Turn wasted time into level design
Posted by Emanuele Feronato on 05/13/08 in Game design
I am about to complete my second one-week game. It’s not a “play until the game is over” like BallBalance or Christmas Couples, but has various levels like Circle Chain.
And “levels” means level design. One of the hardest things to do in order to make a succesful game. You can have the best game engine, but if your levels suck, the entire game will suck.
That’s why I spent a lot of time designing the levels. But I did not want to spend the time I could spend doing something more profitable, interesting or relaxing.
So I decided to design levels in the “old school” way, with pen and paper.
What? A geek using pen and paper?
Here it is the proof… I have dozens of blueprints like the ones you can see in the photo, and I am choosing the best 50 to be included in the game
Now the question is: why did you use pen and paper?
Because I designed the levels everytime I have really nothing to do, and even the minute or less waiting for the laptop to boot would be too long… or I can’t use any computer at all
An example? Going out to have a nice dinner with my wife, waiting dressed and shaved for her to choose the dress… the bag… the shoes… obviously if only I touch the keyboard, I am a dead geek.
So, while my wife is changing for the 5th time her hairstyle, I design levels.
What else should I do?
Another idle time spent designing levels is… in the bathroom. Yes! While most people read gossip magazines, I design levels.
Look! This way I can’t forget I have to designing levels while… you know…
… and if I am not satisfied with the levels, I can use them for a less noble use…
Remember that your time is precious, are you sure reading the last gossip about Britney Spears is better than doing something you will have to do anyway, maybe when you don’t have the time?
So… what will you do next time you are waiting for the dentist?
Also remember to think twice before saying the levels of my incoming game look like crap…
If you liked this post buy me a beer (or two)
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JDog | May 13, 2008 | Reply
Sounds like a plan ! I have for many years been a fan of using pen and paper to design my games…only if i’m satisfied with how they look on paper will I even think of developing the game further !
I guess thats why I have so little done !
Best of luck with your one week game ! 50 levels is a fair few…hope you pull it off successfully !
Jack Hopkisn | May 13, 2008 | Reply
I use pen and paper to design levels when I get bored at school ;D
Grifo | May 13, 2008 | Reply
With pen and paper you get to draw what really comes to your mind… and that’s a key to more production in less time.
In animation and character design, pen and paper roughs still are quite useful.
Just don’t get carried away and keep designing stuff while you should already be doing something else! Teachers and wives aren’t always that kind!
Sunil Patel | May 14, 2008 | Reply
Haha, very funny! I can’t wait to see the game.
FrozenHaddock | May 14, 2008 | Reply
Pen and paper for levels, always!
And 50! jeez, I may have to rethink projected level numbers on my latest ‘most-definitely-not-one-week’ game…
Prankard | May 14, 2008 | Reply
With the summer kicking in, I wish I could take my laptop outside to the park or garden and work.
Until then, pen and paper will have to suffice.
endre | May 14, 2008 | Reply
Be carefull when discharging leveldesign in the bathroom. Papercuts are nasty :)
Scarybug | May 14, 2008 | Reply
I have a cheap Palm Zire that I always have with me. I write down all kinds of ideas for levels and games whenever they come to me. It’s better than pen and paper because it’s easy to back up and it’s searchable and organized. I even have a drawing program I used to design all of the levels for Chronotron.
Kevin | May 17, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for giving my IB Math class a purpose. I’m going to start doing this whenever I get bored.
TimeSniper | Jun 11, 2008 | Reply
Sometime in the middle of the night i get spontaneous ideas and always keep pen n paper by my bed incase its an awesome idea that i might forget by morning