DEFINITION

The spirit of a level is its non-gameplay identity. How does it feel to be there? How much do we believe in the fantasy of the place?

Spirit

<aside> 👻 In-World Function

</aside>

This place was built with a purpose. People who use the place have their own needs. Account for these things even if the player cannot see the whole picture (as if, not able to open every door). Planning for this sort of simulation will increase the believability of the place.

• Necessary elements (entrance, toilets, place to eat food...)
• Signs of use
• People who live / work / use this place, their number, their needs

<aside> 👻 Character

</aside>

The identity of the place is curated over time. Who does it welcome, what kind of behaviour does it support. How was it customized, what has it accumulated over time?

• General feel, like crowdedness, clostrophobia, coziness...
• Narrative theme, esthetic
• Traces of history, trophies, scars, collections...
• Layers of intimacy, who owns them, has access to them, customization, what they reveal

<aside> 👻 Story

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There is no time like the present. Things are going on right now which are unique. How is the place being shifted by those events?

• Current projects, conflicts, their expression in the space

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