Levels - Revision history

Staffan Björk at 21:52, 19 March 2018

2018-03-19T21:52:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:52, 19 March 2018
Line 22:		Line 22:

	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance (one reason may be to try and provide more [[Varied Gameplay]]). While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. An alternative is to create algorithms that create [[Levels]], making them into [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] (and typically meaning that [[Randomness]] becomes a big part of designing the [[Levels]]). While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].		When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance (one reason may be to try and provide more [[Varied Gameplay]]). Whenever [[Randomness]] is used the option of letting players provide [[Explicit Random Seeds]] emerges which can allow players to choose between having [[Randomness]] or replaying specific setups. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. An alternative is to create algorithms that create [[Levels]], making them into [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] (and typically meaning that [[Randomness]] becomes a big part of designing the [[Levels]]). While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].

	Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]]. [[Ever Increasing Difficulty]] can be added to a game by steadily making [[Levels]] more difficult; combine with [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] this can be true past any players ability to complete [[Levels]], otherwise it ends when finishing the game.		Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]]. [[Ever Increasing Difficulty]] can be added to a game by steadily making [[Levels]] more difficult; combine with [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] this can be true past any players ability to complete [[Levels]], otherwise it ends when finishing the game.
Line 149:		Line 149:
	[[Environmental Effects]],		[[Environmental Effects]],
	[[Environmental Storytelling]],		[[Environmental Storytelling]],
			[[Explicit Random Seeds]],
	[[Facilitating Rewards]],		[[Facilitating Rewards]],
	[[Flanking Routes]],		[[Flanking Routes]],

Staffan Björk at 13:19, 12 January 2018

2018-01-12T13:19:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:19, 12 January 2018
Line 48:		Line 48:

	=== Interface Aspects ===		=== Interface Aspects ===
	[[Mini-maps]] are quite common interface tools to help with the [[Game World Navigation]] of [[Levels]].		[[Mini-maps]] are quite common interface tools to help with the [[Game World Navigation]] of [[Levels]]. [[Level Summaries]] can be used after a [[Levels]] are completed to provide players with information on how well they completed the [[Levels]] both regarding required and [[Optional Goals]].

	=== Narrative Aspects ===		=== Narrative Aspects ===
Line 163:		Line 163:
	[[Laning]],		[[Laning]],
	[[Landmarks]],		[[Landmarks]],
			[[Level Summaries]],
	[[Line of Sight]],		[[Line of Sight]],
	[[Mini-maps]],		[[Mini-maps]],

Staffan Björk at 09:32, 7 September 2016

2016-09-07T09:32:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:32, 7 September 2016
Line 22:		Line 22:

	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. An alternative is to create algorithms that create [[Levels]], making them into [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] (and typically meaning that [[Randomness]] becomes a big part of designing the [[Levels]]). While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].		When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance (one reason may be to try and provide more [[Varied Gameplay]]). While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. An alternative is to create algorithms that create [[Levels]], making them into [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] (and typically meaning that [[Randomness]] becomes a big part of designing the [[Levels]]). While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].

	Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]]. [[Ever Increasing Difficulty]] can be added to a game by steadily making [[Levels]] more difficult; combine with [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] this can be true past any players ability to complete [[Levels]], otherwise it ends when finishing the game.		Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]]. [[Ever Increasing Difficulty]] can be added to a game by steadily making [[Levels]] more difficult; combine with [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] this can be true past any players ability to complete [[Levels]], otherwise it ends when finishing the game.
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	==== with [[Randomness]] ====		==== with [[Randomness]] ====
	[[Replayability]]		[[Replayability]],
			[[Varied Gameplay]]

	==== with [[Spawn Points]] ====		==== with [[Spawn Points]] ====

Staffan Björk at 07:43, 3 September 2016

2016-09-03T07:43:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:43, 3 September 2016
Line 22:		Line 22:

	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].		When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. An alternative is to create algorithms that create [[Levels]], making them into [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] (and typically meaning that [[Randomness]] becomes a big part of designing the [[Levels]]). While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].

	Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]].		Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]]. [[Ever Increasing Difficulty]] can be added to a game by steadily making [[Levels]] more difficult; combine with [[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]] this can be true past any players ability to complete [[Levels]], otherwise it ends when finishing the game.

