The creation and layout of the individual rooms/stages/sections in which the game takes place in.
14
votes
2answers
828 views
Why Hex Maps instead Octagon Maps?
I understand the advantage of Hex Maps over Square Grids. But I get a question: Why aren't used Octagons maps instead? At least (I think) will be easier cross (+) movement (up,down,left,right) and xis ...
1
vote
1answer
110 views
Books on layout and space sequencing in game design
I'm currently looking into level design books. So far I've read two, The How's And Why's of Level Design and the Ultimate Level Design Guide.
While both were useful they did not discuss layout and ...
1
vote
2answers
258 views
Indoor 3D game worlds
I'm looking for a little direction.
I'm building a game engine as a part of my university project, and I'm having a little trouble about what to look for when it comes to indoor 3D game worlds.
Now ...
-3
votes
0answers
52 views
On average, how many scenery objects on an average-sized map [closed]
I know it's a stupid question, but I couldn't find the answer on Google or here. Ideally, I'm looking at best-case-scenario, common-scenario and worst-case-scenario statistics. This is excluding the ...
3
votes
1answer
152 views
Space Shooter “level” generation
I'm currently working on a 2.5D space shooter and there will be a survival mode in the game. I'd like a few suggestions on how to tackle the enemy generation problem.
This is not procedural ...
0
votes
1answer
71 views
Level Modeling Workflows in Maya for Unity
I'm wondering what the standard workflow for modeling static levels for Unity (or for that matter, other High-Level engines) is? My somewhat limited knowledge tells me that the best process is ...
-2
votes
3answers
149 views
Last level of puzzle games - hard or easy? [closed]
Currently I am creating a puzzle game, and I am finishing all the levels... and then I run into this problem:
From puzzle games that I played, I find that the design of the very last level goes into ...
-1
votes
1answer
181 views
Should I load a game map as a tile map or as an image map? [closed]
Which is better for game prototyping of a game map: a tile map or an image map? What are their respective pros and cons? Should I, in other words:
Load the map as a png and set collision points ...
2
votes
0answers
256 views
How are old games levels made? [closed]
Take a look at Super Mario, or even PacMan, or Arkanoid.
How are their levels made, do they created a simple level editors to visualize them, or they designed them by hand (directly with code)?
-2
votes
1answer
47 views
Which approach helps you create a suitable background mesh and/or image that enhances your game? [closed]
So I am currently developing a game. I had no big problems creating the basic game mechanics, included some mesh objects and it's working fine. But the surrounding is empty. Black. Is there a proven ...
1
vote
1answer
341 views
PNG image as a level map for 2d game
I've been using a tilemap editor for making levels, but I was wondering if there was a way to use PNG images as the level map, as maps created in tiled editor are graphically uninteresting.
...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
Level creation of Rayman Origins type game?
Does anyone know the technique they used to create their levels (using rayman origin as an example)? I'm strictly speaking of the floors and walls. Doesn't look like tiled based. What is the workflow ...
0
votes
4answers
385 views
Is the city of the GTA, L.A. Noire, Assasins Creed or Saint Row games considered a level? [closed]
I'm trying to figure out whether or not the worlds in which these games take place are levels or not, for the sake of level design. I consider the world to be one big level and all the missions and ...
3
votes
1answer
117 views
What are some ways I can create random but consistent levels with an increase in difficulty
So I am relatively new to gaming, however, I am working on a breakout style game and I am not sure how to generate levels. In theory I would like some approach that will let me generate tons of levels ...
2
votes
1answer
151 views
Level design algorithm/pattern for Linerunner etc
I am wondering: how does someone make levels for a game like Linerunner or any other game that uses similar patterns?
About Linerunner (game)
You are a stick man running, you have to jump or crawl ...
26
votes
1answer
867 views
How to deal with “level design creep?”
Level Design Creep is what I've started to call what happens when you build a series of levels and notice that every level is a little bit better looking or designed than the last, or when working ...
