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Original post by Narcis I'll admit that I was wrong - especially after reading the article on http://www.sloperama.com, but I wont admit that I was completely wrong. I don't really see whats so special about level designers, I can still make just as great a level as a level designer (given the proper resources from a graphic designer), only because I understand how it works - thats really all it takes in my opinion to become a level designer (and game designer as well). I do acknowledge level designers are a real part of the industry, and by all means, hire or be a level designer, but if you understand the system (previously referenced as it), you most likely wont have a problem designing a level yourself. Definition of The System - Also known as it; The System regarding level design, are general rules that apply to, or are set to manipulate, the level.

Sorry about the confusion Narcis, didn't mean to say you were wrong in any way. I just put that link on there because when I was looking for more information on Game Design, I found those articles to be very helpful to give a general over view of what a game designer might, and or actually do.

Lead Designer - fundamentally responsible for the overall design of the game, from characters & story, through to game-flow and controls. Of course, any of those can be distrubuted to other roles, such as an independant Story Writer, but all of those need coordination, and thats what a lead role is typically for. A lead designer will often pick up the game and play through it and decide on what tweaks to make to gameplay etc as well.

Level Designer (and a seperate Lead Level Designer in some cases) are responsible for making the Lead Designers vision come into reality. Its a lot more than placing objects around a map. Anyone can do that. It takes skill and patience to create a level from the original design that is immersive, and on top of that *CANNOT* be broken by the player.

Graphics Designer isnt a Design role per se. Its a Lead Artist.

Arudson stated good points. I really don't agree that anyone can do level design. Your ability to easily do it doesn't mean everyone can. If you say that in order to design and build levels you need good understanding of game mechanics, that all alone eliminates vast majority of people.

I'd like to add in that being a game designer takes heart. You have to be so focused and so devoted to your game. It takes so much energy and time. A hard job, but rewarding sometimes.

Thanks guys it helped me out a lot

I just wanted to make a further comment about level designers (and I too will avoid saying something about Narcis saying game design can be done by anyone).

As some have said, level design is more complex than people give it credit for, but I think even some advocates of level design don't really understand what it involves. Level design is about psychology as much as anything else. To design a compelling level, a level designer must have an intimate knowledge of the game mechanics and have a good idea of what the player is feeling and thinking at every part of a level. Tension, anticipation and fear are valuable tools for a game designer and it's not as easy to create emotions like these as some might think. Good level designers understand things like placement, pacing, architecture, timing, lighting and the effects of realism and surrealism.

I post this because this is the Game Design section of the forum and game designers are often in leadership roles, especially in independent development. In order to effectively lead and in my opinion, create a great game, you've got to truly understand and appreciate all game development disciplines.

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Original post by Narcis I'll admit that I was wrong - especially after reading the article on http://www.sloperama.com, but I wont admit that I was completely wrong. I don't really see whats so special about level designers, I can still make just as great a level as a level designer (given the proper resources from a graphic designer), only because I understand how it works - thats really all it takes in my opinion to become a level designer (and game designer as well). I do acknowledge level designers are a real part of the industry, and by all means, hire or be a level designer, but if you understand the system (previously referenced as it), you most likely wont have a problem designing a level yourself. Definition of The System - Also known as it; The System regarding level design, are general rules that apply to, or are set to manipulate, the level.

any one can do anything but to what degree can they do it well

I say this guy is wrong i am a new disigner and am trying everything except sound design Which is one they didnt mention.


Graphic design: the meat of the project they creat what you see but they create what they or the art designer wants ( so they are kind of restricted)

game designer: they guy who works with the concepts and systems like he said, general rules and stuff like that. They do more than that because they help the other roles and most people dont have the "brain power" ot imagination to come up with a completly new the industry battles system and motr ( basicly you have to dream like a kid)

sound designer:they come up with the sounds and noises you here and add to the suspense and ambiance of the game

Level design: they make the ground you walk on and position the level designers stuff to make the games word interesting and diverse

(not a designer but he helps)
programmer: who is like the publisher/printer in a book company he binds the game and makes the systems and stuff stick

graphic design is basicly but the other jobs put together what he has made kind of like a jigsaw puzzle
(graphic designer makes the pieces other put it together and fit them)
ALLL THE JOBS ARE EQUALY IMPORTANT

....you cant play a game without an engine of some kind

....sound adds to the quality of the game

....you can play a game with a world but no ojbjects ... no monsters no animals BORRRRINGGGG

...the concepts and stuff are what makes the game fun without them the game would be as bland as the others

get what i am saying?