Level Editor - Computer Games
The Level Editor defines and creates interactive architecture for a segment of a game, including the landscape, buildings, and objects.
They must be true to the overall design specification, using the characters and story elements defined by the Game Designer, but they often have considerable scope to vary the specific look and feel of the level for which they are responsible.
The Level Editor also develops the game play for the level, which includes the challenges that the characters face and the actions they must take to overcome them. The architecture helps to define those challenges by presenting obstacles, places to hide, tests of skill, and other elements to explore and interact with.
The setting and atmosphere devised by the Level Editor can also give the player clues as to different ways of progressing though the level and the game as a whole.
Level Editors play an important role in game development, creating memorable environments and game play elements to satisfy an increasingly sophisticated and widening games audience.
They need to be inventive, and understand the design factors which contribute to an entertaining and absorbing game play experience.
They should also keep up to date with advancing technologies. Level Editors are employed by development studios, both publisher-owned and independent.
What is the job?
Working from the overall game design documentation, the Level Editor designs a portion of the game usually referred to as a ‘level’, specifying in detail all the possible actions and game play events which take place within that level; the environment, including locations, general layout of the spaces within the level, and thoughts about visuals, eg lighting, textures, and forms; the characters and objects involved, whether they are player controlled or non-player characters; and any specific behaviours associated with the characters and objects.
The Level Editor first sketches ideas on paper or using 2D drawing software. They have to 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, the challenges the player will encounter, and the game play that occurs as a result.
The ideas are then worked out in 3D and tested in the game engine, which produces further ideas. In consultation with the programmers and artists, the Level Editor draws up a detailed inventory of level ‘assets’ (all the objects and programming requirements needed to make the level run in the game in its final form).
Every asset can impact on the game’s performance and the Level Editor must understand the technical constraints the team is working to, eg there may be a limit on the number and complexity of objects that can be displayed on screen at any one time.
Typical career routes
There is no set route into this job, but it is rarely an entry level role. Industry experience is a definite advantage and candidates are normally educated to degree standard. Level Editors need an understanding of the conventions of game playing and also an awareness of the target market.
Many Level Editors are enthusiastic games consumers, and may well have gained experience through ‘modding’, which involves creating their own levels of published games using software toolkits provided as part of these games.
A Level Editor might progress into the role from various junior positions in the industry, eg working as a tester in a Quality Assurance department provides useful experience and gives an overview of the development process, access to software and tools, and insight to the different jobs.
Essential knowledge and skills
Level Editors must have good spatial and layout design skills, knowledge of 3D modelling, and a firm grasp of game design principles.
They also need to be very well organised. Game development is a collaborative process and Level Editors work both independently and as part of a team and they must be able to accept and give direction.
They train the testers to play the game and also work closely with artists and programmers, for which they need a practical understanding of programming and preferably some scripting language competence. This is a multi-skilled role, requiring:
- spatial awareness and the ability to visualise layouts; imagination and creativity;
- excellent communication skills (both verbal and written);
- IT skills and competence in the use of world editing tools;
- attention to detail and the ability to evaluate quality;
- knowledge of different platforms;
- a passion for games and knowledge of game design theory;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
There are no specific qualifications required for Level Editors, but most entrants to the industry are now graduates. Degree subjects vary, but might include a design, engineering or software development element.
Level Editors usually need to be able to use industry standard 3D modelling packages, such as 3D Studio Max or Maya, and may also be called upon to learn and use game world editing tools developed by studios in-house.
The ability to sketch ideas on paper and model in 3D is also useful. Although complete fluency in programming languages such as C++ is not a definitive requirement for the role, competency in programming principles and in higher level scripting languages is highly desirable.
Industry experience is usually essential, as is knowledge of games spanning all genres. Most training is done in-house, and although there are now a few short courses in specific 3D modelling packages, most of these are not games specific. Skillset’s regional training partners can advise about local opportunities.
Where to go for more information
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