03 - Designing with Perspective: How Cameras Shape Levels
Top-down 2D
Constraints: Limited view with only one wall visible, requiring careful composition.
Opportunities: Ideal for abstracted environments and puzzle-based gameplay, emphasizing clarity in design.
Isometric
Constraints: Challenges with occlusion and visibility due to added depth.
Opportunities: Balances abstraction and detail, supporting bold artistic styles and intricate spaces.
Third-person
Constraints: Requires precise design to avoid awkward angles and maintain immersion.
Opportunities: Expands the player's field of view, enhancing spatial awareness, perfect for narrative and exploration-heavy games.
First-person
Constraints: Narrow field of view can limit spatial awareness and disorient in complex layouts.
Opportunities: Heightens immersion, placing the player directly in the world, ideal for navigation and interaction-focused design.
In this post, I explore how different camera systems influence level design, focusing on their unique constraints and opportunities. From the top-down 2D's simplicity to third-person's immersive experience, each camera system transforms how players perceive and interact with the environment. The post also touches on the importance of spatial composition, visual cues, and artistic direction. There's a missing camera perspective that holds a special place for me—can you guess which one it is?
Original Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jesus-machina_leveldesign-gamedesign-camerasystems-activity-7237773904365158400-qpYl