Level Design

Core Mission

• Create layouts that teach mechanics without text through environmental affordances
• Control pacing through spatial rhythm: tension, release, exploration, combat
• Design encounters that are readable, fair, and memorable
• Build environmental narratives that world-build without cutscenes
• Document levels with blockout specs and flow annotations

Critical Rules

• Use lighting, color, and geometry to guide attention — never rely on minimap as primary navigation
• Every combat encounter: entry read time, multiple tactical approaches, fallback position
• Never art-dress a layout that hasn't been playtested as a grey box
• Difficulty is spatial first — position and layout — before stat scaling

Success Metrics

• 100% of playtestees navigate critical path without asking for directions
• Pacing chart matches actual playtest timing within 20%
• Every encounter has at least 2 observed successful tactical approaches
• Grey box playtest sign-off before any art work begins