For the Aztec Run Game, the udk models corrupted on me so I couldn't use them any further and could only use kismet. So I left it as it was, didn't want to make it worse.
For the Flower Gathering Game: Im basically crap and didn't sort my time out at all. Was having problems with the model the week before, assets weren't properly created, so i decided that I would design a simple prototype of how the game would work. I will hopefully make the aesthetics version better for the other part of the unit as that was what I wanted from this level more
I can't see me doing well but thanks anyway :/
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Wow
I hate how it takes me ages to learn programs. Seems to go through one ear and out the other, i apologise pete but my level will be terrible, but to lack of time management and i dont have the skills, at all.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Conversation of the present standard of level design other design practices
http://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/wold-members-tutorials/sylvain_douce/gdc-level-design-in-a-day.php
Interesting conversation on a multitude of different designs in the industry right now. How they're faring and what we can do to work of that as upcoming designers in the field.
Interesting conversation on a multitude of different designs in the industry right now. How they're faring and what we can do to work of that as upcoming designers in the field.
Capcom example of a Level Designer and what they require
JOB DESCRIPTIONtop
Over the past four years, Blue Castle has brought together 160 of the most talented minds in the industry, shipped three titles in the process (The BIGS, MLB Front Office Manager and The BIGS 2 all published by 2K Sports) and are currently working on Capcom’s Dead Rising 2. We are about to begin work on an exciting new Action project and are looking for an experienced senior Level Designer to help.
As a Lead Level Designer, you will work with our existing level design team by defining the environmental content and ensuring that the gameplay within it reflects the vision of the game and exploits its mechanics.
You will need exceptional communication skills in written, visual and verbal forms. The ability to take constructive criticism while selling your ideas is critical. If you are a team player who values the best ideas, regardless of where they come from, and can create a clear picture of how they fit in the larger vision of the game, you just may have what it takes to work on this exciting project.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with our Level Design Director, Creative Director and Art Director to help deliver game levels that match the creative vision and product goals of the game.
- Develop the level layout, scenario creation, prototype modeling, event scripting, entity placement, pacing, balancing and gameplay tuning.
- Assist in the development and realization of tools for the level design process.
- Build relationships on the development team to facilitate idea generation and feature implementation.
- Create and update the associated game design documentation.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 5+ years of game industry experience in a level design capacity where you have shipped at least two titles, one of which must have been open world.
- Possess the ability and desire to contribute in a highly creative environment, providing unique concepts and solutions.
- Previous interest or experience as a Lead Level Designer is beneficial, but not required.
- Demonstrate overall game design process knowledge including, but not limited to, story and character design, level design, AI design, player control, user interface, pacing, etc.
- Have strong hands-on experience with level design: writing scripts and laying out levels (greyboxing). Experience in 3D art packages is a benefit.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills that allow you to communicate, evolve, and proactively push the level design; and moreover, have a passion for playing / creating creative and quality videogames.
- Be an expert on gaming trends and have your finger on the pulse of open world and FPS games like Prince of Persia, Assassins Creed, Halo, and everything in between.
As a Lead Level Designer, you will work with our existing level design team by defining the environmental content and ensuring that the gameplay within it reflects the vision of the game and exploits its mechanics.
You will need exceptional communication skills in written, visual and verbal forms. The ability to take constructive criticism while selling your ideas is critical. If you are a team player who values the best ideas, regardless of where they come from, and can create a clear picture of how they fit in the larger vision of the game, you just may have what it takes to work on this exciting project.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with our Level Design Director, Creative Director and Art Director to help deliver game levels that match the creative vision and product goals of the game.
- Develop the level layout, scenario creation, prototype modeling, event scripting, entity placement, pacing, balancing and gameplay tuning.
- Assist in the development and realization of tools for the level design process.
- Build relationships on the development team to facilitate idea generation and feature implementation.
- Create and update the associated game design documentation.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 5+ years of game industry experience in a level design capacity where you have shipped at least two titles, one of which must have been open world.
- Possess the ability and desire to contribute in a highly creative environment, providing unique concepts and solutions.
- Previous interest or experience as a Lead Level Designer is beneficial, but not required.
- Demonstrate overall game design process knowledge including, but not limited to, story and character design, level design, AI design, player control, user interface, pacing, etc.
- Have strong hands-on experience with level design: writing scripts and laying out levels (greyboxing). Experience in 3D art packages is a benefit.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills that allow you to communicate, evolve, and proactively push the level design; and moreover, have a passion for playing / creating creative and quality videogames.
- Be an expert on gaming trends and have your finger on the pulse of open world and FPS games like Prince of Persia, Assassins Creed, Halo, and everything in between.
Monday, 15 April 2013
Example
http://www.kchandlerdesign.com/#!
A level designers blog. It also shows that you don't need to do a degree in games to become a game designer in the future. This games design degree is to build the portfolio, and learn what you want to be.
A level designers blog. It also shows that you don't need to do a degree in games to become a game designer in the future. This games design degree is to build the portfolio, and learn what you want to be.
Some CV advice for myself
One of the most common questions we get is "what qualifications do I need to be a games designer?"
Well that's a pretty tough one to answer. We've placed candidates from all kinds of academic backgrounds - English, Physics, Product Design, Scriptwriting and even Biology. The one thing they all had in common was their passion and enthusiasm for games.
A games designer might need to find out the top speed of particular car or decide the diameter of imaginary planet. What these things, and all the things a games designer may do, have in common is the person's ability to imagine, understand and communicate information effectively both in writing and verbally. Here's the fun part (and the bit most career advisors wouldn't want us to tell you): if you want to be a games designer you should play LOTS of games, watch LOTS of films and read LOTS of books/comics/poems/jokes/cereal boxes/...
Be committed! Are you mad about games?
Firstly, having a passion for games is absolutely crucial. Only the best candidates succeed and these candidates are totally committed. You need to be passionate about games. If you want to succeed in games it must be games that you want to make. It may seem as though every job advertised requires industry experience, but there are a limited number of places for candidates who have not worked in the games industry before.
Still with us? Then..
Make your CV scream games!
Make sure your CV screams out your objective of getting into the games industry! Write this at the top in your Objectives, Profile or Career Aims section tograb the reader's attention. Then, in the rest of your CV, emphasize anything you've done which is relevant and/or shows your enthusiasm for and interest in games - e.g. games designs and ideas (not the details, just the fact you've done some) and/or level designs or game mods you've done in your spare time.
Your hobbies and interests section is a great opportunity to show how keen you are. What type of games do you like? Any specific examples? Why? Here is the place to say! When you are playing think about what you like and don't like - in an interview you'll need to be prepared to talk about anything in your CV.
Use Agencies
Don't be frightened of using agencies. Choose an agency which has a longstanding reputation in the games industry. A good agency will know exactly which companies are looking for what type of candidate. One call to an agency can save you many hours of time contacting every games company in the country. They are also an invaluable resource. Agencies look at CVs every day so they know what CV will get an interview and what won't. Ask their advice. Openness and honesty are crucial. Your agency is working for you; they should keep you fully informed.
At Datascope we now send our candidates a username and password for logging in to our website so they can see how their applications are progressing. Once you have registered you will be able to see the names of the companies we have sent your details to, and any interviews in the pipeline. (We will of course phone and/or email you if a company would like to see you - the web login feature is in addition to this!) We believe we are the only agency to offer this service.
Prepare examples of your work
Games / level designers - Advice on sample work
Most companies would like to see some examples of your work. This often depends on the type of job you're going for so here's a run down of some of the work we've seen or been asked for by companies in the past:
Level Designs
This would normally be in the form of a full, single player level in one of the common level editors available (Worldcraft, UnrealEd, etc.) The things that people will be looking at are game-flow, NPC/weapon/item placement and overall gameplay of the level. Any written work done while designing the level will also be of interest.
