Plan

At the planning stage, don't rush into anything yet. Before you start, help yourself shape the level concept.

Minimal Checklists

• Level ConceptLevel concept can be conveying interesting mechanisms, stories, emotions, interactions, or layouts, or challenging players (a way to make the core mechanics more enjoyable for the player rather than punishing.). What's the core concept of your levels?
• Platform. What engine and tools will you use?

Basic Checklists

• Players' goals. Reach the end or collect collectibles.
• Scope. How long is an average playthrough? How big is the level compared to player size?
• Pillars. What are the 2-3 most important themes/features of this project? E.g. stealth, combat, puzzle
• What abilities do players have? What can they interact with?
• Asset list (basic). What art assets and audios will you need for each level? What do you have already, and what needs to be found or made?

Team Checklists

For 3+ people or a series of levels.

• Pacing. What happens in each level? Why? How do the levels fit together?
• Moodboard. What are the inspirations for these levels?
• Worldbuilding. What is the lore of the level? What logic / mood guided the construction and use?

Pre-production | The Level Design Bookbook.leveldesignbook.com