Greyboxing

Understanding Greyboxing

• Definition and Origin:

• Term comes from using “grey/white boxes to mock up level”
• Uses primitive shapes with:
  • No texture information
  • No color information
• Creates distinction between:
  • Digital mock-up
  • Level with full assets

• Core Purpose:

• Keeps level simple for:
  • Playing around
  • Iteration
  • Changes
  • Testing
• “Nothing is precious”:
  • Can toss anything without remorse
  • No remaking of assets needed
• Primary goal: Testing gameplay without art assets

• Final Stage Process:

• After greybox finalization:
  • Start incorporating real assets
  • Replace greybox with:
    • Environmental artist assets
    • Prop artist assets
  • Begin populating/set dressing level

Greyboxing is a foundational level design technique using simple shapes to test gameplay before committing to final art. This approach maximizes iteration potential while minimizing resource waste.