The Art of Platformer Level Design: Crafting Engaging, Fun Gameplay

Consider the immersive missions in classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or the challenging puzzles in Tetris. These levels are not just "sections" of the game—they're what make the gaming experience memorable. As you dive into level design for a platformer, the top priority is to learn how to craft levels that keep players engaged, progressing, and invested.

The key to good level design is balance, with gameplay being immersive and challenging enough to keep players engaged but not so difficult that they give up in frustration. Each completed level should leave the player feeling like they've made progress, either in their skills or within the story. Even with something as simple as a snake and apple game—beat a level and get rewarded by attempting a much more difficult level. 

Throughout this guide, we'll break down the essential elements of platformer level design so you can start building levels that leave players excited to see what’s next. 

1. Storytelling in Level Design

Every level you design is like a mini-story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The player (your hero) faces conflicts (the challenges), and when they overcome those obstacles, they experience a sense of resolution (the reward or achievement).

Think of it as writing a plot—a good level should build tension, surprise the player, and offer twists that keep them engaged. To achieve this, focus on creating a smooth narrative flow that takes players through challenges and rewards, driving them forward.

When designing your level, ask yourself: 

• "How does this area fit into the larger story?"
• "What is the player's goal?"
• "What obstacles will they face?"

2. Level Size

Your game could have one level or multiple levels, depending on the story you want to tell and the type of game you're making. The design of the level will largely depend on whether you're creating a platformer, top-down, or another genre.

In the case of the platformer game, you can design a level of any size, but remember: the more objects and space you include in your scene, the more difficult it will be to keep it organized. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If the player character moves quickly, they’ll cover more ground and finish the level faster.
• To keep players engaged in smaller spaces, use obstacles, puzzles, or hidden items.
• Design in all directions—for a platformer, you can add vertically moving platforms, giving players more space to explore above the main level.

The more areas you offer players to explore, the more time they'll spend in your game. As you design your level, break it into manageable chunks. Each of these chunks should have a purpose and contribute to the level’s overall goal, while also flowing naturally from one area to the next.

For example, if your platformer needed a beach level where the player looks for coins, your list of areas might looks something like this:

• Surf Shack: Safe spawn point with no enemies.
• Boardwalk: Introduce jumping and coin collecting.
• Ice Cream Cart Enemies: Introduce roaming enemies. Add in coins to reward players on this route. 
• Parking Lot: Jump on moving cars to move across. Introduce enemies on islands between cars.
• Tourist Trap: Big open space with seeking AI (hardest combat). 

3. Level Planning

Now that you understand the basics of level design, it's time to plan your own. Begin by writing down your ideas, then sketch out a concept of what you want your level to look like.

• What mechanics are available to you? 
• What type of enemies and obstacles will you use?
• What will make this level unique?
• How does the flow of the level contribute to the overall atmosphere, theme, and objective? 
• Will the level feel cramped or open? 
• Is it a fast-paced runner or a slower, stealth-based game?
• What's the main focus of this level? 

In the end, the level could be a giant building or a boss battle, but having a focal point makes it easier to build the map around it.

4. Level Concepts

It's time to sketch out your ideas... but wait! These initial sketches should be small (thumbnail size) and quick. The goal is not to make them overly detailed but to explore different possibilities. 

While sketching, think about the story you want to tell and the player character’s objectives (e.g., searching for the ultimate treasure). These sketches are for your reference, so feel free to add notes and make changes as needed. Consider the distances and sizes of different areas as well.

Here’s what you can do:

• Use pencil and paper to sketch at least 2-3 level designs.
• Label important elements like enemies, pits, or hidden items.
• Use colors to represent different areas, such as obstacles, interactive objects, or enemies.

5. Additional Considerations

This rough draft will serve as your reference for building the in-game level. Here are a few other things to think about:

• Do you have all the necessary art assets and game pieces?
• Position assets and enemies around the map to establish goals for players to work toward and earn rewards.
• Space enemies and obstacles strategically to keep the level progression interesting but not impossible.

6. Playtesting

Once you implement the level and place all the assets, it’s essential to playtest the level. Ensure that it’s fun and engaging. Make sure players can jump correctly, enemies aren’t too hard to beat, and the map holds their interest.

As you create your game or level, it’s a good idea to keep notes or a devlog (developer's log). This can help track your progress and provide reference material for future projects.

7. Additional Inspiration

Level design doesn’t just come from other games; you can find inspiration is all around you. Go outside, observe real-world environments, or even watch how people interact with spaces. These observations can fuel your creativity and help you design levels that feel organic and engaging.

Keep experimenting, stay curious, and let inspiration guide you as you continue to refine your level design skills!