- 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 and the company that employs them. The average salary for an entry-level level designer ranges from €1,600 gross per month.
Depending on the status of the level designer (employee, freelance, etc.), the salary can vary considerably.
With a good level of English, many French level designers choose to pursue their careers in other countries such as the United States, Canada and even Asia.
