Overview Areas are where players interact with environment, story and gameplay. They require solid planning as they are among the most expensive — if not the most expensive — pieces of the gameplay puzzle a designer is assembling. Here are some tips to help apply foresight to the level design process and (hopefully) minimize costly revisions. Area Purpose All areas should have a purpose. Whether it is for players to grab the Statue of Awfulness or fight their way to rescue the disgruntled prince, there should be something happening. An area that the player just walks through with limited narrative or advancement purposes is a waste of resources. Determine the…