Retro Evolved: Level Design Practice exemplified by the Contemporary Retro Game

Abstract

The examples of independent games presented in this paper provide fun through strong, innovative and playful game mechanics. The often-resulting combination of retro flair with focused gameplay is what makes the "contemporary retro game”. This paper argues that game and especially level design have evolved over time and provides insights on contemporary level design practice. By a qualitative analysis of contemporary game examples and a reflection of the authors’ own practice as game and level designers, this paper defines qualities of good level design and presents several distinct level design practices; to expand on strong core mechanics, iterative level design, to design game modes instead of levels, sandboxes, emergent gameplay and object-oriented level design.