore the secrets that are used to create unforgettable experiences and see how these techniques can enhance your gaming journey.

Advanced Color Coding Strategies

Color coding remains a powerful tool in a level designer’s arsenal. By assigning specific meanings to different colors, designers can simply guide players through complex environments. 

While basic color coding is effective, sophisticated implementations can significantly enhance the player experience:

• Gradient Systems: Game designers use color gradients to indicate progression or difficulty levels. For example, in platformer games, early, easier levels might use cool blues and greens, gradually transitioning to warmer oranges and reds for more challenging areas.
• Contextual Color Shifts: Game veterans implement dynamic color changes based on player actions or game events. This technique is particularly effective in stealth games, where the environment’s color palette might shift to indicate detection status.

Hades, famous roguelike action role-playing game, exemplifies this approach, using distinct color schemes for different domain of the underworld and each evoking a unique atmosphere and signaling different challenges to the player.

Lighting Technique Beyond Basic Illumination

Strategic lighting design goes beyond mere aesthetics. It is a crucial element in player guidance. Advanced lighting techniques can dramatically improve level design:

• Volumetric Lighting: Create depth and atmosphere while guiding player attention. Games like Control use this to highlight pathways and important objects.
• Dynamic Time-of-Day Systems: Implement changing lighting conditions to affect gameplay and navigation. Red Dead Redemption 2 uses this to great effect, with certain missions or areas becoming accessible or changing characters based on the time of day.
• Player-Reactive Lighting: Design lighting that responds to player actions or presence. This can be used for both aesthetic and gameplay purposes, as seen in Amnesia: Rebirth, where the player’s fear level affects environmental lighting.

Innovative Signposting Methods

Effective signposting through strategic placement of landmarks helps players orient themselves within the game world. Modern games are pushing the boundaries of traditional signposting:

• Organic Integration: Incorporate signposts as natural elements of the game world. Death Stranding uses holographic signs that feel like a part of its futuristic setting.
• Dynamic Waypoints: Implement adaptive signposting that changes based on player behavior or game progression. Far Cry 6 uses a system where discovered locations become permanent waypoints, encouraging exploration.
• Auditory Signposting: Utilize 3D audio cues to guide players. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice uses whispered voices not just for atmosphere, but to hint at puzzle solutions and directions.

Environmental Storytelling with Narrative Spaces

Integrating storytelling elements into level design enhances immersion and provides contextual clues for navigation. Advanced environmental storytelling techniques include:

• Interconnected Narratives: Create environments where multiple story threads intersect. What Remains of Edith Finch masterfully weaves family histories through its house design.
• Reactive Environments: Design spaces that change in response to player actions or story progression. Deathloop showcases this with its time-looping mechanic, where player actions in one loop affect the environment in subsequent loops.
• Layered Storytelling: Implement multiple levels of narrative depth in environments. Casual players can grasp the basic story, while more observant players are rewarded with deeper lore. The Dark Souls series is renowned for this approach.

Cubix’s Proven Game Level Design Strategies

1. Focus on Authenticity and Immersion

To make a game feel real and engaging, it’s important to focus on the details that create a believable world. This involves using realistic graphics, sounds, and atmosphere to pull players into the experience. 

WAGMI DEFENSE exemplifies Cubix’s approach to ‘Focus on Authenticity and Immersion.’ The game is set in a futuristic world of 3022, featuring hand-drawn sci-fi art and lively environments. Realistic sound effects and a compelling story make players feel like they are truly part of the action, enhancing their overall gaming experience.

2. Design with Purpose

It’s important that every element has a clear role and enhances the overall experience when designing game levels. Avoid adding features just for decoration. Instead, ensure each design decision supports the game’s mechanics, story, or emotional impact. 

Taunt Battleworld exemplifies Cubix’s ‘Design with Purpose’ strategy by integrating gameplay mechanics with narrative elements. Every aspect, from the strategic taunting to the post-apocalyptic environments, is thoughtfully crafted to enhance player engagement and storytelling. This intentional design approach ensures a balanced and immersive experience.

3. Balance Challenge and Reward

Balancing challenge and reward is crucial for keeping players motivated and engaged. Design challenges that are stimulating but not overwhelming, and place rewards strategically to encourage progress. 

TracK9 highlights Cubix’s ‘Balance Challenge and Reward’ strategy by offering a play-to-earn dog racing game where players breed, train, and race their NFT dogs. The game carefully calibrates difficulty and rewards, ensuring each victory feels earned and satisfying, which keeps players excited to progress.

4. Playtesting and Iteration

Playtesting is essential for refining game levels and ensuring a smooth player experience. Gather feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments. 

Likeman demonstrates Cubix’s commitment to ‘Playtesting and Iteration’ by using extensive feedback to refine its maze-based gameplay. This iterative process allowed the team to balance levels and improve the overall fun factor, creating a polished game that combines nostalgic elements with modern social features.

5. Choosing Cutting Tools for Level Game Design

Choosing the right tools is vital for effective game-level design. Tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, Houdini, and World Machine can significantly impact the quality of your game. “Finding Frez” underscores the importance of these tools by using Unity to build its immersive flying and trivia adventure. 

Unity’s advanced graphics and interactive features help create stunning 3D visuals and seamless gameplay, enhancing the overall player experience and demonstrating Cubix’s expertise in leveraging essential tools for high-quality game design.

Ready to Develop the Next Video Game Sensation?

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a chat-topping video game, now’s a great time to start. A trusted game development company like Cubix makes it easier for anyone to jump in, whether you’re a pro or it’s your first blood. 

At Cubix, our team of 200+ game experts empowers creators of all levels to turn their ideas into reality. As a go-to choice for game development, our passion for innovation and dedication to quality has earned us a reputation for delivering over 50+ exceptional gaming titles.

Join forces with industry-leading, expert game developers and turn your vision into a gaming phenomenon.