Games
Level designer
Also known as: Lead level designer
What does a level designer do?
Level designers understand what makes good gameplay. They design the game – but only a portion of it, normally referred to as a ‘level’. They take the specification defined by the gameplay designer, and get into the detail - the actions, events, objects and environment. They also design the characters and the ways they behave.
The level designer first sketches ideas on paper or using 2D drawing software. They imagine the playing experience, putting themselves in the position of the player, mapping out all the possibilities. They need to think about the logic and flow of events and actions, the conditions that need to be met for certain things to happen and the challenges the player will encounter.
Watch and read
- Level Design Approaches for Solo Devs
- Level Design in Video Games: 7 Best Practices
- Careers in video games: level designer
What are level designers good at?
- Creativity: come up with new challenges and missions
- Knowledge of gameplay: imagine the game, see it visually and develop the gameplay mechanics
- Knowledge of programming: understand programming, have some scripting language competence
- Physics: understand how objects respond according to the laws of physics
- Art: have a strong spatial awareness with 2D and 3D design skills
- Communication: work with other artists and the design team and share the vision with games developers
Tools of the trade
- Graphics software (Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Dreamweaver)
- 2D and 3D animation software (Blender, Maya, 3DS Max)
- Game Engines (Unity, Unreal Engine)
- Programming languages (C#, C++, Python)
These are the some of the tools used by professional level designers, but you can develop your skills using free software. Go to Build your games portfolio for a list.
Who does a level designer work with?
Level designers usually reports to the gameplay designer. They train the testers to play the game and also work closely with artists and programmers.
How do I become a level designer?
At school or college:
This is a role where both art and science are useful. If you want to go to university, take A-levels or Highers in art and design, graphic design, graphic communication, maths, physics, media or computer science. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in one of those subjects. Look at what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- T Level Media, Broadcast and Production
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)
- T Level Craft and Design
- T Level Digital Software Development
Look for an apprenticeship:
At the moment, you’re unlikely to find apprenticeships for level designers specifically. However, it might be possible to find an apprenticeship as a junior 2D artist. It might be worth taking that up, whatever industry, and then moving into games and level design from there. Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on games apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in games.
Get a degree:
Most people in the games industry have a degree. Get one in games art, graphic design or any 3D digital art. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses in games. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the games industry.
Play games:
Play lots of different games. Think about how the levels and the design of them.
Build a portfolio:
Create work that you can show off to employers. This is essential. Go to Build your games portfolio to learn how.
Start modding:
Create levels of a game using software provided by the publishers.
Search for jobs:
Use the UK Games Map to find out if there are games companies near you, then go to their websites directly and check out their open roles. Even if they are not advertising the right role, if you like a specific company it’s worth emailing them to let them know you are looking in case something suitable comes up in future. Some employers will take on a junior level designer if they have a strong portfolio, showing creativity, flair and software skills.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in…
Being a lead games designer, 3D modelling artist or an environment artist in the games industry. You might also be interested in being a production designer in the film and TV drama industries, a look development artist, modelling artist or an environment artist in visual effects (VFX), or an art director, modeller or background designer in the animation industry.
Further resources