	The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them such as [[Laning]], can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].		The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them such as [[Laning]], can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].
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	[[Closure Points]],		[[Closure Points]],
	[[Diegetic Consistency]],		[[Diegetic Consistency]],
			[[Ever Increasing Difficulty]],
	[[Extra Chances]],		[[Extra Chances]],
	[[Freedom of Choice]],		[[Freedom of Choice]],
Line 126:		Line 127:
	[[Instances]],		[[Instances]],
	[[Player Created Game Elements]],		[[Player Created Game Elements]],
			[[Procedurally Generated Game Areas]],
	[[Tiles]]		[[Tiles]]

Staffan Björk at 12:19, 1 September 2016

2016-09-01T12:19:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:19, 1 September 2016
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]].		Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]].

	The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them, can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].		The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them such as [[Laning]], can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].

	Many of these are inherently [[Strategic Locations]] while others can become this due to rarity or their position in relation to other game elements. In addition, using different setups can provide further [[Varied Gameplay]] and [[Surprises]]. In addition to these diegetic elements, [[Levels]] can be populated with non-diegetic elements such as [[Geospatial Game Widgets]], [[Check Points]], [[Save Points]], and [[Spawn Points]], of which the latter provide the possibility of [[Game Element Insertion]] during gameplay on the [[Levels\|Level]]. Where [[Spawning]] of players' [[Avatars]] occur is especially important as this determines the starting conditions for the players, and this can be used to create [[Tension]] if it puts them in danger from their very appearance - this can be avoid by putting the [[Spawn Points]] in [[Safe Havens]]. [[Warp Zones]] can be created both as abstract entities or [[Installations]], and can be used to either connect together different parts of the [[Levels\|Level]] or provide the means to move to other [[Levels]]. [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] can be used to draw players' attention to any of these elements in the [[Levels]], or to draw them towards [[Red Herrings]].		Many of these are inherently [[Strategic Locations]] while others can become this due to rarity or their position in relation to other game elements. In addition, using different setups can provide further [[Varied Gameplay]] and [[Surprises]]. In addition to these diegetic elements, [[Levels]] can be populated with non-diegetic elements such as [[Geospatial Game Widgets]], [[Check Points]], [[Save Points]], and [[Spawn Points]], of which the latter provide the possibility of [[Game Element Insertion]] during gameplay on the [[Levels\|Level]]. Where [[Spawning]] of players' [[Avatars]] occur is especially important as this determines the starting conditions for the players, and this can be used to create [[Tension]] if it puts them in danger from their very appearance - this can be avoid by putting the [[Spawn Points]] in [[Safe Havens]]. [[Warp Zones]] can be created both as abstract entities or [[Installations]], and can be used to either connect together different parts of the [[Levels\|Level]] or provide the means to move to other [[Levels]]. [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] can be used to draw players' attention to any of these elements in the [[Levels]], or to draw them towards [[Red Herrings]].
Line 158:		Line 158:
	[[Invisible Walls]],		[[Invisible Walls]],
	[[Irreversible Events]],		[[Irreversible Events]],
			[[Laning]],
	[[Landmarks]],		[[Landmarks]],
	[[Line of Sight]],		[[Line of Sight]],

Staffan Björk at 08:03, 11 August 2016

2016-08-11T08:03:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:03, 11 August 2016
Line 24:		Line 24:
	When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].		When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].

	Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]].		Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]]. This either increases what is required for having [[Gameplay Mastery]] of a game or requires flexibility to be part of [[Gameplay Mastery]].

	The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them, can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].		The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them, can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].
Line 116:		Line 116:
	[[Game World Navigation]],		[[Game World Navigation]],
	[[Game Worlds]],		[[Game Worlds]],
			[[Gameplay Mastery]],
	[[Hotseating]],		[[Hotseating]],
	[[Movement]]		[[Movement]]

Staffan Björk at 12:27, 20 July 2016

2016-07-20T12:27:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 20 July 2016
Line 22:		Line 22:

	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]).		When implementing [[Levels]] in a game, game designers must decide how many [[Levels]] the game contains, how they differ and relate to each other, and if they are parts of a larger [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] (e.g. through [[Instances]]) or constitute the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]]. Another aspect is how much [[Randomness]] is to be used in the creation of the [[Levels]] for each game instance. While most of the comments about how [[Levels]] can be designed below assume that these are created by game designers, games such as the [[Advance Wars series]] and [[LittleBigPlanet]] have built-in support for players to create and share [[Levels]] as a form of [[Player Created Game Elements]]. While [[Levels]] are usually designed as a continuum of the [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] populated with game elements, they can also be created from [[Tiles]] (this is done for example in [[Space Hulk]]). [[Levels]] can be created through creating [[Game Boards]].

	Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]].		Themes are an easy way to differentiate [[Levels]] (see diegetic aspects below) but this needs to be tied to changed gameplay if this should not just be an visual difference. Another way to differentiate between [[Levels]] is by changing the end conditions and the primary activities of the players. Having different types of goals that require different fields of expertise guarantees [[Varied Gameplay]] and includes the possibility of having [[Unknown Goals]] as the player progresses from [[Levels\|level]] to [[Levels\|level]].
Line 122:		Line 122:
	[[Backtracking Levels]],		[[Backtracking Levels]],
	[[Finale Levels]],		[[Finale Levels]],
			[[Game Boards]],
	[[Instances]],		[[Instances]],
	[[Player Created Game Elements]],		[[Player Created Game Elements]],

Staffan Björk at 09:35, 14 July 2016

2016-07-14T09:35:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:35, 14 July 2016
Line 134:		Line 134:
	[[Big Dumb Objects]],		[[Big Dumb Objects]],
	[[Boss Monsters]],		[[Boss Monsters]],
			[[Check Points]],
	[[Choke Points]],		[[Choke Points]],
	[[Conditional Passageways]],		[[Conditional Passageways]],
Line 150:		Line 151:
	[[Game State Overviews]],		[[Game State Overviews]],
	[[Geospatial Game Widgets]],		[[Geospatial Game Widgets]],
	~~[[Check Points]],~~
	[[Helpers]],		[[Helpers]],
	[[Inaccessible Areas]],		[[Inaccessible Areas]],

Staffan Björk at 09:34, 14 July 2016

2016-07-14T09:34:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 14 July 2016
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	The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them, can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].		The combination of theme, end condition, and primary activities sets the boundaries for what diegetic game elements should be used in a given level. The use of game elements such as [[Alarms]], [[Props]], [[Big Dumb Objects]], [[Boss Monsters]], [[Controllers]], [[Clues]], [[Enemies]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Game Items]], [[Helpers]], [[Installations]], [[Landmarks]], [[Obstacles]], [[Pick-Ups]], [[Resource Generators]], [[Self-Service Kiosks]], [[Switches]], and [[Traces]] are all common. These, and the spatial relationships between them, can be used to subdivide the [[Levels]] into areas with distinctively different gameplay, including [[Arenas]], [[Choke Points]], [[Flanking Routes]], [[Galleries]], [[Safe Havens]], [[Secret Areas]], [[Sniper Locations]], [[Strongholds]], and [[Transport Routes]]. Of course, they may also make them into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. Designing parts of [[Levels]] to be traversed mainly by [[Vehicles]] can make them into [[Vehicle Sections]].

	Many of these are inherently [[Strategic Locations]] while others can become this due to rarity or their position in relation to other game elements. In addition, using different setups can provide further [[Varied Gameplay]] and [[Surprises]]. In addition to these diegetic elements, [[Levels]] can be populated with non-diegetic elements such as [[Geospatial Game Widgets]], [[~~Goal~~ Points]], [[Save Points]], and [[Spawn Points]], of which the latter provide the possibility of [[Game Element Insertion]] during gameplay on the [[Levels\|Level]]. Where [[Spawning]] of players' [[Avatars]] occur is especially important as this determines the starting conditions for the players, and this can be used to create [[Tension]] if it puts them in danger from their very appearance - this can be avoid by putting the [[Spawn Points]] in [[Safe Havens]]. [[Warp Zones]] can be created both as abstract entities or [[Installations]], and can be used to either connect together different parts of the [[Levels\|Level]] or provide the means to move to other [[Levels]]. [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] can be used to draw players' attention to any of these elements in the [[Levels]], or to draw them towards [[Red Herrings]].		Many of these are inherently [[Strategic Locations]] while others can become this due to rarity or their position in relation to other game elements. In addition, using different setups can provide further [[Varied Gameplay]] and [[Surprises]]. In addition to these diegetic elements, [[Levels]] can be populated with non-diegetic elements such as [[Geospatial Game Widgets]], [[Check Points]], [[Save Points]], and [[Spawn Points]], of which the latter provide the possibility of [[Game Element Insertion]] during gameplay on the [[Levels\|Level]]. Where [[Spawning]] of players' [[Avatars]] occur is especially important as this determines the starting conditions for the players, and this can be used to create [[Tension]] if it puts them in danger from their very appearance - this can be avoid by putting the [[Spawn Points]] in [[Safe Havens]]. [[Warp Zones]] can be created both as abstract entities or [[Installations]], and can be used to either connect together different parts of the [[Levels\|Level]] or provide the means to move to other [[Levels]]. [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] can be used to draw players' attention to any of these elements in the [[Levels]], or to draw them towards [[Red Herrings]].