2
votes
1answer
122 views
Prevent Reavers from dealing splash damage to friendly and allied units
Just for fun I made some games in the Starcraft Broodwar map editor (scdraft2.0).
I notice that in my map Reavers deal damage to friendly and allied units as well as to neutral units. It's a cat and ...
4
votes
4answers
350 views
How important is Programming for a Level Designer?
I'm currently attending school in a Level Design program, and I was wondering how important programming really is in being a Level Designer?
I'm apparently incapable of learning programming (despite ...
7
votes
2answers
633 views
Some theory questions about classic endless arcade games
I had read in the book "A theory of fun for game design" that once the player realizes that he cannot overpower the computer in anyway (or) the AI is unbeatable (badly designed/coded) he will leave ...
2
votes
0answers
120 views
How to a go about making my modding into a career? [closed]
I am 16 years old and still at school(UK). I really enjoy creating maps using things like the creation kit and workshop on steam. I have loads of game ideas and every game I play creates 100 more.
...
-4
votes
2answers
142 views
How to Develop These Basic Artwork Effects? [closed]
Quick background, I'm a visual designer specializing in web and branding currently engaged in my first Android project doing UI design for a commercial app with a friend. After this project we're ...
2
votes
1answer
256 views
How should I go about randomizing levels in a “runner” game?
I'm working on a runner type of game (basically it's a never ending run through hordes of enemies and platforms and whatnot). 2d platformer view.
Should I random a bit of map every now and then? Few ...
5
votes
1answer
546 views
What level editor is Phil Fish using in Indie Game: The Movie?
Does anyone know what program Phil Fish is using to edit models of levels? Or is it it something he built himself? I'm new to game development and was looking for something to design levels with ...
13
votes
6answers
1k views
Recommended RPG game that can be used to learn game Modding? [closed]
I would like to learn game development via game modding. RPG/MMORPG is one of my favorite genres. Could someone recommend me a good and recent ( I would like to play the game as well) game to learn ...
-4
votes
4answers
410 views
How do I get level design practice? [closed]
I'm a game developer wannabe. I'm looking for 2D puzzle games that have a level creation tool to flex my level designer muscle.
I have Portal 2 (which has a level editor) but 3D is too daunting for ...
1
vote
1answer
274 views
How do I simplify a 2D game grid for level management while keeping its by-pixel features?
(I cross-posted this from StackOverflow as this seems to be a more appropriate f̶o̶r̶u̶m̶ community. I've looked around a little here and I did not find an answer, so I hope this is not a recurring ...
6
votes
3answers
585 views
What is the best way to render a 2d game map?
I know efficiency is key in game programming and I've had some experiences with rendering a "map" earlier but probably not in the best of ways.
For a 2D TopDown game: (simply render the ...
3
votes
1answer
295 views
Problem with Ogmo Editor (is Tiled Editor a solution?)
I made a level editor for a puzzle game with Ogmo Editor and gave it to our designer/level designer. When he downloaded and started Ogmo, his CPU went to 100%. I looked at my CPU usage while Ogmo is ...
1
vote
2answers
298 views
Portal 2 mapping dimensions and measurments
I am wanting to start building a portal 2 map for single player mode.
I have used the hammer world editor before but not for portal.
As far as portals are concerned will the distance I drop ...
5
votes
4answers
348 views
Can I use a genetic algorithm for balancing character builds?
I'm starting to build a online PVP (duel like, one-on-one) game, where there is leveling, skill points, special attacks and all the common stuff. Since I have never done anything like this, I'm still ...
0
votes
1answer
140 views
Maya and Game Engines (i.e. Environment Testing)
What does it mean if I'm designing an environment and I want to test it in the game engine, to see what its like to "run" [or fly] around my environment? I heard an instructor say that exact thing in ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
Open source level editor for HTML5 platform game?
A natty GUI editor is very helpful to create level map. I want to use some open-source choices rather than build my own from scratch. I found Tiled Map Editor but it doesn't work for what I want.
...
7
votes
2answers
264 views
Architects into videogames
I'm an architecture student in my last year. I've always been interested in videogames design. I use 3d Max and Photoshop on a daily basis, and I was thinking about aiming for a career in videogames, ...
