Level Design Lobby - Open World Exploration #121

Elden Ring Design Insights

Introduction to Elden Ring and the Host

• The host, Max Pairs, introduces the topic of Elden Ring's design and its ability to pique curiosity.

• Max admits he is not a seasoned Souls-like player but has enjoyed titles like Sekiro and Dark Souls 3.

• He emphasizes that differing opinions on games are valid, encouraging an open discussion about preferences.

Sponsorship Announcement

• Max promotes his level design store featuring tips, tricks, eBooks, and unique talks related to level design.

• He invites listeners to check out the store on Gumroad for resources aimed at improving level design skills.

Discussion on Level Design in Elden Ring

• Max acknowledges his lack of skill in completing challenging games like Elden Ring without significant time investment.

• He expresses a desire for a game that captivates him enough to invest more time into it.

Exploration as a Key Element

• The conversation shifts towards exploration in game design, particularly within Elden Ring.

• Max encourages audience engagement by inviting them to share their thoughts on what they love or dislike about these games.

Evolution of Open World Design

• He discusses how open world design has evolved over time, influenced by various titles including Ubisoft's model with towers unlocking information.

• Breath of the Wild is highlighted as revolutionary for allowing players greater freedom in exploration without being restricted by icons.

• The triangular language of exploration used in Breath of the Wild contrasts with more structured designs seen in other games like Division.

Player Agency and Exploration Freedom

• Players are given true control over their exploration choices; they can approach challenges in any order or even skip ahead if desired.

Exploring Open World Game Design

The Concept of Skill-Based Exploration

• A unique approach in game design allows players to explore freely, with skill level as the only barrier. Players can venture into challenging areas but are advised to improve their skills and equipment first.

• This concept has influenced open-world games like "The Division," where players can enter sub-districts marked by difficulty levels, creating a sense of risk versus reward.

Impact of Souls Games on Open World Design

• There is an ongoing debate about whether Souls games are truly open world or more linear; however, they incorporate elements that have shaped modern open-world designs.

• The design philosophy emphasizes storytelling through environmental cues rather than direct narrative, allowing for player-driven exploration.

Community Engagement and Support

• Level Design Lobby aims to unite creators across experience levels through community support and resources funded by Patreon backers.

• Opportunities for mentorship and collaboration are available for developers looking to enhance their skills in level design.

Comparisons Between Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild

• Both "Elden Ring" and "Breath of the Wild" allow players to explore vast worlds freely, with less emphasis on direct storytelling.

• The dialogue in "Elden Ring" is characterized by archaic language that invites interpretation, enhancing the exploratory experience.

Landmarks as Navigation Tools

• Effective use of global landmarks (e.g., the big golden tree in "Elden Ring") helps guide players throughout the game world while local landmarks assist in memory retention regarding explored areas.

• Local landmarks serve as points of interest that enrich gameplay experiences without being visible from all locations, encouraging thorough exploration.

Diversity in Game Environments

• Varied environments such as ruins, enemy camps, caves, and swamps create diverse exploration opportunities that captivate player interest.

Exploration and Rewards in Elden Ring

Initial Impressions of the World

• The speaker reflects on their experience with local landmarks in Elden Ring, noting similarities to coliseum structures and expressing amazement at the vastness of the world.

• Discussion on potential uses for these landmarks, such as traversal paths or enemy encampments, highlighting how they enhance gameplay through exploration.

• Emphasis on understanding lore through exploration; questioning the purpose of buildings adds depth to player engagement with the environment.

Narrative and Exploration Dynamics

• The speaker mentions feeling like a "loser" within the game's narrative framework, which lacks extensive storytelling but rewards exploration.

• Not all areas yield rewards; however, players can encounter combat challenges or new characters that enrich their journey.

Comparison with Other Games

• A contrast is drawn between Elden Ring's dark atmosphere and Breath of the Wild's vibrant world, suggesting that Elden Ring evokes a more somber emotional response from players.

Future Content Plans

• The speaker expresses excitement about further exploring Elden Ring while acknowledging their current limitations in expertise.

• An announcement regarding a temporary slowdown in podcast episodes due to burnout, emphasizing appreciation for supporters and subscribers.

Upcoming Projects

• Plans to work on a God of War project are shared; initial pre-production stages are underway despite previous delays due to lack of passion.