	The use of [[Territories]] can be used to shift focus partly from what is happening in the [[Levels]] to the attributes of the actual [[Levels]].		The use of [[Territories]] can be used to shift focus partly from what is happening in the [[Levels]] to the attributes of the actual [[Levels]].
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	[[Game State Overviews]],		[[Game State Overviews]],
	[[Geospatial Game Widgets]],		[[Geospatial Game Widgets]],
	[[~~Goal~~ Points]],		[[Check Points]],
	[[Helpers]],		[[Helpers]],
	[[Inaccessible Areas]],		[[Inaccessible Areas]],

Staffan Björk: /* Consequences */

2016-07-12T08:59:55Z

Consequences

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	== Consequences ==		== Consequences ==
	[[Levels]] are basically [[Scenes]] with well-defined boundaries. As such, they let game designers delimit [[Game Worlds]] and thereby the complexity of the game - especially for [[Game World Navigation]] - as well as giving players [[Limited Foresight]]. The also bring natural [[Closure Points]] since they have an end. In games with [[Movement]], this typically means restricting that [[Movement]] to a [[Levels\|Level]] until it is completed.		[[Levels]] are basically [[Scenes]] with well-defined boundaries. As such, they let game designers delimit [[Game Worlds]] and thereby the complexity of the game - especially for [[Game World Navigation]] - as well as giving players [[Limited Foresight]]. The also bring natural [[Closure Points]] since they have an end, and this is especially noticeable when leaving a [[Levels\|Level]] is an [[Irreversible Events\|Irreversible Event]]. In games with [[Movement]], this typically means restricting that [[Movement]] to a [[Levels\|Level]] until it is completed.

	~~When leaving a [[Levels\|Level]] is an [[Irreversible Events\|Irreversible Event]] this can be used to let the transitions function as [[Closure Points]].~~ In games with [[Hotseating]], the completion of a [[Levels\|Level]] can be a natural point for a new player to take over playing the game. [[Levels]] can also be used to progress the [[Narration Structures]] in a controlled fashion since they can be [[Predetermined Story Structures]] and make the rest of a [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. This can be used to make the [[Levels]] into [[Campaigns]], as for example the [[Advance Wars series]], [[Memoir '44]], and [[Left 4 Dead series]] does.		In games with [[Hotseating]], the completion of a [[Levels\|Level]] can be a natural point for a new player to take over playing the game. [[Levels]] can also be used to progress the [[Narration Structures]] in a controlled fashion since they can be [[Predetermined Story Structures]] and make the rest of a [[Game Worlds\|Game World]] into [[Inaccessible Areas]]. This can be used to make the [[Levels]] into [[Campaigns]], as for example the [[Advance Wars series]], [[Memoir '44]], and [[Left 4 Dead series]] does.

	Besides what actually take place in the [[Levels]], this progression of stories can be done through [[Cutscenes]] between the [[Levels]]. Since entering new [[Levels]] put players in contact with new game elements, they can provide [[Game Element Insertion]] into the game seen as a whole.		Besides what actually take place in the [[Levels]], this progression of stories can be done through [[Cutscenes]] between the [[Levels]]. Since entering new [[Levels]] put players in contact with new game elements, they can provide [[Game Element Insertion]] into the game seen as a whole.