Level Design Lobby

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The Level Design Lobby, breaks down game and level design techniques, showing how they are used within games, as well as how we can improve upon them. It also shares reading material to its audience, while providing interviews with industry professionals. Please Subscribe ---- Twitter: https://twi…

Max Pears


    • May 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 253 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Level Design Lobby

    The Balancing Act of Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 20:38


    Second episode of May, I want to talk to you all about some of the hard realities of leadership and what needs to be considered. We talk about new ideas from the team vs that of production timelines.  join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #69

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 16:05


    May baby, which means it is the start of the month, for us to talk about all the other great resources we have seen that I want to share with all of you. Best way to learn is through other incredible designers.  Sign up to Newletter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ------------------------------------------------ Resources ------------------------------------------------ Narrative in games: https://youtu.be/tq2n-DEUiVw?feature=shared Death Stranding Art Book: https://amzn.eu/d/2oS58ed Chronos: New Dawn: https://youtu.be/u3cZDRAOMZc?feature=shared  Silent Hill 2's Success: https://youtu.be/tmVni7SUT_A?feature=shared  Grid Paper: https://gridpaper-maps.tumblr.com/ The Ouroboros Express: https://youtu.be/5PZgrIPQXVY?feature=shared ----------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk...

    Designing for Engaging Narrative

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 47:18


    Hey All, It is not just me on today's episode! We have an incredible guest joining us with Tom Huges Lead Narrative Designer (Great Ape Studios) I really enjoyed this ep as we take a dive into his career and how he has developed from Game Design into that of Narrative Design. For more LD Info join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ----------------------------- Game Dev Heroes ------------------------------ Vote for me - https://bit.ly/3E4Oa4L ---------------------------- Reachout to Tom ---------------------------- BlueSky: @tomhughesdesign.bsky.social Portfolio: https://www.tomhughesdesign.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhughesdesign/  ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ~------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt 

    The Cost of The Level Design Kit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 66:22


    End of last year I launched the Level Design Kit, so I want to walk through the process of making the kit, markting & profit made. Follow for the process of making Level Design. For more LD Info join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ----------------------------- Game Dev Heroes ------------------------------ Vote for me - https://bit.ly/3E4Oa4L ---------------------------- - Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #68

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 18:44


    It may be April's fools, but there are no fools here! Let us go through some incredible resources by other amazing devs! Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: https://bit.ly/3E4Oa4L -------------------------------------- Resources -------------------------------------- Andrew Chambers: https://youtu.be/ixnKbtvCNZY?feature=shared 7months of gamedev https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6H34ox6Q4M&ab_channel=Challacade Greenheart Necromancer: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/greenheart-necromancer-reinvents-the-idle-game-shows-how-to-rethink-predatory-mechanics Doom: The Dark Ages: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/doom-the-dark-ages-development-details-shine-light-on-the-state-of-modern-triple-a-production ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk...

    Level Design Portfolios - Design Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 24:04


    Standing out in a crowded space can be hard, I want to talk about tips I have seen by others to make great looking & eye catching portfolios which I want to share with all of you. Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: https://gamedevheroes.co/nominations-2025/ --------------------------------------  Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsky.social

    Which Game Design Role is best for you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 29:24


    Our industry is every changing as are the roles that are avalible for us. With that in mind, I want to talk about the different Roles and help you deicde what is best for you. Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: https://gamedevheroes.co/nominations-2025/ ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsky.social

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #67

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 18:21


    March is here, so we are kicking off with a great list of incredible resources for you to checkout & grow from! Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: https://gamedevheroes.co/nominations-2025/ -------------------------------------- Resources -------------------------------------- Aiming System: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/how-to-create-a-fair-auto-aiming-system-in-a-robot-shooter- Mechanics for TableTop RPG: https://youtu.be/6sXdCKd0XdE?feature=shared 9 Risks for Horro Development: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gnarly-content-9-risks-for-horror-game-development Demystifying Creativity: https://youtu.be/rNM-2UFovYk?feature=shared Dying Light 2: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/deep-dive-harnessing-the-power-of-player-feedback-with-dying-light-2 ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsky.social

