DREAD IT - Level Design - Custom Engine

Overview:

DREAD IT is a top-down horror strategy game where players must use traps and cunning to outwit and exorcise monsters in various haunted areas.

As one of the few designers on the team and the one in charge of developing levels and doing user research, I helped build the physical spaces of the game, run playtests, and compile data for bug fixes and gameplay iteration.

The project started as a student project at DigiPen Institute of Technology, where the team worked on and in a custom C++ engine during our sophomore year and the following summer.

Check out the full game on Steam for free here: DREAD IT

My Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Primary Level Designer

    • Design and Implement Levels 2 and 4

    • Provide input on other levels’ development

    • Collaborate with our artist and programmers on level assets and mechanics

  • Primary User Researcher

    • Perform gameplay

    • Compile testing and telemetry data for analysis

Logistics:

  • Team: 11 developers

  • Development Time: September ‘23 - August ‘24

  • Engine: Custom C++ Game Engine

  • Platform: PC