Level Design 101 - Beginner

JamieGumb1

Hello everyone! Recently I discovered that I’d like to become a level designer. I’ve read everything from “don’t get a degree” to “get certificates” to “study on your own”. Does anyone have good insight into the best way to achieve the goals of level design and gain a good job? I know a nice portfolio is of upmost importance and to document everything I created from drawing and 3D environment work with game engines.... but, what would you suggest be the right, most forward steps to this goal? Thank you and I value all opinions!
- Thomas 

another caveman

JamieGumb1 said:

 but, what would you suggest be the right, most forward steps to this goal? Thank you and I value all opinions!
- Thomas 

design levels.
Either as mods to existing games, either as new Unity/UE4 projects

Do you want to show us where you' re at ?

JamieGumb1

I have some sketches (non-environmental) I’ve been working on... I need to learn to finish one thing before starting another lol. How about Unity? I was thinking about getting the Predator Helio 300 laptop... any good for environment building?

JamieGumb1

Sorry, missed where you said “Unity” 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ But, yes. Definitely want to work with Unity. Saving money for a computer is my main goal for now and sketching more. I definitely need to get a portfolio started 

another caveman

You might want to check out level designers, and level artists works, and define what it is you would like to do
If you can go for a desktop. If you don't have a choice then go for a laptop.

Alex_J

make games.

if you cant afford a computer make board games from paper until you can.

get other people to play your games. Preferably people who don't know you. Try to record footage of them playng so you can see how they react to your designs.

as with anything else, experiment a lot and don't worry about failures. Just log data and keep learning.

when you can predict how people will react to your designs accurately you are doing a great job.

JamieGumb1

Awesome advice from you guys! I’ll still look into a desktop and look into board game design too. I can see where being a game board developer fits into level design.... it’s about the environment and how people react to choices.

Eric Chadwick

http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Level_Design

JamieGumb1

Dang! Bingo! Thank you, sir! 🙏🏻🙏🏻