    A day in the life of Level Design Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 22:53


    I am still very early in my leadership role, but want to discuss what I have learned and what the role of a lead actually is! I hope you enjoy hearing what I have to say. Subscribe to my News Letterfor More LD Goodness: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ------------------------------ Level Design Products ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS Level Design Kit: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ---------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt

    Best Unreal Tools for Level Designers!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 20:42


    Start of the new year is still in effect, and I am sure like many of you, you are itching to make new levels! With this video I want show you some of the best tools avalible to help improve your work for Unreal. Please subscribe to my News Letter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ----------------------------- Resources ----------------------------- Advance Locomotion system: https://fab.com/s/0eb8afffb774 Jakub W ALS: https://patreon.com/JakubW?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link First Person Story Controller: https://fab.com/s/d59bbeee6864 Low Poly Shooter Template: https://fab.com/s/578036b16d6c Top-Down-RPG https://fab.com/s/87c7281d8efb Derby Racing: https://fab.com/s/3ac6d6f24c9a  Electronic Nodes: https://fab.com/s/a1e5d2677acb Narrative 3: https://fab.com/s/539667a7f9f7 Level Design Kit: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d Ultra Dynamic Sky: https://fab.com/s/77a632ad8b62 ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPearsBluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #66

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 16:54


    Start of Feb, so let us kick it off with more great resources for us to all grow & learn from!  Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ----------------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------------~ Preproduction Blueprint Book - https://www.worldofleveldesign.com/store/preproductionblueprint.php Thomas Brush Podcast - https://youtu.be/Sb-6Yk5zS8w?feature=shared Parasite Storyboards - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parasite-Storyboards-Bong-Joon-Ho/dp/1538753251 (For video footage if you need https://youtu.be/JE26E4IM_-g?feature=shared ) 9 Months as a solo dev - https://youtu.be/L9JUAZcMsgg?feature=shared Create your own Meta Human https://youtu.be/7lAWhk_aVvc?feature=shared  ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk... #games #gamedev #leveldesign #podcast

    Level Design Kit - Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 17:34


    More great updates are here for the Level Design Kit: https://fab.com/s/1a71419591fc as I share the latest changes and why this is a great tool kit for all level designers to pick up Join the mailing list: https://skilled-composer-1309.kit.com/8f93fd3883 #podcast #gamesdev #leveldesign

    Level Design Lobby - Gaming Industry, What's Changed?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 30:15


    It is no secret that our industry is going through a difficult time, and so much is and has changed that I wanted to share some of my thoughts on what has changed and what to keep your eyes open for.  Join the mailing list: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X---------------------------------- Level Design Products ---------------------------------- EBooks Physical Books Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk...

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #65

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 21:13


    Happy New year all! It is graet to be back in 2025 with some awesome new resources which I have found over the Xmas break. If you are looking to get back into the learning then check these out. Join the mailing list: https://skilled-composer-1309.kit.com/b1a408e208 ----------------------------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------------------------- Resource 01: https://youtu.be/e54VbphftBM?feature=shared Resource 02: https://youtu.be/AXztnEVv_m8?feature=shared Resource 03: https://fab.com/s/1a71419591fc Resource 04: https://youtu.be/4zGVjpwrfYY?feature=shared Resource 05: https://youtu.be/DLY38_vJ0hc?feature=shared ---------------------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsky.social #games #gamedev #leveldesign #podcast

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #64

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 15:41


    New month, new ways to level up! I have collected more resources for us to enjoy & learn from so I hope you enjoy!  ----------------------------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------------------------- Giving Effective Feedback Book: https://store.hbr.org/product/giving-effective-feedback-hbr-20-minute-manager-series/13999 99% Invisible City: https://99percentinvisible.org/book/  Unifying Vision: https://youtu.be/s13k_V6UV8Y?si=FV304Uj__H7_Z2Pd Silent Hill 2 Remake Design choices: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/fog-of-woe-what-the-silent-hill-2-remake-gets-right-about-immersing-players-in-its-world Deep Dive: Narrative of Slay the Princess: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/deep-dive-player-centered-narrative-design-in-slay-the-princess ---------------------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears

    Level Design Lobby - Silent Hill a Short Message

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 24:32


    Happy Halloween All,  I am very excited to talk about that of a horror game which released at the start of 2024 & what to take away from it. Silent Hill: A Short Message is not the perfect horror game, but has some great ideas which I was really impressed with. So let us sit down and discuss them.  ----------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears

    Level Design Resources #63

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 14:44


    Some incredible new resources out there for us all to learn from, so I wanted to share ones that I have enjoyed from the last month:  --------------------------------- Resources --------------------------------- Training Designers -  https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/training-the-game-designers-of-tomorrow-part-1-of-5- Level Design Course - https://youtu.be/ce4yNfn7GAc?si=eb_rEIga_JPtWTbf Power Progression In Games - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/power-progression-in-games-crafting-rewarding-player-experiences Allan Wake 2, Saga Anderson: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/why-remedy-entertainment-went-all-in-on-saga-anderson-in-i-alan-wake-2-i- Survival Guide for Devs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx_IWZHcqUA&ab_channel=GDC QA Career Path: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohp-aEEupBg&ab_channel=GDC ----------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears

    Unifying Vision - Devcom 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 47:47


    Myself & Jonny Wilson (Snr Level Designer) present our talk, as we discuss the challenges of contracting in Level Design & how we can quickly adapt per project. While also talking about how to best speed up/communicate with our own team members with other disciplines. (This is a talk, you can watch it online on the youtube page)  ----------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact - Jonny ------------------------------------ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Omnislash92 Email: Jonathonwilson92@gmail.com ----------------------------------- Contact - Me ------------------------------------ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Website: https://www.maxpears.com/

    Level Design Lobby - Hobbies to improve your Design Skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 14:03


    We talk A LOT about how to improve our skills, which could be through editor, theory  & communication. But we can also improve in other ways, by being creative in other ways. In this episode I talk about what I think are some handy & fun ways to improve.  ----------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears 

    Level Design Lobby - Acriss Discsipline Communication

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 15:46


    This show primarily foucses on that of Level and Game design, we have had many guests who are involved with other roles. In this ep we want to talk about how we communicate to one another in other disciplines.  Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/leveldesignlobby ----------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #62

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 15:05


    A start of a month, only means more materials I recommend for you all to check out!  --------------------------------- Resources --------------------------------- Dami Lee - Distrubing Prisons: https://youtu.be/Yfo21u8bf-o?feature=shared Emergent Tokyo: https://amzn.eu/d/8JPSebj Little Kitty Big City: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/how-little-kitty-big-city-was-designed-to-steal-hearts-and-fish Keyboard Design: https://youtu.be/FLdCY4pKNV0?feature=shared Shaping Interior Spaces:  https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/shaping-interior-space-bundle-book--studio-access-card-4th-revised-edition/roberto-j-rengel/book/9781501326707.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkdO0BhDxARIsANkNcrdc4F4v59n4aPDvTe6UUTWT_9oI9BFLZyMoF9-Xz68NHczh-q49ioIaAh-dEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds ----------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com

    Level Design Lobby - Lead Level Designer Leo Mah

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 54:55


    This episode I am joined by Lead Level Designer Leo Mah, who shares his journey to that of a Lead Designer. Breaking down what makes a good lead and work on his past projects. Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Leo Mah ----------------------------------- Website: https://www.leomah.com/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/leomah0308 --------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - How to approach Stealth Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 19:06


    In this episode, I have taken a deep dive on of my favourite levels to play when growing up which was stealth levels. I was a huge fan of both MGS & Splinter Cell franchises, now we see some form of stealth in many of our games. So I wish to share some tips which I have learned over my time.  ----------------------------- Stealth Resources ---------------------------- Common Stealth Mistakes - https://youtu.be/ysXTQgHP-NY?feature=shared LD for Stealth Games - https://youtu.be/EIgwEZFEsB4?feature=shared ---------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #61

