Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
camera-design conditions into account). If this game supports large, multi-
player populations, then space needs to be calculated to fit them all in, and the
geometry must allow the camera to frame all the players and relevant space for
their actions (such as combat).
If 3,000 players can fit in the level at any given time, will the city support that
many, or will they be standing on top of each other? How much physical space
is required? How will the players see the action? How do they keep track of
enemies and friends? If there is a boss fight, how does the boss move? How does
the player? How is the shot framed? Again, there is logic here.
As work on the level progresses and areas are set aside for major events to
occur (perhaps the start point has been determined along with safe havens and
so on), an important aspect of the level design is how to guide the player toward
the intended goal.
This can include designing visuals so the player is attracted to something in
the distance, such as bright lights or colors. Power-ups or mini-quests can be
placed in the level to outline the critical path as well.
Make sure your level
can fit all the people
who need to be in it!
m
o s t
P
o P u l a r
l
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designs for 2011 are in the following games:
Half-Life
No One Lives Forever
Thief: The Dark Project
Clive Barker's Undying
Deus Ex
Level editors
A
level editor
(or designer) is the person who designs the arrangement, look, and
feel of a level and determines what the gameplay will be there. The term can also
apply to the type of game-development tool (software) used to build, script, and
edit assets and events within the level. We're talking about the latter type here.
Numerous types of level-editing tools (software) can be used to build game
worlds. Technology is ever-changing, so this topic doesn't place much emphasis
on this type of software, but we'll explain what a level editor does.
The level editor allows the designer to incorporate art assets from other tools such
as Photoshop or 3D packages like Maya and CINEMA 4D. It also allows for the
the first game to
employ someone as
an actual level editor
was
lode Runner
.
