First Level DesignThe Okapiers

Types of Gamers● “Hobbyists”

o Casualo Social

● “Passionates”o Specialisto Expert

Types of First Levels

● “Babying”● “Non-Babying”● Hybrid

Disclaimer● These categories do not define games as a

whole● However, first impressions are becoming

more important

“Babying”● Definition: Any first level that slowly

introduces the player to the basic game mechanics, usually by way of explicit explanation of buttons, gestures, and controls

● These are generally more popular with the “hobbyists”

Plants vs. Zombies

Angry Birds

Impact of “Babying”● Larger potential market● Recent influx of games

like this, including AAA titles such as WATCH_DOGS

“Non-Babying”● Definition: Any first level that just drops the

player into the game and forces him or her to figure out everything alone, and which also does not scale back the game’s difficulty

● These are generally more popular with the “passionates”

The Legend of Zelda

Ghosts and Goblins

Impact of “Non-Babying”● Potentially reduced market size● Producers may influence designers to stay

away from this type

Hybrid● Definition: Any first level that does not

explicitly state buttons/gestures/controls but provides gameplay with significantly reduced difficulty and low risk of failure

● Allows for controls to be “learned”

Mega Man x

Super Metroid

Impact of Hybrid● Tries to appease as much of the gaming

spectrum as possible (with trade-offs)● Also has the possibility for a large market

What do you think?● What type of first level did you like the best?

Why?o Which one did you like the least? Why?

● What type of gamer do you consider yourself to be?