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