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Chapter 3 Story Composition
Character Design and Model Sheets
As discussed in the previous chapter, the characters must fit the story and
also have the physical attributes needed to complete the game. The design
team uses the detailed character descriptions and sketches to create final
character artwork that matches the story setting. These are all included in
the character-design document and reviewed as needed during construction.
The
character-design document
contains all of the information needed to
fully define the characters, from descriptions and attributes of each character
to model sheets showing the character’s appearance. The character-design
document is included in the world-design document.
Level Design
Level design involves evaluating scenes, grouping the scenes together into
levels, and setting the game objectives needed to convey the story. Each level
must contain game action and the story elements that need to be completed
before moving on to the next game level. This includes missions and sub
missions.
Prototype scenes may be created as proof of concept and for functional
testing. The idea is to design a part of the game to see how well the story
concept translates into gameplay and how the player will attempt to achieve the
story objectives. The tested scenes are reviewed by the design team and then
compiled into levels.
Figure 3-13.
Inq/Shutterstock.com
An environmental illustration shows what the game world looks like,
from the ground and sky to the buildings.