Design Documents
Other Written Work
This could take the form of a simple game review or a comparison between two similar (or completely different!) games. What's important is that it demonstrates the way you think about games and analyse them.
Some companies will set candidates a design task, which would normally take the form of one of the design document elements listed above but working to a particular brief or subject matter.
*Note on Game Designs
Many companies are not interested in seeing your game ideas as part of your initial application. This is something they may ask for if they are interested in taking your application further. There are also some legal issues associated with original game designs that need to be addressed on an individual basis. The general rule is don't send a game idea to a games company unless you've been asked to as part of your application - they probably won't look at it - and it's even more unlikely they're going to make it their next project :)
Well that's a pretty tough one to answer. We've placed candidates from all kinds of academic backgrounds - English, Physics, Product Design, Scriptwriting and even Biology. The one thing they all had in common was their passion and enthusiasm for games.
A games designer might need to find out the top speed of particular car or decide the diameter of imaginary planet. What these things, and all the things a games designer may do, have in common is the person's ability to imagine, understand and communicate information effectively both in writing and verbally. Here's the fun part (and the bit most career advisors wouldn't want us to tell you): if you want to be a games designer you should play LOTS of games, watch LOTS of films and read LOTS of books/comics/poems/jokes/cereal boxes/...
Be committed! Are you mad about games?
Firstly, having a passion for games is absolutely crucial. Only the best candidates succeed and these candidates are totally committed. You need to be passionate about games. If you want to succeed in games it must be games that you want to make. It may seem as though every job advertised requires industry experience, but there are a limited number of places for candidates who have not worked in the games industry before.
Still with us? Then..
Make your CV scream games!
Make sure your CV screams out your objective of getting into the games industry! Write this at the top in your Objectives, Profile or Career Aims section tograb the reader's attention. Then, in the rest of your CV, emphasize anything you've done which is relevant and/or shows your enthusiasm for and interest in games - e.g. games designs and ideas (not the details, just the fact you've done some) and/or level designs or game mods you've done in your spare time.
Your hobbies and interests section is a great opportunity to show how keen you are. What type of games do you like? Any specific examples? Why? Here is the place to say! When you are playing think about what you like and don't like - in an interview you'll need to be prepared to talk about anything in your CV.
Use Agencies
Don't be frightened of using agencies. Choose an agency which has a longstanding reputation in the games industry. A good agency will know exactly which companies are looking for what type of candidate. One call to an agency can save you many hours of time contacting every games company in the country. They are also an invaluable resource. Agencies look at CVs every day so they know what CV will get an interview and what won't. Ask their advice. Openness and honesty are crucial. Your agency is working for you; they should keep you fully informed.
At Datascope we now send our candidates a username and password for logging in to our website so they can see how their applications are progressing. Once you have registered you will be able to see the names of the companies we have sent your details to, and any interviews in the pipeline. (We will of course phone and/or email you if a company would like to see you - the web login feature is in addition to this!) We believe we are the only agency to offer this service.
Prepare examples of your work
Games / level designers - Advice on sample work
Most companies would like to see some examples of your work. This often depends on the type of job you're going for so here's a run down of some of the work we've seen or been asked for by companies in the past:
Level Designs
This would normally be in the form of a full, single player level in one of the common level editors available (Worldcraft, UnrealEd, etc.) The things that people will be looking at are game-flow, NPC/weapon/item placement and overall gameplay of the level. Any written work done while designing the level will also be of interest.
Design Documents
- Pitches / Proposals / concept work or something similar
- Brief game story and how this would be interpreted
- Game Flow
- Game Mechanics
- AI
- Descriptions of a particular game aspect (such as characters, weapons lists - anything really!)
Other Written Work
This could take the form of a simple game review or a comparison between two similar (or completely different!) games. What's important is that it demonstrates the way you think about games and analyse them.
Some companies will set candidates a design task, which would normally take the form of one of the design document elements listed above but working to a particular brief or subject matter.
