Level Design Showcase
Avowed - Environmental Storytelling & Quest Integration
Avowed - Environmental Storytelling & Quest Integration
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.
Shatterscarp - Shark's Teeth Region
Ryngrim's Domain is an exercise in atmospheric level design, combining environmental puzzles, illusion mechanics, and vertical exploration to create a memorable gameplay experience.
Exploration in a strange and unique environment only possible with an Archmage's magic
Narrative and gameplay elements intertwine to guide players through the environment, allowing companions to shine.
As an Archmage from the Whites that Wend, Ryngrim's domain reflects on her origins while integrating her specialty: death, decay, and horror.
The player is given challenges that test their moral reasoning, their combat abilities, and their resolve.
The quest structure guides players through increasingly complex challenges, introducing mechanics gradually while building narrative tension.
Players encounter Yatzli and learn about the magical barrier
Yatzli's "Dispel Illusion" ability becomes key to progression
Statue restoration combines exploration with object collection
Skeleton encounters escalate with progession, testing combat skills
Tower entry and dialogue with Ryngrim provide closure
Galawain's Tusk - Solace Keep to Mt. Foija
This epic main quest spans multiple regions, showcasing interconnected level design with meaningful exploration, complex combat encounters, and consequential player choices.
Navigate from Solace Keep through Mt. Foija to the Lava Tubes
Inquisitor Lodwyn and Councilor Kostya provide climactic combat
Lava tubes feature natural dangers and vertical challenges
Ancient magic provides narrative and gameplay integration
Save or destroy Solace Keep with lasting consequences
Save Solace Keep
Reward: Bastion of Solace
Destroy Solace Keep
Narrative consequences
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.
Dynamic lighting guides player navigation through dark caves
Audio cues signal danger and discovery opportunities
LOD systems and occlusion culling for complex geometry
Create clear visual language that guides players naturally while maintaining the illusion of choice.
Every space tells a story through environmental details, prop placement, and architectural design.
Balance difficulty through clever design rather than artificial barriers or enemy spam.
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Avowed - Senior Area Designer