Content: A Brief History of Architecture and Level Design Breaking the Rules of Level Design An Experiential History of Architecture The History of Gamespaces Ways of Seeing for Level Design Tools and Techniques for Level Design Level Design Goals for Creating Game Experiences Non-Digital Level Design Tools Digital Level Design Tools Level Design Workflows Engine-Specific Methodologies Basic Gamespaces Architectural Spatial Arrangements Historic Gamespace Structures Spatial Size Types Molecule Level Spaces Form Follows Gameplay with Proximity Diagrams Hub Spaces Sandbox Gamespaces Considerations of Camera Enemies as Alternative Architecture Teaching in Levels through Visual Communication Teaching Theories for Game Levels Symbols and Visual Design in Games Architectural Forms and Types Teaching Gameplay through Advertising Methods Controlling Information in Memory Palaces Introducing Emotional Level Design through Survival Instincts Survival Instincts and Player Avatars Prospect and Refuge Spatial Design Shade, Shadow, and Survival Loving and Hating Height Conclusion Enticing Players with Reward Spaces The Purpose of Rewards The Types of Rewards in Gamespaces Making Rewards Exciting through Denial Goals and Reward Schedules Storytelling in Gamespace Expressive Design Mechanics vs. Motif Narrative Spaces Environment Art Storytelling Materiality and the Hero's Journey Pacing and Narrative Rewards Possibility Spaces and Worldbuilding Understanding Immersion and Player Individuality Architectural Phenomenology and Play Emergent Spaces Miniature Garden Aesthetic Japanese Garden Design and Worldbuilding Offering Experiential Choice Degenerative Design Influencing Social Interaction with Level Design Emergence and Social Interaction Learning from Urban Emergence The Importance of Spawn Points and Quest Hubs Houses, Homes, and Hometowns in Games Enhancing Level Design with Music and Sounds The Role of Rhythm in Games and Buildings Complementing Level Design with Ambient Sound Enhancing Gameplay Experiences with Sound Design Real-World Adaptive Level Design When Magic Circles Collide Adaptive Game Reuse Goals Analysis for Adaptive Core Mechanics A Summary and Endnotes appear at the end of each chapter.
Abstract: ''This book discusses level design, the discipline of creating interactive game environments, with an emphasis on architectural principles. These principles can help level designers create meaningful user experiences and emotional responses for players. This involves elements of spatial psychology, human survival instincts, visual communication, and spatial storytelling, among others. Topics are discussed in a non-software specific context so readers using different types of programs can utilize the content. The book includes an overview of real-world tools and techniques that level designers will find useful in crafting their interactive worlds. ''