First person shooter games are the fastest growing genre of video games today. FPS games are combat-oriented, meaning the protagonist from whose perspective the virtual world is seen, shoots down his enemies. Wolfenstein 3D is the game which popularized this particular genre.

The Determining Factors

The levels of single player FPS games are completely different from the multiplayer environment. In a single player FPS there is a linear pattern followed in the levels designed for the player. To complete different levels of the game, a player has to go through a lot of challenges, puzzles, riddles and so on. In multiplayer games, the levels are designed so as to facilitate combat between the players. There are a few factors that are player-based, that designers consider very important in designing the levels of an FPS game.

 

Challenges

Challenges are obstacles that a player has to overcome to reach the next level. They can be puzzles, secrets etc. Very difficult challenges can not only bore the players but also exhaust them. So the goal and the challenges are set such that they are difficult but achievable at the same time.

 

Mental Strain

Mental strain is the amount of stress caused to the player when he tries to reach goals in each level. Usually, FPS games tend to create more tension in a player since they are relatively fast paced. The designer must ensure that the game does not create mental strain beyond a certain limit as it can cause frustration.

 

Flow of the Game levels

 

The levels designed should have a flow. Difficulty, challenges and mental strain are all a part of the flow of the levels. The increase or decrease patterns in these factors determine the pace of the flow. Pacing can be used to develop interest and excitement in players.

Keeping in mind some of the above factors enable game designers to create levels that can be extremely interesting to players. The commercial success of a game is directly proportionate to how interesting its levels are, and are a sign of the designer’s talent and creativity.

 

Annabelle is a writer by profession and likes to blog about her varied interests. She represents BB Guns and Airsoft Gun online store.