Any video game has increasing difficulty as the levels progress. The one who decides how many levels and how hard they are is the level designer.
This job is perfect for game lovers who want to challenge others. If you belong to this group, don’t hesitate to enter the industry. I will show you what a day in the life of a level designer looks like. After checking my article, you can decide if it’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start!
Who Is A Level Designer?
A level designer designs the “level” part of a game. They get defined specifications from the gameplay designers, then dig into the events, actions, and other aspects of the game.
“Level” here means maps and stages. They should fit the story of the game and stimulate gamers. So, a level designer’s duty is to use their artistic skills to create a game layout that demonstrates the levels.
To begin, the level designer sketches their ideas. Then, they imagine being in the game and map out all the cases players may face.
The flow of actions and logic are also crucial aspects of the game. Thus, the level designer must consider them to properly sketch the game challenges.

A Day In The Life Of A Level Designer
My work day depends on what I focus on currently. Mostly, I start by working on blockouts or sketching simple 3D drafts. Let me now share some tasks that keep me busy every day!
Gather References
Before starting every project, I need a lot of ideas. To do this, I gather references from multiple sources, such as:
- Concept art: This art form can help convey ideas in films and video games. I often use it to visualize environments and characters.
- Photos: Captivating pictures is a great way to trigger my creativity. I often visit museums and art exhibitions to find inspiration from renowned artists.
- GDD (Game Design Document): I use this software to create blueprints for my game. It’s really helpful to design the game’s scope and set directions for the whole project.
Sketch Layouts
If you want to do something, you need a clear purpose, right? So, I don’t start working on the project immediately. Instead, I sketch things first.
More specifically, I create physical sketches to arrange details of the levels I want to develop. Depending on the project, I may use 2D software to draw them.

Develop Level Layouts
Now, the ideas are in my mind. It’s time to start creating level layouts and hot spots. POIs (Points Of Interest) are part of this stage, too.
So, how can I nail this task? First, I must be good at programming as my job involves a lot of algorithms to implement level designs. I also use them to design game features and assess the animation’s look.
Another skill needed for this task is creativity. As a creative level designer, I can produce exciting challenges for games to conquer throughout the levels.
This step is crucial as the level layout serves as a guideline for the whole game production process. Hence, I often spend a lot of time finding references. I don’t mind trying different layouts until finding the best one.
Prototype The Environments
Environments in games are virtual landscapes and cities that you can immediately see after joining the game. They may assist or challenge gamers as they progress through the stages.
Creating lively game environments is tricky as they should attract gamers right from the start. This task requires me to bring colors and textures to life. So, how to do it properly?
First, I meet with narrative designers and writers to ensure the environments can tell the intended story and fit the game’s world. The meetings then help me create engaging experiences.
After that, working with designers, I use software to build models. This stage also includes lightning and texture creation.
I work on interactive elements, too. My job is to use non-interactive and interactive features to produce desired emotions.

Develop Solid Documentation
As a level designer, I also need to create the GDD, which expresses the vision for my game and describes the content. Then, it acts as a map for the production process.
A clear GDD involves level progression or the flow and layouts. I develop 3D blackouts, too, so the designers have better ideas for their graphics.
If there are only a few people in the project, they know what to do without the GDD. Even so, I always prepare it carefully so everyone in the team can get valuable insights. We can also find ideas that may disappear when running the project.
Monitor The Entire Production Process
Now, everything seems to be ready for the main process. When my team is working on it, I integrate the designed elements into the map.
There are many things to focus on. For example, my team has to plan the sound and specific effects properly. And as a level designer, I observe the process to ensure everything is on the right track.
This step takes the most time as it’s the most critical phase. Everyone works hard on it while following the guidelines I have offered. If there are any problems related to the layouts, I will fix them immediately.
Coordinate With Staff
I can’t develop a video game alone. Instead, I work with other level designers and game designers.
After creating drafts of the animations, I rely on feedback and approval from my teammates. They help a lot to bring out the best work.
Aside from feedback, my colleagues also help me brainstorm ideas for the project. Teamwork makes dreams work! At the end of the day, we can overcome every challenge!

Conclusion
Above is everything you want to explore about a day in the life of a level designer. There are many tasks to cover, right? But they can keep passionate level designers like me engaged.
How about you? If you love games and find this career interesting, consider becoming a level designer! I bet you will love it!