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 15:30


    A month of incredible resources avalible for us to learn from, I share some of my fav over the month: ------------------------------------- Resources ------------------------------------- Research for Caraclismo: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/art/cataclismo-shows-how-devs-can-be-inspired-by-their-home-regions Cyberpunk GDC Talk: https://youtu.be/lXLRd5Kah-I LD of Bloodborne: https://youtu.be/mPHbokODbeM Colour Book: https://store.philamuseum.org/papier-tigre-color-inspiration-book-volume-i/ Fireside Chat: https://youtu.be/UlckHuZQpNo Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Redesigning Others Levels

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 17:59


    An aspect that is not always spoken about is the fact that during development, time is not always on the team's side. This can be because work is not split evenly, deadlines, holidays, or possibly someone leaving the company. Regardless of the reason you may end up taking over another work, which can be great but also challenging, so let us talk about what we can do once handed ownership.  ------------------------------------------ Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Design through production

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 17:34


    As we develop games there are multiple stages of processes we go through:  - Preproduction  - Production  - Polish As LDs our role & focus will change to best meet those stages of production. I will talk through what it is that makes a good LD in each of these stages.  ------------------------------------------ Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears  Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com ----------------------------------- #gamedev #leveldesign #podcast #leveldesignlobby

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #60

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 16:03


    April is upon us, so let us celebrate it with an incredible list of great resources to help us all learn and grow from one another.  ---------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- Industrial Design Trends:  https://youtu.be/Ieg5qv1JYuU?feature=shared Oki Sato Interview: https://youtu.be/c3TPbj2_Xjg?feature=shared LD Comparisons: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/level-design-compare-fps-vs-tps-games Immersion In Games: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZKEQe1Syp3TjBtRwRfLTy Architect Compares CP vs Starfiel vs StarCitizen: https://youtu.be/sbOFw1NgUj4?feature=shared ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears  Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com #gamedev #leveldesign #podcast

    Level Design Lobby - Inspiring Through Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 15:54


    Design is not a solo journey but one in which to achieve the best designs possible we work with incredible other devs and disciplines. So we must figure out how to inspire, learn, compromise and design with others.  ------------------------------------------ Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter:   / maxpears   Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------#gamedev #leveldesign #podcast #leveldesignlobby  

    Level Design Lobby - Designing Boss Battles

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 18:53


    While working on my GoW level I have currently been designing a boss arena. I received some questions on twitter and want to give some advice on how you should and would design.  Questions: https://x.com/MaxPears/status/1745015457600471045?s=20 ------------------------------------------ Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter:   / maxpears   Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------#gamedev #leveldesign #podcast #leveldesignlobby

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #59

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 11:40


    Start of the month and here are the recommended resources which I think are very much worth checking out to learn from!  ---------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- Great Game Designer Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Role-Great-Game-Designer-Handbook/dp/1777993202 Return to Monkey Island - https://youtu.be/SdWzlDwxBmQ?feature=shared Graveyard of Features - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-graveyard-of-features-in-games-when-stuff-that-seemed-promising-just-doesn-t-work Suda 51 Career - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/suda51-on-25-years-of-making-strange-masterpieces-at-grasshopper-manufacture IGN Unionise - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/ign-workers-are-unionizing-under-newsguild-cwa ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: maxpears​   Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com #gamedev #leveldesign #podcast

    Level DesignLobby - Unionise

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 11:48


    I was not feeling good the week I recorded this as I am sure many of you have seen it had been nonstop layoffs for nearly the whole of January. This affected some good friends of mine as well as my own mental health. For this, I want to talk about the possibility of how Unionising as gamedevs could possibly help us in the future. That is by joining a union, here are some of the pages in a few different countries: UK GameDev Union: https://www.gameworkers.co.uk/ Poland: https://gamedevunion.pl/en/main-en/ France: https://www.stjv.fr/en/news-en/ Union Articles: https://www.polygon.com/gaming/23538801/video-game-studio-union-microsoft-activision-blizzard https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/jan/20/video-game-developers-union-membership-in-uk-soars-after-thousands-laid-off ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Tools to make Level Design Better

