Role: Lead Level Designer
Duration: Mar 2018 - Jun 2021 (Includes DLC)
Genre: Narrative Adventure
Engine: Unreal Engine 4
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Stadia, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Deck Nine Games
Team Size: ~80
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: September 10, 2021
Awards:
UE4
C++
Visual Studio
Maya
Jira
Confluence
Perforce
Office
I served as lead level designer over the entire production cycle of Life is Strange: True Colors. At the start of the project I did research into other narrative adventure games, programmed tools as the team switched from Unity to Unreal, and identified potential places for pipeline improvements. Once we got into the swing of creating levels I worked with production to prioritize tasks and create the team’s schedule and gave feedback to the level designers on the team at various stages. As a working lead I was also responsible for levels of my own. In addition to our level design work the team also designed various unique gameplay experiences and puzzles throughout the game. I worked closely with the environment, narrative, and programming teams to ensure levels and gameplay met experience and quality goals. I also served as the point of contact for the team and communicated regularly with our client.
Managed the level design team:
Created and maintained documentation:
Took levels from concept to polished final product:
Performed research and developed tools:
I was responsible for close to half the levels over the course of the game. Three of my favorites are included below.
During the Searching for Ethan level Alex (player character), Gabe, and Ryan have traveled to an old mine to search for Ethan. While there they discover Ethan has based an issue of his comic series on the mine. The player must use the comic to follow Ethan's path through the mining equipment and determine where he has gone. (1:45:00 – 2:00:40)
During the Thaynor, Monster Slayer level Alex and Ethan play through a LARP created by Steph. During this section of the game the player makes their way through a JRPG-like experience where they battle or outwit monsters played by Ryan, visit a magical store staffed by Steph, and face a final boss played by Jed. (36:40 – 1:39:02)
During the Nobody Picked You level Alex experiences a warped version of an orphanage she stayed in growing up. The highly atmospheric level has the player exploring that aspect of Alex's life ending in having to face the feelings of potential parents who Alex was rejected by. (28:48 – 38:25)