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Level Design Lobby

Max Pears

The Level Design Lobby, breaks down game and level design techniques, showing how they are used within games, as well as how we can improve upon them. It also shares reading material to its audience, while providing interviews with industry professionals.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maxpears
Website: http://www.maxpears.com/

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20 episodes
Avg 33 min
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Tuesday · 46 min
Press Start: The Alejandro Arque Story
In this episode, we sit down with Creative Director Alejandro Arque. Alejandro shares his journey through the world of game design from discovering his creative voice to leading the vision behind games and experiences that engage players. We dive into the craft of building worlds, developing ideas, balancing creativity with practical challenges, and understanding what makes a game truly memorable. join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------- Contact Alex ---------- Linked In: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-arque-gallardo Twitter: https://x.com/DarkVegetaMad Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alejandroarque/ Email: alejandroarquegallardo@gmail.com ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d -----------------------
September 8 · 37 min
Branching Out: The Art of Skill Trees
Back again but with a different look of something that we have not touched on before, yet an aspect that is still engaging. I am talking about Skill Trees. Going back to a classic of Final Fantasy X I have been caught up in that of its skill tree (Sphere Grid) We will be going through skill trees and aspects that really make them engaging across different mediums. join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------- Research on Skill Trees: ---------------------- Keys to Meaningful Skill Trees: https://gdkeys.com/keys-to-meaningful-skill-trees/ Skill Tree Itteration: https://medium.com/@thomas_1379/game-design-is-easy-2f8150a82734 Skill Tree Debate: https://www.reddit.com/r/RPGdesign/comments/1haj3zy/skill_tree_design/ Skill Tree Video Essay: https://youtu.be/r4IkgYQc4Os?si=aEeC6gsDQaHbUAOC ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com
September 1 · 21 min
Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #73
Back at it again with more incredible resources to help you all learn & grow as developers! I have found some incredible game dev info whcih I want to share with you all, so sit back, relax and let us get educated! join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------- Resources ---------- The Art of Game Design: https://bit.ly/45ZTUas The Game Narrative Toolbox: https://bit.ly/4zNjIEf Level Design Kit: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d Build a Second Brain: https://bit.ly/3V5AHSd Silent Hill Townfall: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/how-silent-hill-townfall-gets-deep-into-its-protagonist-s-headspace ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com
May 5 · 21 min
Global Play: The Craft of Game Translation
What does it take to make your favourite game feel "just right" in another language? In this episode, Yana, a game localisation specialist, takes us behind the scenes of the gaming industry. We chat about her career path, the surprising challenges of translating games, and why localisation is about so much more than just words. If you've ever wondered how games travel across cultures, this one's for you. Join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ------------------ Contact Alconost Inc ----------------- Website: https://alconost.com/en ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d -------------- Level Design Books -------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com
April 8 · 46 min
Bricks, Spells & Storytelling: Crafting Game Worlds with Raphael Kidd
Joining me for this episode is Senior Level Designer Raphael Kidd, who has worked on an incredible range of titles including LEGO Horizon, Hogwarts Legacy, and LEGO DC Villains. Raph shares insights into his journey, along with his unique design approach across such a diverse set of projects. We'll also take a deep dive into his work on Hogwarts Legacy, exploring his creative influences and the perspective he brings to game design. ------- Contact Raph ------- Website: https://www.raphael-kidd.com/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/raphael-kidd-9b6b6630 ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com
January 27 · 53 min
Building the Raid: Designing the World of Arc Raiders
In this episode, I'm joined by Tim Spaninks, level designer on Arc Raiders, for a deep dive into his journey through the game industry and the craft of designing immersive worlds. We talk about how Tim broke into game development, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how creating content on his YouTube channel has shaped his approach to both learning and teaching game design. The heart of the conversation focuses on level design in Arc Raiders how levels are planned, iterated on, and balanced to support exploration, combat, and player choice. Tim shares his design mindset, practical workflows, and what it really takes to build spaces that feel fun, readable, and alive in a large-scale multiplayer experience. Whether you're an aspiring game developer, a level design nerd, or just excited about Arc Raiders, this episode offers a thoughtful behind-the-scenes look at how great game worlds come together. Sign Up to News Letter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X -------- Contact Tim -------- Website: https://www.timspaninks.com/ X: https://x.com/TimLevelDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timdoesleveldesign/ ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS - ---------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com