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 15:03


    In our career, we use a lot of different tools to construct and build our worlds. I wanted to talk about some that have helped in my experience. Each game is different & requires different equipment to improve our work.  ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com ----------------------------------- #gamedev #leveldesign #podcast #leveldesignlobby

    Level Design Lobby - Reduendcy Sucks, but this can help!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 18:01


    It is no secret that we have seen the biggest job losses in the industry. With over 9000 lost in 2023 and currently 6000 in 2024. I sadly was one of these, so I wish to share my experience with you all alongside that which helped me to land jobs as well.  ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #58

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 11:35


    Happy 2024, we are back with the podcast and no better place to start than that of the resources we should read and enjoy!  ----------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- GDC Boss Mode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO23gOGZkcA&ab_channel=GDC Anime Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZsboyfs-L4&ab_channel=NewFramePlus How to steal like an artist: https://rb.gy/dytul4 Gamedev Bussiness Book: https://rb.gy/nmuuo9 The Raid -Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNkeEZ1EHbo&ab_channel=Storytellers ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter:   / maxpears​   Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com

    Level Design Lobby - Giving Talks

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 14:34


    This year I have been fortunate enough to attend multiple conferences giving talks. So I felt that I had to share some tips I have found over the years which I have given talks and from me attending multiple talks out there. ----------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com #leveldesign #gamedev #podcast

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #57

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 19:56


    Sorry guys, things have been a bit hectic and this video was supposed to be released a couple of weeks ago. I hope you enjoy it regardless and learn from these incredible resources. Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- Death of Unity - https://youtu.be/1zuZaJE3n-4?feature=shared Satoshi Kon Editing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz49vQwSoTE&ab_channel=EveryFrameaPainting Must play Baulders 3 quest - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/blogs/this-baldur-s-gate-3-quest-is-a-must-play-for-designers Spatial Composition - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIsLDFD8E7s&ab_channel=LevelDesignLobby Lettering in Comics- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9tbi4GaPNL8 ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com

    How I Designed Cybperpunk 2077 Levels

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 47:28


    Welcome to my 2023 talk on the level design process I went through, who I worked with, and the challenges we faced while developing the quest 'Chippin'In'. I breakdown, my personal design process I went through while making the level of Ebunike. ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com

    Conversing with Players Spatial Composition - Level Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 44:23


    Sharing my talk which I gave out in Norway back in Konsoll 2021. The topic I focus on is on how we can help guide players through our levels using spatial communication. As it allows players to build up their own mental map of our levels. ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #56

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 12:50


    It is a new month for the podcast, which means a whole bunch of new incredible resources for us to check out and enjoy. I hope you enjoy it.  ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- Spider-Man Building NYC: https://youtu.be/Bix1nLgneR4?si=bRPPYI7mcmlwyZ6f Immortality Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ov00DFQ5gg&ab_channel=Noclip-VideoGameDocumentaries Where birds go to sleep  https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/designing-for-the-draw-of-evil-in-where-birds-go-to-sleep- Deltarune Analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtP7PnyuSw4&ab_channel=DarylTalksGames ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com 

    Level Design Lobby - Career Growth Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 41:21


    Great to hear people really enjoyed the first episode and wanted to hear more, so I come here to share more tips to help learn/grow and skills to develop to progress your career.  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Crafting Level Design for Combat

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 30:19


    I gave a talk at Konsoll back in 2020, during could breaking down how to best set up your levels for the use of Combat. Going through elements you need to consider and how to best set up your geometry. Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Narrative Designers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 35:14


