Types

Types of Game Levels

• Game Categories

  • Abstract games
    • Like Tetris
  • Themed games
    • Like Rocket League

• Three Primary Level Types

  • Linear Levels
    • Goal/mission focused
    • Player given destination at start
    • Allows focused narratives
    • More designer control
      • Define what happens when
      • Control player movement
  • Open-world Levels
    • Multiple destinations
      • Different weighted importance
    • Player chooses order
    • “Exponentially increases designer work”
    • No distinct linear path
  • Multiplayer Levels
    • Can be linear or open-world
    • Often arena-based competitive
      • Examples: Fortnite, Overwatch
    • Focus on free-for-all competition

• Course Practical

  • Student choice of level type
  • Guidelines/restrictions provided
  • Uses Unreal Engine (first-person)
    • Concepts applicable to any game type
      • Abstract
      • Realistic

Level design encompasses three main categories: linear, open-world, and multiplayer, each with distinct characteristics and design challenges. While this course uses Unreal Engine for realistic first-person implementation, the concepts can be applied universally to any game type.