How do you create variety and contrast in your level design to keep different players engaged and surprised?

1 Spatial variety

One way to create variety and contrast in your level design is to use spatial variety, which means changing the size, shape, and layout of the spaces in your level. Spatial variety can affect how the players move, explore, and interact with the environment, and how they perceive the scale, distance, and depth of the level. For example, you can use spatial variety to create transitions between open and closed spaces, vertical and horizontal spaces, or linear and nonlinear spaces, and use them to create different moods, pacing, and gameplay opportunities.

3 Gameplay variety

A third way to create variety and contrast in your level design is to use gameplay variety, which means changing the mechanics, objectives, and challenges of the gameplay in your level. Gameplay variety can affect how the players act, think, and react to the level, and how they engage with the core loop, progression, and feedback of the game. For example, you can use gameplay variety to create contrast between stealth and combat, exploration and puzzle, or speed and precision, and use them to create different skills, strategies, and rewards.

4 Player variety

A fourth way to create variety and contrast in your level design is to use player variety, which means considering the different types of players and playstyles that might play your game, and designing your level to accommodate them. Player variety can affect how the players enjoy, learn, and master the level, and how they express their personality, preferences, and goals in the game. For example, you can use player variety to create options for different playstyles, such as aggressive or defensive, creative or analytical, or cooperative or competitive, and use them to create different outcomes, experiences, and feedback.

5 Randomness and emergence

A fifth way to create variety and contrast in your level design is to use randomness and emergence, which means introducing elements of unpredictability and complexity in your level that can generate new and unexpected situations and interactions. Randomness and emergence can affect how the players adapt, improvise, and experiment with the level, and how they discover new and surprising possibilities and consequences in the game. For example, you can use randomness and emergence to create dynamic elements, such as enemies, items, or events, that can change the state, behavior, or outcome of the level, and use them to create different challenges, opportunities, and stories.

6 Feedback and iteration

A sixth way to create variety and contrast in your level design is to use feedback and iteration, which means testing your level with different players and playstyles, and refining your level based on their feedback and data. Feedback and iteration can affect how you improve, balance, and polish your level, and how you ensure that your level meets the expectations, needs, and desires of your target audience. For example, you can use feedback and iteration to identify and fix issues, such as bugs, glitches, or exploits, that can affect the quality, performance, or fun of your level, and use them to create a more satisfying, engaging, and surprising gameplay experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?