{"id":1516,"date":"2022-01-09T01:25:44","date_gmt":"2022-01-09T09:25:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/?page_id=1516"},"modified":"2022-01-14T17:01:28","modified_gmt":"2022-01-15T01:01:28","slug":"ldlw-death-stranding","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/projects\/ldlw-death-stranding\/","title":{"rendered":"Death Stranding Open World Level Study"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video alignwide\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_HighlightReel.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">This level was created as a study of the mechanics used in the universe of Death Stranding. This meant the level only used mechanics that are present within the existing game. While designing the level, I kept in mind how the space can impact player movement, hide or hint at valuable loot, and include covered areas to hide from the &#8220;Timefall&#8221; rain. I designed a medium-sized open world section that included 4 unique locations\/points of interest for the player to discover, loot to collect, traversal puzzles that utilize the building mechanic, and a short mission\/task that requires the player to enter enemy territory and acquire stolen goods.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Project Details<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211;  Created during a &#8220;Level Design Weekend&#8221; challenge where designers within the Level Design Lobby community create a full level blockout in 48 hours<br>&#8211; Built with Unreal Engine 4<br>&#8211; Level Study of Death Stranding&#8217;s Open World design<br>&#8211; 3rd Person Open World Adventure gameplay<br>&#8211; Level Blockout Exercise<br>&#8211; Blueprint Visual Scripting Exercise<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Level Brief:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Players start at the Personal Safehouse in a large cave then find the Prepper Shelter near a waterfall. After finding the shelter, Players take on an Order to recover some lost cargo to bring the Prepper into the Chiral Network. Players can either take a long way around the mountain leading up to the MULE camp, or take a shortcut through the forest. However, taking the shortcut involves moving through an area affected by Timefall and heavily infested with BTs. As Players reach the MULE Camp, they can find the target cargo spread between 2 Post Boxes. Once collected, Players must return to the Prepper Shelter to turn in the order to end the level\/mission<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>GAMEPLAY<\/strong> <strong>OVERVIEW<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Traversal.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Challenging Environment Traversal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I added <strong>shortcuts <\/strong>over difficult to climb boulders, gaps that needed to be crossed by any means necessary, and conveniently placed rocks near large bodies of water that the Player could choose to overcome if they wanted a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Choosing the shortest path isn&#8217;t always the most efficient, and trying to jump a gap may not be worth the <strong>risk <\/strong>of breaking life-saving equipment and expensive cargo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-9 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Camp.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Enemy Camp Infiltration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">In addition to the environmental challenges, an enemy &#8220;MULE&#8221; Camp was built to <strong>entice and reward the Player<\/strong> with rare loot as well support a side-mission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Players can <strong>safely examine the camp from multiple vantage points<\/strong> to take note of guard patrol routes and locations of cargo or helpful devices. If guards are alerted, the Player can run, try to hide in the nearby tall grass or fight as a last resort<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-12 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Timefall.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Large Scale Environmental Hazards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">The &#8220;Timefall&#8221; mechanic that damaged Player&#8217;s equipment and cargo had a big influence on the shape of the landscape as I had to include <strong>multiple points of shelter<\/strong> for the Player to rest in between sprints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">It was a little tricky to pace, but I tried to make sure there was at least 3 pieces of shelter in the 2 large areas that had &#8220;Timefall&#8221; active. I made each piece of shelter as obvious as possible by using caves and large rock formations to <strong>signal safety to the Player from a distance<\/strong>, ensuring they couldn&#8217;t miss it if they were in need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-15 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BT.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Sneak Past Unstoppable Forces<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">The &#8220;BT&#8221; encounter can only be overcome by the Player via <strong>stealth <\/strong>methods. I set my encounter in a small forest that the Player had to ascend through while avoiding the gaze of the barely visible monsters and moving between shelters as to not get too damaged by the &#8220;Timefall&#8221; raining down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">With <strong>multiple paths<\/strong> through the forest, I hid helpful items and shelters with recharging devices off of the more obvious path to <strong>reward Players<\/strong> that weren&#8217;t afraid of the monsters and wanted to <strong>explore<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-18 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_NPC.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Rest and Recharge at NPC Shelters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">A &#8220;Prepper&#8221; Shelter was also added to give the Player a <strong>safe area to rest<\/strong> and replenish any of their consumable equipment(s) while also being able to accept any available missions from the NPC staying there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">With large pillars and a recognizable structure, this shelter stands out as an obvious<strong> point of interest<\/strong> to the Player and signals that a safe space is near. However, this wasn&#8217;t going to be the easiest shelter to get to as Players needed to use precious materials to <strong>create a bridge to cross the rushing river<\/strong> blocking off the shelter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Level Walkthrough Video<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Level Design Lobby Weekend Challenge # 6   Death Stranding Blockout\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/btNb96HPsRA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>PRE-PRODUCTION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-21 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/EChocholacek_LDLWeekend6_DS_Map.png?