3
votes
3answers
595 views
Create Levels using blender
I am creating a game and I have a custom level format for levels in my game. I wanted to know if it is possible to create levels for that kinda format in Blender. My format is XML based and just ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
How do you structure a 2D level format with collisions etc. in Java (Slick 2D)?
I am developing a game in Java. 2D Fighter, Kind of like the 2d flash game Raze(http://armorgames.com/play/5395/raze). I currently am using the Slick 2D game library and am researching how to ...
8
votes
3answers
266 views
How do I go about hiring Level Designers from the Modding community?
The company I'm working for is growing fast and there's been talk of trying to hire level designers from the modding community. My question is simply, where would be good places to look for this, and ...
2
votes
3answers
366 views
Tools for level (wireframe) design
We are currently working on a 2D platform game, all lot of the game elements have been created and designed. But now it is time to design all the levels.
What I am wondering is: Are there any tools ...
0
votes
0answers
177 views
How is the level designing done in the Entanglement game?
I'd like to know how The Entanglement Game's levels have been designed. Basically the game is all hexagon tiles which contains 'tangled cords' which can be rotated by the user. The user has to tangle ...
1
vote
2answers
554 views
What are some good resources on creating and reading 2D game levels in Java?
Could some resources be listed in relation to the creation and management of simplistic, efficient 2D game levels, that are available for use with Java?
9
votes
3answers
337 views
Bejewelled Next Best jewel selection
Is there a game design technique I can use so that I completely remove 'No more moves left' situations. ie. the game should contain no impossible scenarios.
As far as I've guess It all depends on ...
16
votes
5answers
1k views
Enemy Spawning method in a Top-Down Shooter
I'm working on a top-down shooter akin to DoDonPachi, Ikaruga, etc. The camera movement through the world is handled automatically with the player able to move inside of the camera's visible region.
...
8
votes
6answers
678 views
How can I store all my level data in a single file instead of spread out over many files?
I am currently generating my level data, and saving to disk to ensure that any modifications done to the level are saved.
I am storing "chunks" of 2048x2048 pixels into a file. Whenever the player ...
2
votes
0answers
251 views
Creating a level editor event system
I'm designing a level editor for game, and I'm trying to create sort of an 'event' system so I can chain together things. If anyone has used RPG Maker, I'm trying to do similar to their system. Right ...
2
votes
1answer
172 views
Handling various frame layouts in Android
I am trying create a Contra or the old TMNT game (but a simple one) like game for Android. For the game I decided to divide my main screen in three parts - upper for stats, mid for the game and lower ...
3
votes
1answer
283 views
Looping 3D environment in shmups
So I was watching Ikaruga:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj23K8Ri68E
And then raystorm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ4V0G5ykAg
After looking at their 3D backgrounds for a little bit, it appears ...
1
vote
1answer
131 views
Help with converting an XML into a 2D level (Actionscript 3.0)
I'm making a little platformer and wanted to use Ogmo to create my level. I've gotten everything to work except the level that my code generates is not the same as what I see in Ogmo. I've checked the ...
15
votes
2answers
455 views
Is there a definitive reference on Pinball playfield design?
I'm looking at designing tables for Future Pinball but I'm not sure where to start as I've little background in game design per se. I've played scores of pinball tables over the years so I've a fairly ...
2
votes
3answers
313 views
Level Design V.S. Modeler
From what I understand being a level designer and a character/environment/object/etc Modeler are two different jobs, yet sometimes it feels like a Modeler can also do the job of the level designer. I ...
3
votes
1answer
238 views
Loading enemies in a 2d platformer
What would be the best way to load enemies in a level. For example take Mario, are enemies rendered at their x,y positions as the game is loaded or when the player walks past a specific x value. ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views
Best way to create a level editor in java
I am creating an iPhone game using cocos2d + box2d that needs a lot of levels. My friends and I are creating the game and most of them have no programming experience and end up with nothing to do. I ...
