Technique for Creating Beautiful Level Design
Howto & Style
Introduction
In this article, we will explore a design technique that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of spaces in both game design and architectural work. This method emphasizes creating cohesive, picturesque environments that resonate with players and users alike.
The Concept of a Self-Contained Scene
Recently, while working on Chef RPG, I realized that many of the maps I had initially created lacked cohesion and visual quality. As such, I discovered a new approach to map design that involves crafting self-contained scenes, treating each scene as an individual artwork. This technique, often utilized in architectural design, can help game developers create visually captivating environments.
Instead of creating separate assets and dropping them into the scene, one should focus on designing a complete scene that fits within the scope of the in-game camera. By treating the scene like a standalone painting, designers can disregard what lies beyond the frame and concentrate on delivering a complete and immersive experience from the player's perspective.
Implementing the Technique in Game Design
As an example, I began sketching a new wilderness map intended for hunting and foraging in Chef RPG. This map will include a couple of houses for NPCs and serve as a boundary for the game world. My first step was to create the layout of the environment, focusing on achieving the right scale for the objects within the scene. For instance, I started with a simple house design, making sure it was visible within the camera frame.
After outlining the house, I moved on to adding elements such as a dirt road, cliffs, and landscaping details. This method not only ensures that all components feel integrated but also allows for a more natural interaction between the building and its surrounding nature.
To enhance the scene further, additional objects were sketched in, such as wooden railings and trees, to fill empty spaces and create life within the environment. Finally, highlighting shadows and adding colorful details—like patches of flowers—helped elevate the overall aesthetic, resulting in a vibrant and picturesque scene.
Lessons from Architectural Design
I've drawn parallels between this technique and architectural design principles learned during my studies. One relevant exercise involved extending famous architectural works while maintaining their design integrity, which reinforced the importance of understanding a space at a smaller scale before expanding it.
Similarly, in game design, starting with a detailed scene can serve as a reference for constructing the remainder of the environment, ensuring consistency and an engaging player experience.
This technique is equally beneficial for 3D environments, where concept art plays a crucial role in visualizing scenes that attract users. By crafting one standout piece of concept art, 3D artists can then model that scene accurately, maintaining aesthetic continuity throughout the game.
Progress Update on Chef RPG
Before concluding, I'd like to share a quick update on Chef RPG. We recently raised a total of $ 170,000 on Kickstarter, which enables us to enhance the game significantly. This funding has allowed us to hire additional talented artists to improve character animations—an area we recognized needed a revamp.
In the coming months, we will focus on coding and refining different game elements to prepare for an alpha release scheduled for September. This stage aims to finalize the full game loop and includes implementing sound effects, music, and NPCs with unique behaviors and quests—all essential for enhancing player engagement.
We genuinely appreciate all the support from our community and are excited to share more updates in the near future!
Keywords
- Level design
- Game development
- Cohesion
- Aesthetic appeal
- Architecturally inspired
- Self-contained scenes
- Concept art
- NPC behaviors
FAQ
Q: What is the main technique discussed in the article for creating beautiful level designs?
A: The key technique involves designing self-contained scenes that focus on the player's perspective and the elements visible within the in-game camera frame.
Q: How does this technique help in creating cohesive environments?
A: By treating each scene as a standalone artwork, designers can ensure that all elements fit together naturally, maintaining scale and visual quality.
Q: Can this technique be applied to 3D game design?
A: Yes, 3D game designers can create concept art to represent the scene—they can model the scene in 3D based on successful pieces of concept art.
Q: What recent developments have occurred in Chef RPG?
A: The Chef RPG team raised $ 170,000 on Kickstarter and has used part of the funding to hire artists to improve character animations while also working toward an alpha release.