Level Design Critique

To finish off the week before Spring Break, we want to have a critique where we give you feedback on your level design ideas. To prepare for this critique you should bring your materials from design pattern and level design activities. There is nothing more to prepare for this critique.

As part of this critique, we will pair you with another group. One group will start. You will then carry out the two activities below. When you have done that, the two groups should swap places (so the other group presents).

Design Patterns

First you are to have the other group evaluate your challenge patterns. Explain to the group (quickly) how your game is played. Then present the building blocks to the other group, but do not tell them how to overcome the building block. Remember, design is about constraining the other player, not telling the player want to do. The other group should brainstorm ways that they can solve or get around your build block. Use their answers to determine if your building blocks are really that different from each other.

Complete Levels

Once the group understands your building blocks, show the other group one of your sample levels. In response, the other group will try to improve your level, rearranging the challenges or replacing them with ones that are more interesting.

If there is time, you can challenge the other group to make a new level for you. But remember to give enough time so that the groups can swap places.