Level design is a crucial component of game development that shapes the player experience. While many games follow tried-and-true conventions, pushing the boundaries of traditional design can lead to innovative and memorable gameplay. Here are some unconventional level design ideas that can inspire your next project.
1. Non-linear Progression
Instead of following a linear storyline, consider designing levels that allow players to choose their own paths and experiences. This approach not only increases replayability but also encourages exploration. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild exemplify this with their open-world structure, allowing players to tackle challenges in any order they choose. Build a world where players can forge their own paths, making each playthrough feel unique.
2. Environmental Storytelling
Utilize the environment to convey narrative without relying on cutscenes or dialogue. Every object, from a broken toy in a child’s room to scorch marks in a once-thriving settlement, can tell a story. Bioshock does this beautifully, immersing players in a world rich with lore. Design levels where players piece together the narrative through exploration, engaging them on a deeper level.
3. Altered Perceptions
Manipulating the player’s perception can create disorienting and memorable experiences. Levels that change layout, perspective, or even dimensions can challenge players’ expectations. Games like FEZ masterfully execute this concept, with players rotating the world to uncover new areas. Try introducing mechanics that alter gravity, scale, or visibility, encouraging players to think outside the box.
4. Asymmetrical Design
Rather than designing levels that are symmetrical or balanced, consider asymmetrical layouts that cater to diverse play styles. In multiplayer games, this can mean offering different routes or advantages for players, turning the traditional “equal playing field” trope on its head. Splatoon showcases asymmetrical level design effectively, with maps catering to various strategies for different players.
5. Time Manipulation
Incorporating time-based mechanics can create unique gameplay experiences. Levels that allow players to pause, rewind, or fast-forward time can lead to innovative puzzles and platforming challenges. Braid does an excellent job of this, making time itself a core gameplay mechanic. Experiment with time dynamics to create unforeseen obstacles and complex puzzles that challenge players’ ingenuity.
6. Emotionally Charged Landscapes
Design levels that evoke specific emotions. Consider how colors, music, and layout contribute to the atmosphere. Creating landscapes that invoke sadness, joy, or tension can enrich player experiences. Journey, for example, masterfully uses visual and auditory elements to evoke a sense of awe and melancholy that stays with players long after they finish the game.
7. Interactivity with NPCs
Enhance immersion by designing levels that require interaction with NPCs (non-player characters). Rather than just serving as quest-givers, NPCs can have dynamic roles that impact level progression. Games like The Witcher 3 offer rich character interactions that can influence the game’s outcome and world state. Create levels where players’ relationships with NPCs can alter the environment or available quests.
8. Layered Spaces
Implement multiple layers in your levels—both literally and figuratively. By designing vertical spaces or adding alternate dimensions, you can create complex environments that encourage exploration. Dark Souls introduces verticality in its interconnected world, allowing players to discover shortcuts and hidden areas. Layering your level design can create rich, interconnected gameplay experiences.
9. Feedback Loops
Create levels that respond to player actions in unexpected ways. Introducing feedback loops where player choices resonate throughout the level can lead to dynamic experiences. In Dishonored, the game’s design alters based on player choices, influencing the environment and NPC reactions. Implement systems where actions have consequences, making players consider their approach carefully.
10. Community-driven Design
Finally, embrace community input in your level design. Allow players to contribute ideas, test prototypes, or even create their own levels. This not only fosters a sense of ownership among your players but can also spark innovative concepts you might not have thought of. Games like Super Mario Maker have thrived on community-driven content, proving that sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected sources.
Conclusion
Pushing the boundaries of conventional level design can lead to engaging, memorable player experiences. Whether exploring non-linear progression, manipulating perceptions, or incorporating player feedback, there’s ample room for innovation in your design process. Don’t be afraid to break the mold and experiment with these unconventional ideas in your next game—it might lead to groundbreaking gameplay that resonates with players long after they’ve put down the controller.