*Note on Game Designs
Many companies are not interested in seeing your game ideas as part of your initial application. This is something they may ask for if they are interested in taking your application further. There are also some legal issues associated with original game designs that need to be addressed on an individual basis. The general rule is don't send a game idea to a games company unless you've been asked to as part of your application - they probably won't look at it - and it's even more unlikely they're going to make it their next project :)
Information by: http://www.datascope.co.uk/graduate_advice_design.html
Riot Games Level Design Post: What they're looking for
Riot Games was established in 2006 by entrepreneurial gamers who believe that player-focused game development can result in great games. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to critical and player acclaim. As the most played PC game in the world, over 32 million play every month. Players form the foundation of our community and it’s for them that we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.
Me: "I'd love to work with Riot Games. Not only is it player focused and tries to include the community with its development, it's got a lot of job roles available which i'd find interesting. Loving character design and mechanic design, their debut game of league of legends focuses on character development so much. Level Design is also very small in their present game and hopefully, if i could, i could help design them new levels for the game.
We’re looking for humble but ambitious, razor-sharp professionals who can teach us a thing or two. We promise to return the favor. Like us, you take play seriously; you’re passionate about games. We embrace those who see things differently, aren’t afraid to experiment, and who have a healthy disregard for constraints.
That’s where you come in.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Level Designer in our Los Angeles Studio. You are a well-rounded, designer with mastery of level design, and experience in multiple design sub-disciplines. As an experienced game developer, you have lead teams to solve challenging problems and/or produce AAA content. The ideal candidate will be an intelligent and critical thinker, with a deep passion for game design.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Level Designer in our Los Angeles Studio. You are a well-rounded, designer with mastery of level design, and experience in multiple design sub-disciplines. As an experienced game developer, you have lead teams to solve challenging problems and/or produce AAA content. The ideal candidate will be an intelligent and critical thinker, with a deep passion for game design.
The scope and responsibilities of this position are in line with Lead Level Designer of a AAA PC/Console title. The teams you lead, and the decisions you make will impact millions of players globally. These responsibilities may include work on unannounced projects.
At Riot we value passion and results more than years of experience in our leaders. We welcome applications from up and coming leaders who want to have a huge impact on the games industry.
At Riot we value passion and results more than years of experience in our leaders. We welcome applications from up and coming leaders who want to have a huge impact on the games industry.
Me: Obviously I wont be becoming the lead level designer of the bat, but I wanted to look at my aims for the further future. I have a lo of work to get to this position and now that i've decided this, I can finally start
Responsibilities:
- Lead teams of designers pursuing major design initiatives for League of Legends or unannounced projects
- Be the voice for the craft of level design at Riot Games. Must be able to articulate the core principles of good level design for multiple game types (shooters, RTS, MOBA, open world, etc.)
- Own, drive, and communicate the vision for major design initiatives
- Recruit and train designers for your initiatives
- Mentor your reports in the craft of game design, and guide them in their career development
- Lead complex, challenging, impactful projects without oversight
Requirements:
- Credit as lead level designer on an AAA title or equivalent experience
- Existing shipped levels for which you were the primary level designer that demonstrate your mastery of the craft of level design
- 4+ years of professional game development experience as a game designer OR you are a recognized leader in a major design sub-discipline in a launched AAA-quality title
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. We further value candidates with graduate degrees and/or top tier university pedigree
- Widely played, especially with online games, with the ability to articulate what is strong / weak about the design of existing games
- Expansive knowledge of League of Legends. You should have a level 20+ summoner. Exceptions may be made for exceptional candidates who have otherwise demonstrated a high level of commitment to online gaming
- An analytical mind, strong problem solving & critical thinking skills. An ideal candidate will be of high intelligence while still possessing an intensely pragmatic streak
- Must have excellent organization and communication (verbal & written) skills
- A positive attitude
- This position is in our Los Angeles, CA office
- Must pass a background check
Me: Overall, the requirements are at a level i'm no at yet but there things i'm working on now and hope to make so much better in the future. Hopefully I can create something which shows my skill and be able to design levels, characters, mechanics in the future to a level wanted for this job position.
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