When designing urban levels in video games, the building blocks—literally—are buildings. However, it’s not just about filling the space with structures; it’s about ensuring these structures are instantly recognizable as buildings, even when they're abstract or minimally detailed. This is the first tip in a series aimed at helping you create more intuitive and engaging urban environments for your games.
Today, let's focus on the concept of "The Building Pie"—a straightforward yet effective framework for designing buildings that stand out and serve their purpose in any urban game setting.
The Building Pie: Building Recognition with Minimal Detail
In level design, especially in urban settings, clarity is king. Players should immediately identify objects in their environment, and for buildings, this recognition must be instantaneous. "The Building Pie" breaks down the essential elements that make a structure undeniably a building in a player’s mind, no matter how simplified or abstract the design might be. These elements are: Street Level (A), Repeated Floors (B), and Top (C).
A - Street Level: The Foundation of Recognition
The Street Level is the most critical part of the building when it comes to immediate recognition:
- Clear Visual Cues: This is where the tallest floor resides, housing doors, windows, storefronts, or other entrances that serve as unmistakable indicators of a building. It’s the level where interaction often begins and where the player immediately understands the purpose of the structure.
- Defining Boundaries and Negative Space: By defining the boundaries of the building and shaping the negative space around it (like alleys or small squares), you provide clear navigational cues. This helps players orient themselves within the game world.
- Interaction Hotspot: Street levels are often filled with interactive elements that attract the player’s attention, such as signage, lighting, and textures. These components don’t just decorate; they signal that this is the "ground zero" for player engagement.
B - Repeated Floors: Establishing Scale and Rhythm
The Repeated Floors of a building play a less flashy but equally essential role:
- Instant Identification Through Repetition: Repeating elements like windows, balconies, or ledges signal that the structure is indeed a building, even when rendered with minimal detail. This repetition helps players instantly categorize it as a multi-story building.
- Creating Visual Rhythm: Repetition also establishes rhythm and scale within the level. It guides the player's eyes vertically, helping them understand the size and scope of the building. This is crucial in urban environments, where players need to assess distances and possible routes quickly.
- Shadow and Depth: Even without elaborate details, the play of light and shadow on repetitive floors adds depth to the environment. This helps in creating a believable urban setting that feels alive and tangible.
C - Top: The Crowning Identifier
The Top of the building is like a signature, making the structure recognizable from a distance:
- Visual Identity: The top can serve as a unique identifier—a flat roof, a gabled end, or even a distinct color or material change. This is what sets the building apart and makes it memorable in the player’s mind.
- Gameplay Elements: Don’t overlook the potential for rooftops to become critical gameplay spaces—be it for vantage points, final objectives, or escape routes. A well-designed top not only crowns the building but adds another layer of interaction to the game.
Putting It All Together
By combining these three elements—Street Level, Repeated Floors, and Top—you create a versatile “Building Pie” that can be adapted for various styles, settings, and gameplay needs. This method ensures that each structure remains recognizable as a building, no matter how abstract or simplified its design might be. Remember, clarity and functionality are at the heart of great level design. By mastering these core elements, you lay the groundwork for richer, more immersive urban environments.
Take a look at the sketch I've shared above to see these elements in action. Notice how the buildings are immediately recognizable, even without windows or intricate details. This clarity is the key to effective level design in urban settings.
Can You Spot the "Building Pie" in Real Life?
I challenge you to look at the buildings and environments around you—both in real life and in other games. Can you identify the "Street Level," "Repeated Floors," and "Top" elements that make a building instantly recognizable? Share your observations or examples in the comments below—I’d love to see how these principles apply to different architectural styles and game environments!
Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we'll explore how to use "Building Pies" to compose dynamic and believable urban layouts that guide and challenge the player!
Jesus Machina
Level Designer | Architect | Environment Artist
Expert in Game Design, Urban Design, and Immersive Environments
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