Arena Level Design

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Arena/ Level Design
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What is an Arena/ Level?
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Design Considerations

• Theme/ Style/ Atmosphere
• Context
• Narrative
• Textures
• Placement of interactive objects (weapons,
  items, objectives, NPCs, Bad guys, money etc.
• Routes through a level (linear or non-linear?)
• Scenery (for atmosphere creating an immersive
  experience etc.)
• Size - Is the level too big? Too small?
• Difficulty Is the level too easy? Too hard?
• Is the level fun to play or is it a chore?

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Context, Linear and Non-Linear
Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo 1985)
Blackhawk (Interplay 1995)
Cybernator (Konami 1993)
Medal of Honor Frontline (EA 2002)
Splinter Cell (Ubisoft 2003)
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On-rails and Freedom
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (Rockstar 2005)
Time Crisis (Namco 1996)
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Fun vs Realism
Pong (Atari 1972)
Virtua Tennis (Sega 2002)
Goldeneye (Rare 1997)
Rainbow Six (Red Storm 1998)
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Restrictions
Die Hard Vendetta (Sierra 2002)
Goldeneye (Rare 1997)
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Good and Bad
Zelda Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 1998)
Ghosts and Goblins (Capcom 1986)
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Getting Started
Start mapping!
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Questions?
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Next Lecture
Sound and Music Christian Cooper Next Week at
10am