An Architectural Approach to Level Design

Explore Level Design through the Lens of Architectural and Spatial Experience Theory

Written by a game developer and professor trained in architecture, An Architectural Approach to Level Design is one of the first books to integrate architectural and spatial design theory with the field of level design. It explores the principles of level design through the context and history of architecture, providing information useful to both academics and game development professionals.

Understand Spatial Design Principles for Game Levels in 2D, 3D, and Multiplayer Applications

The book presents architectural techniques and theories for level designers to use in their own work. The author connects architecture and level design in different ways that address the practical elements of how designers construct space and the experiential elements of how and why humans interact with this space. Throughout the text, readers learn skills for spatial layout, evoking emotion through gamespaces, and creating better levels through architectural theory.

Create Meaningful User Experiences in Your Games

Bringing together topics in game design and architecture, this book helps designers create better spaces for their games. Software independent, the book discusses tools and techniques that designers can use in crafting their interactive worlds.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: A Brief History of Architecture and Level Design
Chapter 2: Tools and Techniques for Level Design
Chapter 3: Basic Gamespaces
Chapter 4: Teaching in Levels through Visual Communication
Chapter 5: Introducing Emotional Level Design through Survival Instincts
Chapter 6: Enticing Players with Reward Spaces
Chapter 7: Storytelling in Gamespace
Chapter 8: Possibility Spaces and Worldbuilding
Chapter 9: Influencing Social Interaction with Level Design
Chapter 10: Enhancing Level Design with Music and Sounds
Chapter 11: Real-World Adaptive Level Design