    We will be talking about one of the less discussed or shared roles online which is that of a Narrative Designer. I am joined by my friend Keano Raubun, who has worked on some big titles and shares his experience with us.  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS -----------------------------------   Contact Keano  -----------------------------------Twitter: https://twitter.com/xArcky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minisbykeano/ --------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Talk - Mental Maps

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 36:53


    I thought I would share an old talk I gave back in 2018, where I talk about Mental Maps, how we can encourage players to better understand and learn the layout of your map. Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Deisgn Lobby - Career Growth Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 23:02


    For those who want to grow their careers in Level Design, it is not always about being the best LD, there is a lot that you need to learn and develop as you progress. Not many of these are discussed so I thought it would be best to bring them up for everyone's attention.  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #55

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 12:45


    Hitting July hard with great new resources. Talking about what I have read, watched, and listened to, which I think we can all learn from.  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- Starwars:Outlaws - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/star-wars-outlaws-finally-makes-good-on-a-scum-villainy-fantasy GDC Vault God of War Ragnorok -  https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1029343/The-Final-Battle-of-God Silent Hill 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa1i06kVIVQ&ab_channel=TotallyPointlessTV LD Test - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTIiIZ-Agco&ab_channel=LevelDesignLearningwithPatrickHaslow ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com #LevelDesign #Podcast #GameDev

    Level Design Lobby - What's Next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 15:27


    Hey all, I hope you are well it has been a busy and crazy one for me with all the contracts and I wanted to discuss what is next for the podcast, what is the plans for the show moving forward and what has slowed me down.  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Level Design Lobby - Designing Tools

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 35:38


    I have the utmost pleasure of sitting down with the lovely Robin-Yann Storm, who is a Tools UX Designer, and discussing the tools that we use as designers and how he helps make them better for us. It is a complicated process but one that I believe is extremely eye-opening.  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS -----------------------------------  Contact Robin ----------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RYStorm  Website: https://rystorm.com/ Talk: https://youtu.be/VRm3d0TqMq4  ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com -----------------------------------

    Game Conferences - Best practisces

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 20:47


    Throughout every year there are incredible conferences for us all to attend as either gamers or as devs. It is a brilliant opportunity for us to network and make new friends. In this episode, I will talk to you about how to best present yourselves and what I have learned over my time attending and presenting at these.   Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ------------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com #LevelDesign #Podcast #GameDev

    Designing Levels for your portfolio

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 18:20


    As some of you will know, I have been working on a personal level for a while which is based on the God of War Universe. It has taken some time to work on it, gone through many iterations, and with more to come. But with this still, in development, I really wanted to talk about personal work its importance for us as LDs at all levels and how best to approach one. Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Live Steams  ----------------------------------- Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/live/bOJeRJmjzy8?feature=share Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/live/9yk4T2NBTgQ?feature=share ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com #LevelDesign #Podcast #GameDev

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #54

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 18:23


    April starts with no fools, but with great resources. I talk about what I have read, watched, and listened to which I think will improve our skillsets.  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- Unreal Engine 5.2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teTroOAGZjM&ab_channel=UnrealEngine Photo as Narrative Tools: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/building-a-compelling-photography-mechanic-mexico-1921 Ai Dev Tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ6fALsLUKg&ab_channel=ThomasBrush Mental Mapping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Tczf8vxCM&ab_channel=GDC ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com #LevelDesign #Podcast #GameDev

    Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #53

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 13:37


    New month, new reading material out there to help us all out and grow as designers!  Support the show: http://bit.ly/33xpKbG ---------------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------- Emotional Design:  https://www.gamedeveloper.com/road-to-igf-2023/telling-emotional-stories-through-evocative-scenes-in-rhett-tsai-s-how-deep-is-the-dark-water Level Design Book:  https://www.routledge.com/A-Practical-Guide-to-Level-Design-From-Theory-to-Practice-Diplomacy-and/Bauer/p/book/9781032230894 Remaking Dead Space:  https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/diving-into-the-nightmarish-new-systems-of-the-dead-space-remake I expect you to die 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Ez3RpJUtw&ab_channel=GDC ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaxPears​ Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com

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