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"750\" height=\"373\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/EChocholacek_LDLWeekend6_DS_Map.png?resize=750%2C373\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/EChocholacek_LDLWeekend6_DS_Map.png?resize=1024%2C509&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/EChocholacek_LDLWeekend6_DS_Map.png?resize=300%2C149&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/EChocholacek_LDLWeekend6_DS_Map.png?resize=768%2C382&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/EChocholacek_LDLWeekend6_DS_Map.png?resize=1536%2C764&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/EChocholacek_LDLWeekend6_DS_Map.png?w=1950&amp;ssl=1 1950w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Map Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">One criteria of the challenge was to include a <strong>top-down map<\/strong>. After a few different drawings in a sketchbook, I chose the map that looked the most fun and then used Inkscape&#8217;s pen tool to quickly draw out unique shapes that would <strong>compliment the exploration and traversal mechanics <\/strong>of Death Stranding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-24 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Beat Graph<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Though this was crafted to be a <strong>non-linear experience<\/strong>, I had an idea for what I thought the <strong>critical\/golden path<\/strong> should be and created a Beat Graph to outline it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Not criteria for the challenge, but I like creating a Beat Chart\/Graph\/Map for my levels so I can craft areas that help <strong>sell the feeling I want the Player to have<\/strong> when interacting with my levels at a specific moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BeatChart.png?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"750\" height=\"373\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BeatChart.png?resize=750%2C373\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BeatChart.png?resize=1024%2C509&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BeatChart.png?resize=300%2C149&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BeatChart.png?resize=768%2C382&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BeatChart.png?resize=1536%2C764&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BeatChart.png?w=1943&amp;ssl=1 1943w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-27 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Restrictions and Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">My goal was to design a <strong>terrain with 3 small Points of Interest<\/strong> built into it and a mission that was playable with at least 3 mechanics\/features from the game within 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Without access to the full featureset of Death Stranding, I knew I needed to script some rough <strong>prototypes to help sell my ideas<\/strong> and limited myself to traversal aids (ladders, bridges) in pre-set locations so I could create more <strong>interesting terrain with fun and challenging traversal<\/strong> for the Player to perform, cargo collection for an enticing reward Player can earn while exploring the map level, and the &#8220;Timefall&#8221; hazard areas to <strong>create tension<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Restrictions.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-30 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Defining the Setting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Given that terrain traversal is a core mechanic of Death Stranding, I chose to set the level in a grassy canyon-esque setting as I felt it had the most interesting terrain that would let me <strong>design with verticality<\/strong>, interesting twists and turns, and include big forests or mountains to help me frame <strong>key areas of the level<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I knew I wanted to use the &#8220;Timefall&#8221; mechanic in my level and thought it would be really striking and help <strong>create a sense of dread or tension<\/strong> if the weather suddenly changed from a bright, sunny sky to one with dim, dark clouds and heavy rain when the Player least expected it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Setting.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-33 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MoodBoard.jpg?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"750\" height=\"453\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MoodBoard.jpg?resize=750%2C453\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MoodBoard.jpg?resize=1024%2C618&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MoodBoard.jpg?resize=300%2C181&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MoodBoard.jpg?resize=768%2C464&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MoodBoard.jpg?resize=1536%2C928&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MoodBoard.jpg?resize=2048%2C1237&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Reference Gathering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I started by collecting reference images of mountainous landscapes and in-game screenshots to use as <strong>inspiration for the layout<\/strong> of my level. References of caves and formations similar to basalt rock columns were used to help me create unique rock formations to use as landmarks and cool points of interest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-36 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Mantle.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Defining Metrics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">The locomotion system included in an asset pack I used required traversable meshes to be of specific, uniform sizes to perform specific actions. I had to take these into account when creating my traversal challenges as Players could become stuck or flung across the map if a mesh wasn&#8217;t scaled correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Though I didn&#8217;t have time to make a metrics gym, I created a collection of <strong>Blueprints set to correct metrics<\/strong> that I could easily reuse when needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>LEVEL BLOCKOUT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-39 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Environment Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I started by building a piece of terrain with 3 main points of interest built into it with some basic elevation and surrounding geometry, increasing in detail with each iteration. When I felt I had a good base, I added pyramids to help <strong>define the shape of the overall terrain to be more enticing to explore and exciting to traverse<\/strong>, especially near any of the points of interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">With each additional iteration, I built upon each POI and it&#8217;s surrounding areas by further <strong>defining intended pathways<\/strong> in the terrain and adding simple <strong>shapes to sell the purpose(s) of each space<\/strong>. Keeping in mind that the Player could approach from a variety of angles, I tried to ensure that pathways to the entry points for each interactive space were obvious.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_MapOverview.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-42 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Player Start<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I try to make my establishing shots as exciting as possible in order to <strong>pull the Player into the level<\/strong> as quickly and easily as I can, so placing the Player&#8217;s initial spawn point in an area with an obvious path towards that establishing view\/vista was an important step when starting this level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I built the surrounding area of the Player Start spawn point to wrap around and <strong>funnel the Player&#8217;s view<\/strong> to the mountain and surrounding canyons in the middle of the map in an attempt to create a sense of wonder by pointing the Player towards multiple paths and enticing landmarks in the distance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_PlayerStartBlockout.