Arcane annihilation

Game Overview

For our second collaborative project, our group was assigned an open brief. Based on that, we decided to develop a run-and-gun, first-person infinite shooter that emphasizes fast-paced action and high velocity. In this project, I took on the roles of Lead Designer and level designer.For this project, we drew significant inspiration from 'Doom' and 'Roboquest,' incorporating features such as wall running, power sliding, and random weapons. As a result, it was crucial from a design perspective to maintain continuous player engagement and allow them to learn the character abilities, master the levels, and progress further, while also enhancing the overall fun factor during gameplay.

Role

Lead Design, Level Design,

Year

2023

Software

Unreal Engine 5, Blueprint, Adobe

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Design DOcument

My Role

In this project, I played a pivotal role as one of the two designers, contributing significantly to shaping the game's vision and guiding its development through a blend of feedback and intuition. My paramount focus was to ensure the game's fundamental quality—fun and enjoyability—remained a core pillar throughout development. I consistently championed this principle in meetings and discussions. Aiming for high player momentum and implementing a seamless movement system were key components of achieving this goal. My collaboration with the technical team was vital to realizing a well-rounded player character. As the lead designer, I maintained the game's trajectory, prioritizing the 'fun factor' while guarding against scope creep and unnecessary complications.

I was tasked with creating the primary level for the game. My key considerations during the design phase were to maintain high player momentum, fully exploit player mechanics (including wall run and slide jumps), and introduce open areas to enhance gunplay dynamics. By initiating a blockout early in the development, I conducted playtests to gather valuable feedback on the level. In response to the feedback received, I implemented adjustments to improve the gunplay experience and optimize the utilization of player mechanics. This iterative approach, driven by constructive feedback, allowed me to craft an engaging map that effectively embodies all three design considerations, while also pushing the boundaries of the player's character capabilities.

For this project, I drew inspiration from the level design of Doom and Ultra Kill. Analyzing their approach, I aimed to incorporate similar elements into my project. The essential insights from this exploration emphasized creating expansive combat zones to fully leverage the game's desired systems. Additionally, strategically placing tighter sections intensified combat for a more challenging player experience.

The following showcases a visual comparison of the map's initial design and its finalized version, demonstrating the evolution of my implementation for the game.