Game Level Design  (English, Mixed media product, Byrne Ed)

Level design is currently one of the fastest-growing disciplines in game development. Level design has often been discounted as an offshoot of art or design, but the craft of creating game levels has many unique challenges, principles, techniques, and rewards all of its own. Game Level Design is written to teach artists and designers the fundamental principles, concepts, and definitions of level design. It outlines and illustrates basic and advanced principles of creating interactive game spaces, and covers different methodologies of level pre-production, production, and tuning. The principles and approaches are common to most game genres and platforms. Many of the most popular tools and technologies on the market today are also examined and discussed as part of the contemporary level designer's toolbox. Through the use of contemporary and historical examples, interviews with outstanding level designers, and a focus on professional level design, artists of all levels, from amateur 'mod' mappers to seasoned multititle veterans, will learn practical techniques and insightful approaches for creating awesome game levels!