Game Design | Research | Level Types

5 Types of Level Designs:

Alley

In single-player games, this level style is frequently employed. The player will be guided through a succession of “alleyways” where they can simply go to the level’s next section. Levels in alleys are not necessary. The level can be categorised as an alley-level design as long as the player has a somewhat direct approach to the following stage. Additionally, there might be little-known facts scattered about that alter the path followed yet still provide the player with a direct path to the following stage. Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Resident Evil 4–6 are games that employ this technique for level design.

Maze

This level type was utilised in vintage video games like the original Doom and Wolfenstein. In order to reach the exit, the player must navigate a sizable level with numerous paths and passageways. Because there were just a few textures that could be utilised across the entire game, the developers employed this technique to create many maze levels that were difficult for players to escape. However, this level type is less frequently utilised now because players prefer to finish levels faster and find the escape more boring.

Hub

Again, there is a declining utilisation of this level type. When the player has a major, central hub where they may stay and perform actions like levelling up or purchasing new gear, etc., this is the case. They will also be able to move between locations from this hub, where they can choose from a variety of paths as the centre branches out, enabling the player to reach any location in the game’s globe. Common examples of this kind of level are Dark Souls, Banjo Kazooie, and Mario 64, all of which are 3D Platformers.

 

Island

This is more of an open world than a true “Level.” In this case, the map resembles an island, and the player is essentially unrestricted in where they can roam on the island. Due to its widespread use in games nowadays, it is quite popular. The Grand Theft Auto video game series is where it is most famously used. Along with being employed in the new Battle Royale games like Fortnite, it is also utilised in the Just Cause video game series, The Elder Scrolls, and many more titles.

Path

The ‘Path’ level type is very similar to the ‘Alley’ level type, except it forces the player to go in a single direction while allowing them to explore the region around them in hopes of discovering secrets. Because the player will be encouraged to explore the entirety of the level before moving on to the next one, the level’s designers are able to add a lot of detail to the region. The Last of Us, Deus Ex, Dishonoured, and Metal Gear Solid 5 are among the games that make use of this level style.

Animator Research

Jaiden Animations is a YouTube channel created by Jaiden, a teenage animator who makes videos about her life and various topics.
She frequently mentions her family and friends in her videos, and she sometimes incorporates them into the cartoons she creates. She is one of the most talented story-time animators.
Jaiden’s content is mostly based on her actual life and experiences. Her channel also includes vlogs, response videos, and animated video game videos.

She is most renowned for her story-time cartoons, which provide viewers with a more in-depth look at certain events in her life.
She shows her creativity through a range of various media. Her animated animations are really innovative, and the people who view them have a lot of fun.
Other YouTubers and celebrities, including Markiplier, iHasCupquake, and Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life actor Gryphon Gluck, have praised Jaiden’s videos.

I took inspiration from her minimalistic animations, she used minimal colours in her animations so when she does use it the colours stand out a lot more against the white background and characters, it also allows for quicker productions and cleaner animations.

Da Bird Master | The Animation Squad Amino

 

Animation: Mental Health Awareness animation

 

Storyboards and Story:
I started with my Storyboard of the animation the story was about two friends going to a Party, Aki and Adrien.
However Aki has Anxiety problems and whereas Adrien is Confidence she is not, we follow her as we experience what a Party might look like for someone with such anxiety.

Luckily for Aki, her friend Adrien comes and helps her feel better and they leave the party to have fun, alone, elsewhere.

 

Animating in Clip Studio Paint:

The program I used is called Clip Studio Paint, Clip Studio Paint, also known as Kurisuta in Japan, is a collection of software tools created by the Japanese graphics software company Celsys. It is used for digital comic book development, general illustration, and 2D animation.

It is very similar to animating in Photoshop.

Character Designs:

Working Hardships:
unfortunately during my time working, a lot of things went on at home and due to this I was not able to complete the Animation to the best of my abilities I worked with what I was able to do and, though it Is not my greatest work, I was able to reach the 40 Second requirement and didn’t turn in my worst work.

If under the right circumstances, I believe I could have executed something significantly better and will keep in mind what I have learnt during this time next time I animate.

Final Product:

Mental Health Awareness Animation