Best Environmental or Level Design Books Thread

As title suggests.

Preferably ones that think outside the box than 'by the book'.

Edited by: Tetsuo3

I can't name any books because I've only read one book about level design (a bad one which only explained the basics - which I already knew while I was reading it), but I'm sure that you can find something on amazon.com (or amazon.co.uk if you are european). Search "level design" and read the reviews.

And keep in mind that there are two main parts to level design: one is graphical styles and architecture, and the other design theory. You should get a book that covers both these areas - or at least has some info about styles/architecture.

Just thought Id drop this here as I just ran across this today. Hourences.com
Hourences is a very talented guy, Ill be ordering my copies very soon

Thanks, i've heard of that one before. I'll check it out.

I'm not looking for environment modelling or texturing tutorials or anything like that but books that explain shapes and how they effect the environment, and object placements (like when thinking of cover), or how different pathways can be used or how to introduce multiple paths to one objective effectivly, or how to integrate different styles of gameplay into one scene etc. Things like how often should I use rooms with dead ends in and how does it break the flow of the game. Well, obviously some of these are self explanatory and based on what the game is but it would be interesting to read some of the more detailed books regarding this sort of in depth analysis.

Edit: In fact, yes most likely design theory is what I'm after. Nice, just checked out horences book, first thing it says is:

"Does not explain how to create a room or a light. Rather it explains the reasoning behind why you would want to make that room or light. It describes the reasoning behind the creation of virtual environments."

Thats the exact sort of thing I'm after.

Edited by: Tetsuo3

I don't know which are the good ones, but real-life design books (like the ones referenced here ) can teach a lot about level design. After all, it's still people that move through your environment, whether it's built on computer or constructed physically.

yeah you might consider going to the library and looking up design books

yeah you might consider going to the library and looking up design books

Very informative, thank you. I would have never thought of that before. Such genius thinking.

Actually, the point was to find books that people may have read that stood out above others as being one of the better ones, or ones they particulary found quite useful or informative. I wanted to be able to purchase one pretty quickly but it doesn't matter anymore anyway, I've bought the hourences book.

Edited by: Tetsuo3

Try looking at some pictures of real places, when I do my mapping I try to use reference pictures from real life. If you are trying to get information on the source engine, valve has a development wiki with all the information on the Source engine.

I don't know if it is good, but I have bought "Level design: concept, theory and practice" by Rudolf Kremers (Developer of Eufloria) a while ago and I enjoy reading it Still have to finish it though.

During my degree in Architecture I read an interesting book called "Architecture and People" by a dude called Eugene Raskin. Its not directly aimed at level design but there are some really interesting chapters about how buildings and environments 'communicate' their purpose and function through form, materials and light.

Tetsuo3 wrote:

yeah you might consider going to the library and looking up design books

Very informative, thank you. I would have never thought of that before. Such genius thinking.

No need to be a dick about it. You didn't even sound like you knew what you were looking for. Just do your research and stop pontificating.

Architectural archives are great. Design books are great. There are many resources out there, you just have to USE them.

No need to be a dick about it. You didn't even sound like you knew what you were looking for. Just do your research and stop pontificating.

Lol, the irony.

Let's pretend for a minute I'm learning Cantonese, have searched the web, been to the library and have read 100's of books. Sure, if I put the work in I should be learning, but there is no harm in me to continue asking for any solid recommendations from people who have learnt cantonese to a fluent level.

Your personality sucks.

Edited by: Tetsuo3

Someone wrote: Let's pretend for a minute I'm learning Cantonese, have searched the web, been to the library and have read 100's of books. Sure, if I put the work in I should be learning, but there is no harm in me to continue asking for any solid recommendations from people who have learnt cantonese to a fluent level.

We could pretend that, but I seriously doubt you did that much research, if any at all prior to posting.