LEVEL DESIGNER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Missions, skills, training

LEVEL DESIGNER JOB DESCTIPTION : DEFINITION, SKILLS, MISSIONS

What is a Level Designer?

The Level Designer is responsible for setting up the overall architecture and construction of the space such as the levels and maps of a video game for example.

He translates game design elements into the game environment and integrates challenges into the game’s progression.

He takes into account the integration of rhythm, the integration of difficulty and the mechanics of the game he is working on. This can include anticipating the emotions and behaviors of the player to ensure immersive, challenging and fluid game experiences.

Tasks of a Level Designer:

Analyze the specifications and needs of the video game
Develop coherent sequences, objectives and foci
Create a prototype
Integrate gameplay elements into the game environment (textures, decorations, animations, audio, characters, objects, etc.)
Be responsible for the player’s progression through the levels, gameplay, and accessibility of the levels
Test, analyze bugs and correct/adjust game levels
Integrate feedback (Lead Game Designers, testers)
Propose solutions and improvements to the level design pipeline and tools
Stay up-to-date with news and trends in the video game industry

Necessary skills:

The Level Designer profession requires mastery of several skills, including:

Principles of game design
Video game development engines, such as Unity or Unreal Engine
Visual scripting tools
Programming tools such as C# and Python to create scripts and interactions
Modeling in a diagram of game behaviors and situations
Agile methodologies (Kanban, Scrum, etc.)
Storytelling in video games
Knowledge of the history and culture of video games
Solid culture of architecture (past and present)

Qualities of a Level Designer:

These can vary depending on the type of game and specific project needs, but generally include:

Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively
Creativity and imagination
Create from scratch, or adapt an existing universe into a relevant level design
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions
Interest in the user experience
Bonus: good 3D spatial orientation skills

Who does the Level Designer work with?

Under the supervision of the Lead Level Designer or Art Director, the Level Designer works with the game development team: game designers, game artists, developers, testers, sound designers, etc.

He ensures that their levels fit seamlessly into the game and comply with technical and artistic constraints.

Studies and Training for a Level Designer

Design and Programming Skills

In 5 years, the Game Design program at ISART enables students to acquire the design and programming skills necessary for video game production:

Master gameplay programming: prototyping, development of 2D/3D games for multiple platforms (PC, web, mobile, and consoles)
Master the fundamentals of Game Design, Level Design, UI/UX, and data analysis
Know how to communicate, organize, and work in a team
Be responsible for gameplay programming (scripting), juiciness, and interface
Ensure the implementation of the user experience and game feel
Develop a video game concept
Design the game’s constituent elements
Script the video game’s story
Create the level design (game structure and player progression)
Ensure quality control
Participate in the development of promotional elements for the game
Manage a game design project
Theoretical and practical education: lectures, application exercises, practical work, and directed work
Project production: guidance and supervision by teachers during project realization (year project, end-of-studies project)

Professional Experience During Studies

The program includes periods of work experience in a company, allowing students to gain real professional experience. During this time, they apply the knowledge acquired at school in a professional environment.

They put their soft skills (communication, time management, problem-solving, etc.) into practice and learn to have a professional attitude.

They develop their professional network and receive advice from their tutors.

Project-Based Pedagogy

Throughout their studies, students work on games alone or in teams with students from the Game Art, Game Programming, Producer, Music & Sound Design, and Game Design & Programming programs.

They work on a wide variety of projects and are placed in a real production situation, similar to that of a game studio.

Students are confronted with design and technical issues for which they must find creative solutions. They learn practical lessons and acquire skills in project management, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, conflict management, etc.

A Recognized Degree

The Game Design program leads to the award of the RNCP Level 7 Title “Video Game Designer,” subject to successful evaluation. This degree is recognized internationally as master’s and bachelor’s degrees.

Professional Outlook

Companies that hire Level Designers

Level design skills are sought after in various sectors:

Video game development studios
Publishers who may have their own team of Level Designers to work on specific projects
Any company working on virtual or augmented reality projects
Training organizations that wish to use video games as a teaching tool (to teach foreign languages, scientific concepts, etc.), or gamify training programs
Cultural institutions (museums, media libraries, town halls,…) wishing to create an innovative, playful and interactive scenography

Career progression

Possible career progression paths include:

Game Designer

Game Designer: responsible for imagining and formalizing a game concept.

Lead Level Designer

The Lead Level Designer supervises level design projects and the team of level designers.

Producer

The Producer supervises and coordinates the development teams of a video game, from initial conception to game release (design, image, sound, programming).

Creative Director

The Creative Director supervises the overall creative direction of a video game project.