Editing Video game design (section)

== Disciplines ==

=== World design ===
{{Further|Worldbuilding}}
[[File:UnrealCharacter.png|thumb|Unreal Engine character creator]]
World design is the creation of a backstory, setting and theme for the game; often done by a lead designer.<ref name="BrSch5">[[#BrSch|Brathwaite, Schreiber 2009]], p. 5</ref> World design can also be the creation of a universe or a map, as well as topics or areas that are likely to be pursued by the player. It is a map referenced for creation of everything as it shows where it is and allows for the most logistical design in any given game.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}} World design shapes the direction the game goes towards.

=== System design ===
System design is the creation of game rules and underlying mathematical patterns.<ref name="BrSch5"/> System design is the enacted simulation of a game designed to interact or react with the player. The "experience" a player has with a game is attributed to how the game's system is designed. A complex system with depth leads to a more unpredictable strand of events to immerse the player into the video game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polack |first=Trent |date=2018-01-04 |title=A Guide to Systems-Based Game Development |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-guide-to-systems-based-game-development |access-date=2022-04-24 |website=Game Developer |language=en}}</ref>

=== Content design ===
Content design is the creation of characters, items, puzzles, missions,<ref name="BrSch5"/> or any aspect of the game that is not required for it to function properly and meet the [[minimum viable product]] standard. In essence, content is the complexity added to a minimum viable product to increase its value.

=== Game writing ===
{{Main|Video game writing}}

Game writing involves writing dialogue, text and story.<ref name="BrSch5"/>

This is one of the first steps that go into making a video game. This encompasses a number of different elements of the process. Writing in video games also includes the elements in which the literature is presented. Voice acting, text, picture editing and music are all elements of game writing.

=== Level design ===
[[File:Edge (video game) level layout.png|thumb|Level design]]
{{Main|Level design}}
Level design is the construction of world levels and its features.<ref name="MoNov76" /><ref name="ShahArt1" /><ref name="Oxland296297" /><ref name="BrSch5" />

Level design makes use of a range of different fields to create a game world. Lighting, space, framing, color and contrast are used to draw a player's attention. A designer can then use these elements to guide or direct the player in a specific direction through the game world or mislead them.

=== User interface design ===
[[User interface]] (UI) design deals with the construction the user interactions and feedback interface, like [[menu (computing)|menus]] or [[HUD (video gaming)|heads-up displays]].<ref name="BrSch5" />

The user interface also incorporates game mechanics design. Deciding how much information to give the player and in what way allows the designer to inform the player about the world, or perhaps leave them uninformed. Another aspect to consider is the method of input a game will use and deciding to what degree a player can interact with a game with these inputs. These choices have a profound effect on the mood of the game, as it directly affects the player in both noticeable and subtle ways.

User interface design in video games has unique goals. A conscious decision has to be made regarding the amount of information to relay to the player. However, the UI in games do not have to be absolutely streamlined. Players expect challenges and are willing to accept them as long as the experience is sufficiently rewarding. By the same token, navigating or interaction with a game's UI can be satisfying without the need to be effortless.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@ludwidium/design-principles-face-off-ux-versus-game-design-526e99ad41ab|title=Design principles face-off: UX versus Game Design|last=G|first=Luis Miguel Bello|date=2017-09-25|website=Luis Miguel Bello G.|access-date=2017-12-04}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=January 2024|certain=y}}

=== Audio design ===
Audio design involves the process of creating or incorporating all of the sounds that are in the game, like music, [[sound effects]] or [[voice acting]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-03-11|title=Video Game Sound Design {{!}} Beginner's Guide|url=https://www.gamedesigning.org/learn/video-game-sound/|access-date=2021-04-25|website=The Ultimate Resource for Video Game Design|language=en-US}}</ref> This includes the theme song and jingles used in title screens and menus.

=== User experience design ===
The disciplines listed above all combine to form the discipline of [[game feel]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Game Feel: The Secret Ingredient|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/game-feel-the-secret-ingredient|access-date=2021-04-25|website=www.gamasutra.com|date=23 November 2007|language=en}}</ref> It ensures that the flow of the game and the user interaction with the game elements are functioning smoothly.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Research|first=Player|date=2017-11-28|title=What Is Games 'User Experience' (UX) and How Does It Help?|url=https://playerresearch.medium.com/what-is-games-user-experience-ux-and-how-does-it-help-ea35ceaa9f05|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref>