Level design connects the player to the game through challenges, experiences, and emotions.This book is an invaluable introduction to the evolving practices of Level Designers across thegames industry. The increasingly complex role of the Level Designer requires technical andcreative skill as it brings together architecture, art, player psychology, interaction design,usability, and experience design. This book explores in detail the principles designers employwhen planning levels and building engaging spaces for the player. As well as practicalapproaches to level design, the book delves into the theoretical underpinnings of the processesand charts a path towards thinking like a Level Designer.Throughout the book you will be guided through the fundamentals of level design: eachchapter builds on the types of research, ideation, best practices, and methodologies LevelDesigners employ when creating prototypes and shipped games. A series of interviews withdesigners and case studies from game studios examine the application of industry-wideexpertise used to create triple-A and indie game titles. By the end of this book you will havegained valuable insight into the role of a Level Designer and be able to devise, plan, and buildyour own engaging and entertaining game levels.A pragmatic approach to level design that captures the critical elements needed toconceptualize and create meaningful player experiences. Michael Salmond uses practical andstraightforward examples to clearly define and explore the key considerations of game andlevel designers alike. The content is diverse covering many topics, yet succinct and to thepoint. This book fills a critical void for video game education. Johnny Luce, co-owner,software designer, and engineer at augzoo