Blocking out the level

After collecting enough research and inspirational material, I started off by blocking out the the basic layout of the level. I began with a modular approach by building shapes to represent buildings and the layout of the planks, foliage, etc.

I repeated a few objects to further build upon my level to see what layout could look the most interesting to me.

I eventually played around with the verticality and scale of the level and thought that it could potentially heighten the fun factor of exploration.

Here are some of my early concepts and blockouts:

One particular idea that I had abandoned was that of a gate leading towards the mainland of the island. It was to lead down the centre of the Water Village for boats to pass into. I decided to expand upon the concept by having multiple routes for boats to enter the mainland through the outer parts of the cliffs. I didn’t include the idea of the gate because I wanted to village to have a hint that it is still being expanded upon and still being developed by its denizens.

Playing with the scale and height of my level, I wanted to have the world look vast when the player would climb to the top of buildings and cliffs. I had blocked in some mountains to just barely greet the player on the horizon, slightly hidden by the fog of the world. I also added in watch towers to show that although the village is remote, it is not unaccustomed to visitors as well as travelling out of their home.

When playing around with the colour of my stage, I initially had an image in my head in which I wanted to have a low orange sun to bask over my level. I chose to make the water hint off a slight light blue to give off the more colourful coral reef and to contrast with the light.

With most of my level overpowered with the colour of brown wood, I chose to break up certain areas that I felt were much too flat with one colour. I added in foliage to give a healthy look to the village, giving more ‘life’ to the stage.

When blocking in assets, I wanted to see which assets would have been available with them with the resources that they had around them. I created many objects such as plates and cups out of wood and other objects such as trays and teapots to show trade among other civilisations.

I decided against adding weapons to the scene as I did not want to create anything that could show hostility in any way. I felt this added more character to what the inhabitants of this village would be like.

On the same subject (somewhat) still didn’t want this village to look completely safe by creating dangers that aren’t caused by other invaders, but to themselves with irresponsibility.

I wanted it to add towards their personality as either a young village or a village with very responsible people that do not need to have the use of safety rails and prop up fire lighting using wood, as well as having much potential for fire hazards in many areas.