LD046 | Level and Campaign Design with Dana Nightingale (Arkane Lyon)

This podcast episode features a conversation with Dana Nightingale from Arkane Studios. Dana discusses her experience working with level design teams at Arkane Lyon and Arkane Austin and highlights the value of collaboration and teamwork in making games better. The episode also covers the journey of a modder-turned-architect into the gaming industry, the impact of Looking Glass games like Ultima Underworld and Thief, and the challenges faced in designing and developing levels for Dishonored 2 and Deathloop. The speakers emphasize the importance of player feedback, the complexity of game design, and finding inspiration in different genres and styles of games. Takeaways • Collaboration and teamwork are crucial in the game development process, especially in level design, to create immersive and engaging experiences for players. • The transition from modding to professional game development requires dedication, passion, and persistence, and can open doors to exciting opportunities in the industry. • Looking Glass games like Ultima Underworld and Thief have had a profound impact on the speaker's career and perception of video games, inspiring them to create websites, connect with developers, and contribute to the gaming community. • The development process of Dishonored 2's Clockwork Mansion level involved extensive prototyping, collaboration between the level designer and art team, and the integration of visual and atmospheric elements to create a complex and visually stunning level. • The development teams faced technical challenges in building intricate and evolving game maps, particularly in ensuring seamless AI navigation and interplay between players and NPCs. • Designing difficult maps involves considerations such as effort, intensity, tech level, puzzle design, narrative design, and the importance of the unboarding process in guiding players through the game. • Deathloop presented unique challenges in its design and development, including explaining its unique concept concisely, transitioning from level design to UX design, and the iterative process of refining the opening chapter based on player feedback. • Adapting and evolving as a game developer is crucial, as it involves understanding different audiences, utilizing feedback, and continuously honing one's skills and expertise. • User research analysts and testers play a vital role in addressing player experience issues, refining game design choices, and creating immersive and engaging gameplay journeys. • Finding inspiration in different genres and styles of games, considering player choice, managing cognitive load, and providing meaningful options are key elements in game design and level design. • The complexity of games can vary depending on personal preferences, and the challenge lies in finding a balance between engaging gameplay and player comprehension.