Dec 9, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Entering the Fog: Al Yang Talks Story, Fear, and the Making of Silent Hill F
In this exclusive interview, Creative Director Al Yang takes us deep into the unsettling world of Silent Hill F, offering a rare look into the creative vision behind the next chapter of the iconic horror franchise. Al discusses the narrative themes, artistic inspirations, and emotional core shaping the game's haunting atmosphere. He reveals how the team approached psychological horror in a fresh, culturally rich way, and what fans can expect from its setting, characters, and disturbing new creatures. From story philosophy to visual design and the challenges of reimagining Silent Hill for a new generation, this episode is a must-watch for horror fans, game developers, and anyone curious about the craft of building fear from the ground up. Sign Up to News Letter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ----------------------- Contact Al Yang ---------------------- Twitter: https://x.com/QQBert BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/qqbert.bsky.social ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d -------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
Nov 11, 2025 · 40 min
Designing for a new Frontier - Prashant Patil
First ep of Nov and we are kicking off with a great interview with Co-Founder/Art Director Prshant of 'Look North World'. Formed of incredible industry Vets who are taking their skills and designing for a new space for Fortnite's User Generated Content. join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ------------------ Contact Prashant Patil ----------------- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashant-patil-6028401b Website - https://looknorth.world/ ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d -------------- Level Design Books -------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
Oct 13, 2025 · 45 min
Blocktober Starter Pack
Hey All, Thank you for all reaching out and supporting the Level Design Kit. I have heard the cry for a better understanding of how to use these tools. I wanted to give a bit more of a deatiled break down so please enjoy. ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d Low Poly Shooter: https://fab.com/s/578036b16d6c Advanced Locomotion: https://fab.com/s/0eb8afffb774
Oct 4, 2025 · 7 min
Level Design Lobby - Blocktober Plans
Hey All, We are blasting through Sept way quicker than I want haha, but I wanted to announce the plan of what I will be doing come October for Blocktober and hopefully I can hear what you are all thinking! join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
Sep 9, 2025 · 25 min
Scripting in Games ft Vladimir Gaidenko
A banger of an episode today as I am joined by the Associate Lead Scripter Vladimir Gaidenko. We break down his career and what his time is like balancing that of his leadership abilities while scripting the games he works on (We are talking level Scripting) join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------------------- Contact Vladimir ---------------------- Twitter: https://x.com/De_Von_Ver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonver/ ------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
Sep 2, 2025 · 14 min
Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #72
Welcokme in the autumn, by welcoming in more great resources, as we talk about more tools & the wrap up from Gamescom. Take a look what you might enjoy and grow from. join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------- Resources ---------- Silent Hill F: http://bit.ly/45IKGjr Mike Bithell Podcast: http://bit.ly/4g7w2pw BlackEye Camera: http://bit.ly/3JFpVwx Door Problem: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/revisiting-the-door-problem-with-liz-england-game-developer-podcast-ep-53 Blood of the Dawn Walker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrqS0dN5Jis&ab_channel=IGN Lego Horizons: https://interactive.libsyn.com/how-two-studios-brought-lego-horizon-adventures-to-life ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
Jul 30, 2025 · 31 min
Creative Arcades : Re-desgining the Box
A slightly different episode as we are joined by Brian Horowitz the founder of Creative Arcade. We talk about how arcades have changes over the years and what innovations they have designed when creating thier projects. join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X --------------------------------- Creative Arcade -------------------------------- Website: http://bit.ly/45bQi46 ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
Jul 15, 2025 · 10 min
Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #71
Welcome everyone, it is a new month, so time to talk about some cool elements which we have found! Editing took a little longer on this but we hope you enjoy! Sign up to Newletter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ------------------------------------------------ Resources ------------------------------------------------ GDC Talk: https://youtu.be/UTE_bVUeHCQ Making Movie Titles: https://youtu.be/Ggw8Gqi4-Z0 Movie Posters: https://youtu.be/BEbW2fXSShc Game Developer Podcas: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/mike-bithell-s-journey-from-auteur-to-studio-boss-game-developer-podcast-ep-49 ----------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk...