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-45 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Exploration Funnel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Along the critical\/intended path, I wanted an area that let the Player utilize their tools and movement capabilities. I decided a long, winding canyon with varying elevation, unique rock formations, and dangerous cliffsides would give me the best options to design with while keeping the terrain <strong>grounded in reality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">This is the first place the Player encounters the &#8220;Timefall&#8221; hazard and needs learn to move between points of shelter. To ensure the sheltered areas were obvious through the heavy rain, I <strong>utilized elevation and matching rock formations as landmarks t<\/strong>o signal safer areas to the Player.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_CanyonPass.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-48 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>NPC Shelter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">At this location, the Player can rest, drop off equipment\/cargo, and take on Orders from the NPC residing there. To ensure this safe area stood out against the surrounding terrain, I placed it at a higher point of elevation next to a waterfall with small hills and rocks along the path up that occluded some sections of the path up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">The combination of <strong>inorganic structure, elevation, movement from the waterfall, and partially occluded path<\/strong> really made this area stick out and helped give the Player a path towards their goal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_PrepperShelter.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-51 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Stealth Area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">The area was built as a sort of winding ramp so the Player could feel a <strong>sense of accomplishment<\/strong> as they avoid monsters and <strong>find creative paths<\/strong> upwards, towards their next destination. I used trees to create a walled-in space that would make the Player feel <strong>secluded and increase tension <\/strong>as they snuck past dangerous entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Medium-sized hills and fallen trees were used to <strong>break up and occlude the obvious path<\/strong> up as well as provide geometry the Player could use their traversal tools to move overtop of in order to sneak past the deadly &#8220;BTs&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_BTForestBlockout.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-54 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Enemy Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">This camp contains the Post Boxes that store the Cargo requested by the NPC at the Prepper Shelter. To make the location of the Quest Cargo obvious to the Player, I placed the Post Box objects in <strong>central areas<\/strong> of the camp, surrounded by tents and patrolling enemies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">To give the Player a fair advantage, I created <strong>vantage points near each entrance<\/strong> that they could observe the camp from. This gave the Player a chance to observe the guard&#8217;s patrol paths, extra loot locations, both Post Boxes, and plot a (theoretically) safe path through the camp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_EnemyCampBlock.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gallery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\r\n\t#foogallery-gallery-1606 .fg-image {\r\n        width: 150px;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"foogallery foogallery-container foogallery-default foogallery-lightbox-foobox fg-gutter-10 fg-center fg-default fg-dark fg-border-thin fg-shadow-large fg-shadow-inset-large fg-loading-bars fg-loaded-fade-in fg-hover-grayscale fg-hover-scale fg-hover-fade fg-hover-zoom fg-ready\" id=\"foogallery-gallery-1606\" data-foogallery=\"{&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;showCaptionTitle&quot;:true,&quot;showCaptionDescription&quot;:true},&quot;lazy&quot;:true}\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress97.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1589\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress97\/1003197821.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress99.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1591\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress99\/863168459.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress96.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1588\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress96\/4006137350.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress94.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1586\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress94\/877710861.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress95-1.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1587\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress95-1\/4216176056.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress100-1.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1592\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress100-1\/859770374.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress92-1.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1585\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress92-1\/2105642104.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress91.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1584\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress91\/1340241827.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress88.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1581\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress88\/953830586.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress90.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1583\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress90\/3474388102.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress89.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1582\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress89\/3733692427.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress111.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1601\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress111\/732105089.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress108.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1599\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress108\/1775978646.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress107.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1598\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress107\/1619191190.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress109.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1600\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress109\/1061468635.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress106.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1597\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress106\/3316593578.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress102.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1594\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress102\/3927899109.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress101.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1593\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress101\/946784385.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress112.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1602\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/LDLW6_DS_Progress112\/249022679.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n<style type=\"text\/css\">alignwide<\/style>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>DESIGN<\/strong> <strong>TECHNIQUES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-57 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_SpatialComposition.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Pushing and Pulling the Player<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Outside of dangerous encounters, I utilized the triangular shape of mountains, cliffs, hills, and\/or boulders formations to <strong>push and pull the Player<\/strong> through various valleys and canyons. I found that including clusters of these shapes helped <strong>entice the Player to move forward<\/strong> and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">To help the Player know where to go at a glance, I would place similar shapes like rocks in clusters or fallen trees near viable paths or pointing in the &#8220;right&#8221; direction to help <strong>create a<\/strong> <strong>sense of weight and pull the Player toward a new are<\/strong>a even if they didn&#8217;t always realize it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-60 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Blueprints.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Prototyping with Blueprints<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Utilizing Unreal Engine&#8217;s Blueprint <strong>visual scripting<\/strong> system, I quickly prototyped similar functionality one could find in Death Stranding. Such as constructing Ladders and Bridges, collecting Cargo from the terrain as well as Mailboxes, as well as a short interaction with an NPC found in a shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I feel the addition of these mechanics, though very limited, greatly helped me attempt to <strong>emulate the general design <\/strong>of a Death Stranding level and quickly <strong>test the fun of my level<\/strong> while making worthwhile changes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-63 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Agency.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Encouraging Player Agency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I think Players should always have a choice in the path they take, especially when playing an open world game. With the use of the terrain tool and lots of reference photos, I tried to create a <strong>unique terrain that offered the Player the option of choosing their desired path<\/strong> without breaking the flow of the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Additionally, I <strong>scripted the mission of this level to be more free-form<\/strong> and allow for the Player to interact with each Point of Interest any order. This meant they could travel to the enemy camp and collect the cargo needed for a mission they receive from an NPC prior to reaching the shelter that the NPC is located in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-66 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Guiding.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Guiding the Player<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I tried guiding the Player to key objectives or locations with a combination of <strong>motion, light, effects, <\/strong>as well as<strong> spatial composition<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">In the example, removing the rain weather effect to make the sun beams shoot towards the Player draws their attention to the waterfall in the cliff above. Once they take in the scene, they can see elements of a Shelter nearby, signaling that a point of interest is just ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-69 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DS_Vantage.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Giving the Player an Advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Vantage Points near enemy camps and Vistas in mountainous areas were built to give the Player a chance to see what kind of terrain was ahead, weigh their options, and plot their route to safely reach the next objective or point of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Viewing<strong> recognizable landmarks<\/strong> let the Player see how far they&#8217;ve come and help them <strong>mentally map the space<\/strong>. In addition to giving the Player an advantage, these also let the Player a break and enjoy the scenery. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>POST MORTEM<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\"><strong>What went well?:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I was able to create a short, semi-linear experience in an open world style level with some interactive elements, fun exploration gameplay, and a functional end goal in 48 hours! The &#8220;Level design jam&#8221; was a great experience that really allowed me to see how much I can get done in a short amount of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I learned a lot about designing for open world spaces and ensuring the Player always has a good sightline towards points of interest and understand what kind of area they&#8217;re moving towards, regardless of how they choose to approach it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I got to further study a game I spent a lot of time with as an end-user. Designing a level that I thought would be fun in the Death Stranding universe that utilized it&#8217;s mechanics (albeit in a rough way) was a great time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\"><strong>What went poorly?:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I lost a lot of time to being picky with finer details of the environment and fighting with the Foliage Tool<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I don&#8217;t think my level was the most readable&#8230; Though each area feels pretty distinct from each other and the way I formed the terrain helped break up the space, I think the flat, green grid texture was too plain and made it difficult to visualize a path. Using a different material to rough out some dirt paths would&#8217;ve immensely helped the readability of the level and brought the scene even more into the Death Stranding visual style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I focused on some areas more than others, and I think the areas that were more neglected suffered and weren&#8217;t as fun to play through. Some general structure, such as the main path up a cliff, just didn&#8217;t feel realistic or challenging to be in a game that focuses on traversal across large amounts of terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\"><strong>What did I learn?: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I don&#8217;t think I should&#8217;ve spent as much time on small details as level structure can change drastically with new iterations, and what was once a good idea may not be in the future. My first idea isn&#8217;t going to be the best idea and I need to let go of the finer details and focus on finding the fun in my designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; Became more comfortable with the terrain too and using it to build more vertical spaces while utilizing the available space within a level\u2019s bounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I\u2019d like to have spent more time focusing on gameplay interactions. Though I had the level blocked out, it felt sort of empty\/flat because there wasn\u2019t a lot of things the Player could do other than move around the space and hope to find a space to place an object. If I could have prototyped a portable ladder the Player could place on their own, I think I could have discovered a lot more interesting and less limiting challenges\/scenarios for the Player to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary This level was created as a study of the mechanics used in the universe of Death Stranding. This meant the level only used mechanics that are present within the existing game. While designing the level, I kept in mind how the space can impact player movement, hide or hint [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1586,"parent":21,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1516"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1516"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1516\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1656,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1516\/revisions\/1656"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}