Gatehouse Layout
A layered stealth space that lets players plan from a high overlook before committing.
Level Design Assignment
Solo stealth gatehouse slice focused on guidance, sightlines, and vertical planning.
Summary
- Objective: Plan, build, and refine a mid-game level.
- Player context: Full knowledge of mechanics. Challenge without overwhelm.
- Setting: Feudal Japan gatehouse with stealth focus.
Scope & Tools
- Role: Solo Level Designer
- Tools: Unity + ProBuilder
- Slice: Short vertical slice
Key Beats
Environmental Storytelling
NPC dialogue and props show corruption and offer a hidden escape route for curious players.
Guidance Cues
Lighting and composition push players toward the gate while side rooms stay low contrast.
Blockout & Iteration
- Blockout: Started from a hand-drawn layout and built it in ProBuilder.
- Fixes: Broke symmetry with support beams and a commander’s study.
- Guidance: Adjusted lighting and cues to keep routes readable.
Blockout to Lighting
Peer feedback loop
Takeaways
- Guidance: A strong early vantage point improves stealth planning.
- Tools: ProBuilder blockouts helped me iterate quickly.
- Readability: Small lighting changes created the biggest clarity gains.