Jun 17, 2025 · 14 min
Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #70
Mixing it up for June but still have new recommendations for all you to check out and learn from. Sign up to Newletter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ------------------------------------------------ Resources ------------------------------------------------ Designing Dagger Heart - https://youtu.be/T6TKIOozDTo?si=3Tp5nsUkxNRCySmb Company Layoffs: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/runescape-studio-jagex-lays-off-an-undisclosed-number-of-non-player-facing-staff https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/subway-surfers-blast-developer-outplay-entertainment-has-laid-off-21-workers https://www.eurogamer.net/days-gone-studio-sony-bend-announces-layoffs-following-live-service-cancellation Growth In The Chinese Market: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/what-s-driving-growth-in-the-chinese-video-game-industry- Mafia The Old Country: https://youtu.be/rtZkUh-I7ls?feature=shared Jeff Hamilton Blog: https://jhamilton.bearblog.dev/elders-scrolls/ ----------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk... #games #gamedev #gamedevelopment
Jun 11, 2025 · 40 min
DaggerHeart - Designing TTPRGS
A different style fo design but one still so interesting for us to check out learn more about. I am joined by Spencer and Rowan as we talk about how they crafted both the mechanics and narrative for DaggerHeart. --------------------------- DaggerHeart --------------------------- Pick up the game now - daggerheart.com --------------------------- Contact --------------------------- Spenser - https://x.com/SpenserStarke Rowan - https://x.com/TheRowanHall --------------------------- Contact Me --------------------------- Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ---------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
May 22, 2025 · 52 min
Designing Knowledge for Others
This episode was a great to for me, as I was joined by the lovely Stuart Maine. A Veteran Designer who has been working on games for generations! We explore his thoughts on designing through times, different projects, and leadership. Join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ---------------------------- Pre-Orde Stu's Book ---------------------------- Designing Video Games: https://bit.ly/4msJNlq Discount Code: LDL15 ---------------------------- Contact Stu --------------------------- Twitter: https://x.com/maine_stuart Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stuartmaine.bsky.social --------------------------- Let's Design Books ~------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
May 13, 2025 · 20 min
The Balancing Act of Leadership
Second episode of May, I want to talk to you all about some of the hard realities of leadership and what needs to be considered. We talk about new ideas from the team vs that of production timelines. join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt
May 6, 2025 · 16 min
Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #69
May baby, which means it is the start of the month, for us to talk about all the other great resources we have seen that I want to share with all of you. Best way to learn is through other incredible designers. Sign up to Newletter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ------------------------------------------------ Resources ------------------------------------------------ Narrative in games: https://youtu.be/tq2n-DEUiVw?feature=shared Death Stranding Art Book: https://amzn.eu/d/2oS58ed Chronos: New Dawn: https://youtu.be/u3cZDRAOMZc?feature=shared Silent Hill 2's Success: https://youtu.be/tmVni7SUT_A?feature=shared Grid Paper: https://gridpaper-maps.tumblr.com/ The Ouroboros Express: https://youtu.be/5PZgrIPQXVY?feature=shared ----------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk...
Apr 15, 2025 · 47 min
Designing for Engaging Narrative
Hey All, It is not just me on today's episode! We have an incredible guest joining us with Tom Huges Lead Narrative Designer (Great Ape Studios) I really enjoyed this ep as we take a dive into his career and how he has developed from Game Design into that of Narrative Design. For more LD Info join the Mailing List: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X ----------------------------- Game Dev Heroes ------------------------------ Vote for me - https://bit.ly/3E4Oa4L ---------------------------- Reachout to Tom ---------------------------- BlueSky: @tomhughesdesign.bsky.social Portfolio: https://www.tomhughesdesign.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhughesdesign/ ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ~------------------------------ Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: https://x.com/MaxPears Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt

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