CRAFTING IMMERSIVE WORLDS
Environmental storytelling and spatial design for Avowed
As Senior Area Designer on Avowed, I owned the end-to-end development of major content regions, from initial white-box layouts to final polish. My work focused on creating environments that seamlessly blend exploration, narrative, and gameplay mechanics.
The following showcases demonstrate my approach to level design through two distinct areas: Ryngrim's Domain, and the volcanic Lava Tubes, each presenting unique design challenges and opportunities for environmental storytelling.
RYNGRIM'S DOMAIN
Shatterscarp — Shark's Teeth Region
Area Overview
Atmospheric Level Design
Ryngrim's Domain is an exercise in atmospheric level design, combining environmental puzzles, illusion mechanics, and vertical exploration to create a memorable gameplay experience.
Design Goals
- Reinforce the mystic and illusory nature of Ryngrim's magic and domain
- Guide player progression through environmental storytelling
- Integrate companion abilities as exploration mechanics
- Balance combat encounters with puzzle-solving moments
Quest: Face Your Fears
Environmental Setup
Players encounter Yatzli and learn about the magical barrier
Companion Integration
Yatzli's "Dispel Illusion" ability becomes key to progression
Puzzle Mechanics
Statue restoration combines exploration with object collection
Combat Crescendo
Skeleton encounters escalate with progression, testing combat skills
Narrative Resolution
Tower entry and dialogue with Ryngrim provide closure
Rewards & Progression
- Yatzli becomes a permanent companion
- Progression through the critical path
- The many goodies laying around the Domain!
AREA SCREENSHOTS
THE LAVA TUBES
Galawain's Tusk — Solace Keep to Mt. Foija
Quest: Our Dreams Divide Us Still
This epic main quest spans multiple regions, showcasing interconnected level design with meaningful exploration, complex combat encounters, and consequential player choices.
Multi-Region Journey
Navigate from Solace Keep through Mt. Foija to the Lava Tubes
Boss Encounters
Inquisitor Lodwyn and Councilor Kostya provide climactic combat
Environmental Hazards
Lava tubes feature natural dangers and vertical challenges
Critical Decision Point
Save or destroy Solace Keep with lasting consequences
Choice & Consequence
Save Solace Keep
Reward: Bastion of Solace
Destroy Solace Keep
Narrative consequences
Area Overview
Complex Dungeon Environment
The Lava Tubes represent a complex dungeon environment that challenges players with multi-layered exploration, environmental puzzles, and combat encounters. The area's design emphasizes player agency through multiple paths and optional challenges.
Level Design Elements
- Non-linear exploration with multiple interconnected paths
- Environmental hazards that serve as both obstacle and atmosphere
- Puzzle mechanics integrated with combat encounters
- Reward discovery through careful observation
Technical Implementation
- Dynamic lighting guides player navigation through dark caves
- Audio cues signal danger and discovery opportunities
- LOD systems and occlusion culling for complex geometry
AREA SCREENSHOTS
MY LEVEL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
GUIDED EXPLORATION
Create clear visual language that guides players naturally while maintaining the illusion of choice.
NARRATIVE INTEGRATION
Every space tells a story through environmental details, prop placement, and architectural design.
MEANINGFUL CHALLENGE
Balance difficulty through clever design rather than artificial barriers or enemy spam.