- Training Video Game
The level designer is the architect of the video game, developing the levels and, more broadly, its structure
The role of the level designer
Based on the gameplay (game concept and rules) drawn up by the game designer (or game scriptwriter), with whom they work closely, the level designer will imagine and build the player’s journey through a coherent universe. They will then design the various levels and stages, based on the mechanisms already established by the creative team, and stage them.
Skills and qualities
Analysing the specifications and proposing solutions based on feasibility; anticipating player behaviour; designing and assembling the game situations on paper; testing and adjusting the levels to ensure good playability (intuitive interface, useful and visible items, ease of handling, progression curve, etc.); having everything validated by the game designer and the project manager – these are the level designer’s tasks.
The level designer’s role is very important in the early stages of developing a video game, as it is he who defines and harmonises the pace of the game, as well as the difficulty and diversity of each level.
To be a level designer worthy of the name, you need to be creative, display artistic sensitivity, be rigorous and organised, and keep in step with the various members of your team. On the technical side, good drawing skills are required.
Obviously, mastery of the various professional software packages, as well as level editing tools (Unreal, Renderware studio, etc.) and 2D and 3D modelling tools (Studio max, Flash, etc.), are all part of the essential skill-set of an effective professional.
Level designers are highly adaptable to new tools and computer system constraints.
Finally, as in all video game production professions, level designers have a good level of English and technical jargon.
Career and development opportunities
There are several ways of becoming a level designer. After the baccalauréat or equivalent, you can opt for training at an art school, in particular the Illustration – Concept Art course, which opens the doors to a wide range of business sectors.
The course comprises three years of study. ESMA is a member of the the creative schools network, a benchmark in higher art education alongside ESMA.
Level designers can work in a design studio, in the audiovisual industry, for a video game publisher or on a freelance basis. A level designer can become a game designer and, after several years’ experience, become a project manager or creative director.
Salary and career opportunities
A level designer’s salary varies according to their skills, experience, and the type of company that employs them. Compensation can also differ depending on employment status (employee, freelance, or contract). Early-career designers typically earn toward the lower end of the salary range, while those with more experience and responsibility earn closer to the median or upper end.
With solid technical skills and a good level of English, many level designers pursue career opportunities internationally. Countries with large game industries often offer higher compensation and broader opportunities for experienced designers.
Salary overview
- Typical salary range: $57,000 – $112,000+ per year
- Median salary: ~$80,000 per year
Early career level designers are generally positioned closer to the lower end of the range, while experienced professionals working on larger or more complex projects earn closer to the median or upper end.
