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Fundamentals of Professional Level Design

by Barret Hudson

Being a professional level designer requires more than just knowing how to use a level editor to create maps. This course goes outside the editor to teach you the processes and techniques needed to build consistently fun levels.

What you'll learn

Are you a gamer that dreams of building your own levels, either professionally or as a hobby? While modern tools have made this dream more approachable, as a would-be level designer you'll quickly find that your creations fail to live up to your own desires and standards for a fun level. In this course, Fundamentals of Professional Level Design, you'll learn all about the theory and practices professional level designers use to create compelling spaces and gameplay experiences. First, you'll explore basic design concepts and documentation. Next, you'll develop an understanding of the important role of playtesting. Finally, you'll delve into feedback and revisions. When you're finished with this course, you'll have a solid understanding of the tools you'll need to design high quality levels, and be on your way to becoming a professional level designer. Software required: none.

About the author

Barret designs economic and game systems as part of the team working on The Division at Massive Entertainment. He has been in the video game industry for 4+ years at studios ranging from indie startups to Blizzard Entertainment. In that time, he has held a wide range of design roles, including level designer, technical designer, and game designer. Barret also holds a master's degree in game and level design from The Guildhall at SMU. His industry experience and education gives him a wide ranging... more

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