Course Description

Welcome to our exciting course on Level Design for Shooter Games, part of the Game Design & VFX School curriculum at LaSalle College's Vancouver campus. This program has been recognized as the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review for an impressive 10 consecutive years.

In this course, we dive deep into the thrilling world of shooter games, exploring the various subgenres and mechanics that make this genre a powerhouse in the gaming industry. You'll gain invaluable insights into level design considerations specific to shooters, and learn how to apply these concepts in practical scenarios. We'll equip you with the same development tools used by professional video game level designers, giving you a real-world edge in your game design journey.

What Students Will Learn

• A comprehensive understanding of shooter games and their subgenres
• Common shooter mechanics and their impact on level design
• Specific level design considerations for single-player shooters
• Level progression and pacing techniques
• Evaluation skills for assessing the quality of shooter map designs
• The role and functionality of game engines in level design
• Professional tools used in video game level design
• The universal process of level creation across different game genres

Prerequisites

This is an introductory-level course, and there are no specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of video games and an interest in game design would be beneficial.

Course Content

• Introduction to shooter games and their subgenres
• Common shooter mechanics and their influence on level design
• Single-player shooter level design concepts and tools
• Level progression and pacing in shooter games
• Evaluation techniques for shooter map designs
• Introduction to game engines and their role in level design
• Professional development tools for video game level design
• The universal level design process across different game genres
• Review of key concepts from the entire Level Design Professional Certificate

Who This Course Is For

• Aspiring game designers and developers
• Video game enthusiasts looking to understand the intricacies of level design
• Students interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry
• Indie game developers wanting to improve their level design skills
• Anyone passionate about understanding the mechanics behind popular shooter games

Real-World Applications

• Game Development: Apply these skills directly in creating levels for shooter games or other genres.
• Game Design Careers: Use this knowledge to pursue roles in professional game development studios.
• Indie Game Creation: Leverage these skills to design and develop your own indie games.
• Game Analysis: Enhance your ability to critically analyze and evaluate game designs, useful for game journalism or consulting.
• Virtual Reality and Simulation: Apply level design principles in creating immersive VR experiences or training simulations.
• Education: Use game design concepts to create engaging educational content or serious games.
• User Experience Design: Apply spatial design concepts learned in level design to other digital experiences.