AAA Level Design
This work was carried out as part of a level design test for Bethesda, the task was to make and script a dungeon for the game Skyrim using their proprietary editor the Creation Kit.
The approximate play time for this level and associated quests is 1-2 hours depending on play style.
The quest is based on Skyrim's Nordic dungeon style with quests revolving around a cursed tomb, the idea behind the level was to give the player a small leader style quest which allows them to uncover a much deeper story.
The level itself is designed to feel like a descent deeper into the earth, the primary progression is downwards and as the player progresses the ruin becomes more destroyed. After the player has defeated the main boss they exit the dungeon at the base of a vast chasm, following the chasm downstream brings them to the gate guarding the ruin and the exit, which brings the player out near the local town and quest hand in.
Design for the first area as seen in the Creation Kit editor
Frozen entrance area adds to the isolation that the player feels and gives weight to the story of a storm trapping a group of bandits
Bandit hideout feels warm and well stocked, the area is kept small intentionally to give it a claustrophobic feeling that emphasizes the bandits position trapped between a storm and a cursed tomb. There is a hidden entrance in the area that the player uses to find a book which opens the door to the main area and provides additional backstory
