Level design is an essential component of multiplayer action games. Ever fantasize about creating your own maps? This class will cover how to approach level design from high-level design thinking to the nuts and bolts of blocking out a level that you can traverse in Unreal Engine 5.
This class involves brainstorming, drawing, 3D modeling, and some setup and lighting in Unreal.
You can follow along using Blender for the modeling portion of the class or equivalent software. While prior experience using either Blender or Unreal is not required, it's recommended that you're familiar with the basics of your 3D software of choice. For the drawing portion, feel free to use good old fashioned pen and paper, then upload a picture of it to your computer using a phone.
Design a level based on the brief provided or create your own!
Soak in the design brief and let it marinate in your head
OR write up a new brief with specific parameters and restrictions defined
Draw up a 2D map either on paper or an image editing app like Photoshop using a pen tablet
Bring the drawing into a 3D app like Blender and begin modeling your level
Be mindful of the scale by checking the level geometry inside of Unreal. Use one of the default 1st or 3rd person character controllers to run around in your map.
Refine the level geometry and set up lights in Unreal, with annotations added where needed.
Once you've finished this class, you should have an awesome graybox level that runs on Unreal Engine 5. This can be used as a basis for an area in your dream game or added to your portfolio to point to and say, "I designed this!"
Note: This class does not cover gameplay programming or network multiplayer setup. However, graybox maps are perfectly valid portfolio material as it demonstrates how you design spaces. For personal game projects, you can use these techniques to consistently tackle the blank canvas with a reliable design process.
