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.

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

Learning Experiences:

  • Balancing Tension & Clarity - Making sure the player isn’t overwhelmed by layouts but still retains a healthy amount of tension

  • Cross-Discipline Collaboration - Learning to work and communicate with programmers on a major project

  • System Synergy - Designing spaces around multiple new systems and mechanics created throughout development

My Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Primary Level Designer

    • Designed and Implemented Levels 2 and 4

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

  • Primary User Researcher

    • Conduct playtests

    • Compile testing and telemetry data for analysis

Logistics:

  • Team: 11 developers

  • Development Time: September ‘23 - August ‘24

  • Engine: Custom C++ Game Engine

  • Platform: PC

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