Michael Salmond – författare

Level design connects the player to the game through challenges, experiences, and emotions. This book is an invaluable introduction to the evolving practices of Level Designers across the games industry. The increasingly complex role of the Level Designer requires technical and creative skill as it brings together architecture, art, player psychology, interaction design, usability, and experience design. This book explores in detail the principles designers employ when planning levels and building engaging spaces for the player. As well as practical approaches to level design, the book delves into the theoretical underpinnings of the processes and charts a path towards thinking like a Level Designer. Throughout the book you will be guided through the fundamentals of level design: each chapter builds on the types of research, ideation, best practices, and methodologies Level Designers employ when creating prototypes and shipped games. A series of interviews with designers and case studies from game studios examine the application of industry-wide expertise used to create triple-A and indie game titles. By the end of this book you will have gained valuable insight into the role of a Level Designer and be able to devise, plan, and build your own engaging and entertaining game levels.

Video Game Design is a visual introduction to integrating core design essentials, such as critical analysis, mechanics and aesthetics, prototyping, level design, into game design. Using a raft of examples from a diverse range of leading international creatives and award-winning studios, this is a must-have guide for budding game designers. Industry perspectives from game industry professionals provide fascinating insights into this creative field, and each chapter concludes with a workshop project to help you put what you’ve learnt into practice to plan and develop your own games.With over 200 images from some of the best-selling, most creative games of the last 30 years, this is an essential introduction to industry practice, helping readers develop practical skills for video game creation. This book is for those seeking a career making video games as part of a studio, small team or as an independent creator. It will guide you from understanding how games engage, entertain and communicate with their audience and take you on a journey as a designer towards creating your own video game experiences.Interviewees include:James Portnow, CEO at Rainmaker GamesBrandon Sheffield, Gamasutra.com/Game Developer magazineSteve Gaynor, co-founder The Fullbright Company (Gone Home)Kate Craig, Environment Artist. The Fullbright Company (Gone Home)Adam Saltsman, creator of Canabalt & Gravity HookJake Elliott & Tamas Kemenczy, Cardboard Computer (Kentucky Route Zero)Tyson Steele, User Interface Designer, Epic GamesTom Francis, Game Designer, Gunpoint & Floating PointKareem Ettouney, Art Director, Media Molecule. Little Big Planet 1 & 2, Tearaway.Kenneth Young, Head of Audio, Media MoleculeRex Crowle, Creative Lead, Media Molecule

This book explores the discipline of World Design, also referred to as World Building, within large and small video game studios and outlines the fundamental skill sets required to become a World Builder, covering the theoretical aspects of moving from a concept to executing a digitally imagined world.Video Game World Design is a practical introduction to the creative discipline of designing immersive digital worlds, or World Building. Aimed at students and aspiring game designers, it explores the skills, tools, and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to create coherent, engaging environments for gameplay.Covering everything from concept development to execution in game engines, the book draws on real-world case studies and insights from industry professionals to offer a clear picture of what it takes to become a successful World Designer.Key features include:*Clear definitions of the World Builder role and required skill sets*Exploration of complementary fields such as architecture, art, geography, and politics*Practical guidance on pre-production methods and collaboration in game development*Techniques for building player-centered environments, from map design to props and audio*Case studies and interviews offering real-world context and future trends*Over 100 color images throughout that support the text and provide visual aids