Video game design

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Edge (video game) level layout

Video Game Design on Paper at Game Jam

Video game design is the process of designing the content and rules of a video game in the pre-production stage and designing the gameplay, environment, storyline, and characters in the production stage. Video game designers are often part of a larger team that includes programmers, artists, and audio engineers. The design of a video game involves many disciplines, including mathematics, psychology, and computer science, making it a highly interdisciplinary field.

Overview

Video game design starts with a concept, which can originate from a new idea or the adaptation of existing intellectual property into a video game format. The game concept includes the game's genre, the target audience, and the basic gameplay mechanics. Once the concept is defined, the game enters the pre-production phase, where detailed design documents are created. These documents outline the game's setting, story, characters, objects, interface design, and modes of play. During the production phase, the game is developed through iterative cycles of testing and revision, with designers working closely with other team members to ensure the game meets the original vision and the needs of the players.

Gameplay Design

Gameplay design is central to video game design and involves creating the rules and structure of a game. This includes defining the game mechanics, or the actions players can take within the game, and how these actions interact with the game's world and objectives. Designers must balance the game's difficulty to provide a challenging but achievable experience for players. They also work on the game's pacing and progression to ensure a satisfying and engaging player experience.

Level Design

Level design focuses on creating the stages or levels through which players progress in the game. Level designers work to integrate the gameplay mechanics with the game's narrative and aesthetic goals. They design the physical space of the game, place obstacles and enemies, and set the conditions for completing levels. Effective level design is crucial for making the game enjoyable and immersive.

Narrative Design

Narrative design involves crafting the story within a game, including the plot, characters, and dialogue. It is increasingly important in modern games, where a compelling story can significantly enhance the player's emotional investment in the game. Narrative designers work closely with writers and other designers to integrate the story seamlessly with the gameplay and level design.

User Interface Design

The design of the user interface (UI) is critical for ensuring players can interact with the game effectively. UI designers create the visual elements players use to navigate the game, such as menus, buttons, and HUDs (heads-up displays). They focus on making the interface intuitive and accessible, ensuring that players can easily understand how to control the game and access important information.

Testing and Iteration

Throughout the design process, video games undergo extensive testing to identify and fix issues. This includes playtesting, where designers and testers play the game to evaluate its mechanics, difficulty, and fun factor. Feedback from playtesting is used to refine and improve the game, often leading to multiple iterations of design before the final version is completed.

Careers in Video Game Design

Careers in video game design require a combination of creative and technical skills. Designers may specialize in specific areas, such as level design or narrative design, but a broad understanding of game development processes is essential. Education in video game design, computer science, or related fields can provide a strong foundation for a career in this dynamic and evolving industry.

Video game design Resources
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