Level (video game) facts for kids

A level in video games is like a special area or stage where you play. It's a way for games to guide you through the story and challenges. Think of it as a chapter in a book, but instead of reading, you're playing! Each level usually has its own goals, enemies, and puzzles to solve.

What is a Video Game Level?

A video game level is a part of the game world that players explore and interact with. It's carefully designed to give you specific tasks and experiences. Levels help organize the game, making it easier to understand and play. They also let game designers slowly introduce new challenges and story elements.

Different Kinds of Levels

Levels can come in many shapes and sizes, depending on the game.

• Linear Levels: These are like a straight path from start to finish. You usually follow one main route, like in many classic platform games or action games. You move forward, complete tasks, and then move to the next level.
• Open-World Levels: Some games have huge, open levels where you can go almost anywhere you want. These are often called "open worlds." You can explore freely, find hidden secrets, and choose your own adventures. Games like Minecraft or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have open worlds.
• Puzzle Levels: In puzzle games, levels are designed around brain-teasing challenges. You might need to figure out how to move blocks, connect wires, or use special abilities to reach the end.
• Arena Levels: Some games, especially fighting games or multiplayer video games, use smaller "arena" levels. These are often enclosed spaces where players battle each other.

How Levels are Made

Creating a level is a big job for game developers! It involves many steps:

• Concept: First, designers come up with ideas for the level's theme, challenges, and goals. What kind of environment will it be? What will the player do?
• Layout: They then plan the layout, drawing maps or using special software. This includes where walls, obstacles, and enemies will be placed.
• Art and Graphics: Artists create all the visuals, like buildings, trees, characters, and special effects. They make the level look amazing!
• Programming: Programmers add the rules and logic. This includes how enemies behave, how puzzles work, and what happens when you interact with objects.
• Testing: Finally, the level is tested over and over again. This helps find bugs and makes sure the level is fun and fair for players.

Why Levels are Important

Levels are super important for a few reasons:

• Progression: They give players a clear path to follow and a sense of progress. Finishing a level feels like an accomplishment!
• Challenges: Each level can introduce new enemies, puzzles, or obstacles, keeping the game exciting and challenging.
• Storytelling: Levels often help tell the game's story. As you move through different areas, you learn more about the game world and its characters.
• New Abilities: Sometimes, completing a level unlocks new skills, weapons, or areas for you to explore.

Images for kids

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  Isometric level design from the puzzle game Edge

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  Two-dimensional video game levels

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  In games with 3D computer graphics like Nexuiz, the levels are designed as three-dimensional spaces

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  TIDE level editor showing tiles for a side scroller

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  A level editor in the strategy game Warzone 2100

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  Example map editor for The Battle for Wesnoth.

See also

In Spanish: Nivel (videojuegos) para niños