Helping create fun gameplay experiences

Challenge: I wanted to create a map with many layers, where on the surface the map seems simple but much more is hidden below.

Process: In early design concept documentation, I made a list of areas I wanted to create then assembled them directly above / below each other.

Solution: Each major floor has at least 3 ways to enter / exit, I didn't want the Player to encounter dead ends while maintaining the feeling of claustrophobia.

Outcome: The overlapping nature became tricky when I began filling in the play space with models, going forward I began thinking more point of interest based instead of trying to get the whole map out at the same time which allowed me to easily adjust map sections with prefabs and reconnect areas in ways that make sense.

Challenge: I wanted to create a large scale quest oriented zombies map.

Process: Created scripts for quests and map systems earlier during blockout process than I usually would.

Solution: Players taking either path to reach pack-a-punch will have items to grab and quests to complete as they progress early-game.

Outcome: During iteration phase of blockout I could identify bottlenecks in my level's flow in regards to questing having scripts setup earlier.

Challenge: I wanted to push the limits of Radiant to help me understand optimizing levels better for Player performance.

Process: Only included collision based on Player needs, condensed sightlines to save performance, used caulk and no draw textures more often than prior mapping projects.

Solution: Built a large scale map with the intent to push Player hardware performance.

Outcome: Better understanding of what I should be prioritizing in regards to optimization which was important for projects coming after.

Challenge: Created this map to address issues I had with the design of ZM_ANCIENT after extended playtime.

Process: This level underwent heavy iteration as original design ideas were not going how I expected. Re-zoned and changed playable spaces frequently over the year before landing on something that felt right.

Solution: Under heavy iteration and design changes settled on a more condensed level experience that feels more interconnected with an attempt to make vista feel larger than the Player to not lose the grand feeling of ZM_ANCIENT.

Outcome: Repurposed a lot of geo and work done, saved old documentation to be used in future projects. Starting over isn't a failure, I was able to keep and repurpose zones in different ways to fit the needs of the map better.