Level Design Lobby

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

Branching Out: The Art of Skill Trees 09/08/2026

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: ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------- Research on Skill Trees: ---------------------- Keys to Meaningful Skill Trees: Skill Tree Itteration: Skill Tree Debate: Skill Tree Video Essay: ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/42791750

Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #73 09/01/2026

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: ---------- Resources ---------- The Art of Game Design: The Game Narrative Toolbox: Level Design Kit: Build a Second Brain: Silent Hill Townfall: ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/42639920

Global Play: The Craft of Game Translation 05/05/2026

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: ------------------ Contact Alconost Inc ----------------- Website: ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: -------------- Level Design Books -------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/41141915

Bricks, Spells & Storytelling: Crafting Game Worlds with Raphael Kidd 04/08/2026

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: LinkedIn: ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: ------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/40764830

Building the Raid: Designing the World of Arc Raiders 01/27/2026

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: -------- Contact Tim -------- Website: X: Instagram: ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: ------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS - ---------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: axpears.com/ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/39885090

Entering the Fog: Al Yang Talks Story, Fear, and the Making of Silent Hill F 12/09/2025

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: ----------------------- Contact Al Yang ---------------------- Twitter: BlueSky: ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: -------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/39325065

Designing for a new Frontier - Prashant Patil 11/11/2025

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: ------------------ Contact Prashant Patil ----------------- LinkedIn - Website - ------------------ Level Design Kit ----------------- Buy Here: -------------- Level Design Books -------------- Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/38990270

Blocktober Starter Pack 10/13/2025

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: Low Poly Shooter: Advanced Locomotion: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/38553060

Level Design Lobby - Blocktober Plans 10/04/2025

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: ---------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/38464020

Scripting in Games ft Vladimir Gaidenko 09/09/2025

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: ---------------------- Contact Vladimir ---------------------- Twitter: LinkedIn: ------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/38140010

Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #72 09/02/2025

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: ---------- Resources ---------- Silent Hill F: Mike Bithell Podcast: BlackEye Camera: Door Problem: Blood of the Dawn Walker: Lego Horizons: ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/38049120

Creative Arcades : Re-desgining the Box 07/30/2025

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: --------------------------------- Creative Arcade -------------------------------- Website: ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/37605350

Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #71 07/15/2025

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: ------------------------------------------------ Resources ------------------------------------------------ GDC Talk: Making Movie Titles: Movie Posters: Game Developer Podcas: ----------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/37410695

Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #70 06/17/2025

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: ------------------------------------------------ Resources ------------------------------------------------ Designing Dagger Heart - Company Layoffs: Growth In The Chinese Market: Mafia The Old Country: Jeff Hamilton Blog: ----------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: . /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/37029680

DaggerHeart - Designing TTPRGS 06/11/2025

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 - --------------------------- Contact --------------------------- Spenser - Rowan - --------------------------- Contact Me --------------------------- Mailing List: ---------------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/36957895

Designing Knowledge for Others 05/22/2025

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: ---------------------------- Pre-Orde Stu's Book ---------------------------- Designing Video Games: Discount Code: LDL15 ---------------------------- Contact Stu --------------------------- Twitter: Bluesky: --------------------------- Let's Design Books ~------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/36659370

The Balancing Act of Leadership 05/13/2025

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: ---------------------- Let's Design Books ----------------------- Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------- Level Design Kit ----------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------- Contact Me ----------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/36516450

Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #69 05/06/2025

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: ------------------------------------------------ Resources ------------------------------------------------ Narrative in games: Death Stranding Art Book: Chronos: New Dawn: Silent Hill 2's Success: Grid Paper: The Ouroboros Express: ----------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: . /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/36419020

Designing for Engaging Narrative 04/15/2025

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: ----------------------------- Game Dev Heroes ------------------------------ Vote for me - ---------------------------- Reachout to Tom ---------------------------- BlueSky: @tomhughesdesign.bsky.social Portfolio: LinkedIn: ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ~------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/36118295

The Cost of The Level Design Kit 04/08/2025

The Cost of The Level Design Kit End of last year I launched the Level Design Kit, so I want to walk through the process of making the kit, markting & profit made. Follow for the process of making Level Design. For more LD Info join the Mailing List: ----------------------------- Game Dev Heroes ------------------------------ Vote for me - ---------------------------- - Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/36038965

Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #68 04/01/2025

Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #68 It may be April's fools, but there are no fools here! Let us go through some incredible resources by other amazing devs! Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: -------------------------------------- Resources -------------------------------------- Andrew Chambers: 7months of gamedev https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6H34ox6Q4M&ab_channel=Challacade Greenheart Necromancer: Doom: The Dark Ages: ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsk... /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/35942855

Level Design Portfolios - Design Tips 03/18/2025

Level Design Portfolios - Design Tips Standing out in a crowded space can be hard, I want to talk about tips I have seen by others to make great looking & eye catching portfolios which I want to share with all of you. Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: -------------------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/35498870

Which Game Design Role is best for you? 03/11/2025

Which Game Design Role is best for you? Our industry is every changing as are the roles that are avalible for us. With that in mind, I want to talk about the different Roles and help you deicde what is best for you. Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maxpears.bsky.social /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/35498365

Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #67 03/04/2025

Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #67 March is here, so we are kicking off with a great list of incredible resources for you to checkout & grow from! Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: -------------------------------------- GameDevHeroes ------------------------------------- Please vote for me: -------------------------------------- Resources -------------------------------------- Aiming System: Mechanics for TableTop RPG: 9 Risks for Horro Development: Demystifying Creativity: Dying Light 2: ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/35498165

A day in the life of Level Design Leadership 02/18/2025

A day in the life of Level Design Leadership I am still very early in my leadership role, but want to discuss what I have learned and what the role of a lead actually is! I hope you enjoy hearing what I have to say. Subscribe to my News Letterfor More LD Goodness: ------------------------------ Level Design Products ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - Level Design Kit: ---------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: https://bit.ly/42HX9Tt /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/35302945

Best Unreal Tools for Level Designers!! 02/11/2025

Best Unreal Tools for Level Designers!! Start of the new year is still in effect, and I am sure like many of you, you are itching to make new levels! With this video I want show you some of the best tools avalible to help improve your work for Unreal. Please subscribe to my News Letter: ----------------------------- Resources ----------------------------- Advance Locomotion system: Jakub W ALS: First Person Story Controller: Low Poly Shooter Template: Top-Down-RPG Derby Racing: Electronic Nodes: Narrative 3: Level Design Kit: Ultra Dynamic Sky: ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/35202300

Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #66 02/04/2025

Level Design Lobby - Reading Material #66 Start of Feb, so let us kick it off with more great resources for us to all grow & learn from! Wanting to learn more, please join my mailing list: ----------------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------------~ Preproduction Blueprint Book - Thomas Brush Podcast - Parasite Storyboards - (For video footage if you need ) 9 Months as a solo dev - Create your own Meta Human ------------------------------ Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ---------------------------------- Level Design Kit ---------------------------------- Purchase now: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/35108090

Level Design Kit - Updates 01/28/2025

Level Design Kit - Updates More great updates are here for the Level Design Kit: as I share the latest changes and why this is a great tool kit for all level designers to pick up Join the mailing list: #podcast #gamesdev #leveldesign /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/34707175

Level Design Lobby - Gaming Industry, What's Changed? 01/21/2025

Level Design Lobby - Gaming Industry, What's Changed? It is no secret that our industry is going through a difficult time, and so much is and has changed that I wanted to share some of my thoughts on what has changed and what to keep your eyes open for. Join the mailing list: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X---------------------------------- Level Design Products ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: Email: Twitter: Bluesky: /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/34912720

Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #65 01/14/2025

Level Design Lobby - Reading Materials #65 Happy New year all! It is graet to be back in 2025 with some awesome new resources which I have found over the Xmas break. If you are looking to get back into the learning then check these out. Join the mailing list: ----------------------------------------------------- Resources ----------------------------------------------------- Resource 01: Resource 02: Resource 03: Resource 04: Resource 05: ---------------------------------------- Let's Design Books ------------------------------ Ebook - Physical Books - ----------------------------------- Contact Me ---------------------------------- Website: https://www.maxpears.com/ Email: Twitter: Bluesky: #games #gamedev #leveldesign #podcast /episode/index/show/leveldesignlobby/id/34761060

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