Level Design for Computer Games - Basic map design & Narrative ideas.

Following the mind mapping and mood boarding process, I began work on a simple top down layout from which to build my ideas on top of, I headed to Photoshop to work with basic shapes and layers to generate this, using simple rectangles and test elements.

Whilst developing my map, I needed to begin thinking of ideas for level progression and how the player would be directed through the navigation of the level, whilst being able to subtly tell a story and give the player a narrative to follow.

I came up with the idea that the player would be controlling a bounty hunter, following a lead on a wanted criminal. The criminal having been located in the settlement, leads the bounty hunter to pursue the cause.

Upon entering the settlement at dusk via the only known entrance, the player would be forced into a slow walk through the settlement's courtyard (This could potentially be forced with a cutscene later in the development process). Whilst walking through the courtyard a scream would be heard from the Market area and a suspicious character would run from the market/bar area, the player then giving chase to the character, following the target through the level via the arrowed path on the above layout.

I would also have to come up with a lighting scheme as lighting is often used to guide a player from location to location. Also I would need to include level interactions to keep the user engaged, in line with game design theories which tell us that on average, an interactive element should be fired once every ten seconds to retain the players interest. Some games do not work like this and are designed differently, but in general, a lot of games work by these rules.